St. Landry Chamber names new president/CEO

The St. Landry Chamber of Commerce board of directors has selected Raquella LeBlanc Manuel as president and CEO.
Manuel officially accepted the position on Aug. 10.
Jody Soileau, Chamber chairperson, applauded the board’s choice of Manuel.
“Raquel brings a wealth of talent to our Chamber. In interviewing for the position, she presented some fantastic ideas to not only modernize the Chamber but to also provide increased benefits and services to our members. We are excited for the opportunity to work with this dynamic individual and for the possibilities that will come from implementing some of her strategies” said Soileau.
Former Chamber Executive Director, Lynn LeJeune, left the president and CEO position in June to take on the role of director at the Port of Krotz Springs.
Manuel, who was already an involved member with the St. Landry Chamber, quickly realized that it was her calling to make the Chamber her full-time career.
“I am blessed and humbled to have been offered the opportunity to serve the business community of St. Landry Parish, I intend to give back to this Chamber first and foremost by addressing the needs of our members and local business owners who have continued to support us,” Manuel said.
After moving to the Acadiana area Manuel worked for communications agency SIDES & Associates in the public relations department and later moved to the non-profit sector with Hearts of Hope in the marketing and communications team. She most recently acted as account representative for Ville Platte radio station KVPI.
“I have always had a passion for supporting businesses and communities and I think my work history shows that, whether it was working one on one with business owners or on large scale community projects, I aim to make a difference for the better, no matter the challenges we may face.” said Manuel.
Entrepreneurship and St. Landry Parish holds a special place in Manuel’s heart as the daughter of a small business owner and great granddaughter of the late Havard “Cochise” Collins who served as city marshal from 1976 to 1980.
“My personal experience has provided me with insight into the struggles of small business owners and what it means to achieve the American dream. I also understand the importance of serving your community and the people within it,” Manuel said.
Manuel holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in business with an emphasis on leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Apart from the Chamber, Manuel enjoys cooking, gardening, working with her husband’s cattle business, and spending time with her family.