St. Landry Chamber names board president

Jody Soileau has been named president of the 2016 St. Landry Chamber of Commerce Chamber Board.
Soileau served as vice chair in 2015 under the leadership of last year’s Board Chair Paula Martinez-Mills.
“It has been a wonderful year of productivity, changes, new mission, name change and much more as the chamber broadens its’ scope of work to reach out to the entire parish and beyond,” Soileau said. “This is in an effort to not only grow the membership in the chamber but, also, to give assistance to those communities that do not have Chambers of Commerce.”
Soileau has been employed by SLEMCO for 33 years and is economic development specialist. Soileau is also a certified key Account executive and a certified Louisiana economic developer. His memberships include the Louisiana Industrial Development Executive’s Association, Upper Lafayette Economic Development Association and Youngsville Business Advocacy Committee. Soileau also serves as board member for the St. Landry-Evangeline United Way as well as the Carencro Business Association.
Lynn Lejeune, chamber executive director, said, “It is an exciting time for St. Landry Parish and with the dynamics of a strong board of Directors under the past leadership and now with Jody, it promises to be a productive year.”
The 2016 Chamber Board of Officers include Paula Martinez-Mills, patient care representative, Louisiana Hospice & Palliative Care; Dori Janise, co-owner Janise’s Supermarket; Melanie Lee-Lebouef, tourism director/City of Opelousas; Celeste Gomez, St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission executive director; Dr. Kimberly Russell, chancellor, LSU Eunice; Joseph F. Jr. Godchaux, chairman of board, DCG Insurance Agency; Bill Rodier, director, St. Landry Parish Economic Development; Robert Brinkman, retired judge; Sarah Branton, owner, Common Ground Mediation; Denise Cannatella, Louisiana Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership chairman; Cheryl Castille, assistant to parish president, St. Landry Parish Government; Donald Dejean, owner, Don’s Car Care & Tire Center; Kenneth Cochran, CEO, Opelousas General Health System; Bruce A. Gaudin, attorney, Law Office of Bruce A. Gaudin; Angela Cassimere, accountability contact, St. Landry Parish School Board; Deanna LeJeune, community relations coordinator, Opelousas General Health System; Andrew Guidroz, business consultant; and Loren Carrier, director, Hope for Opelousas.
Carriere has been appointed as chairman-elect of the board and will serve his term in 2017.
For more information about the St. Landry Chamber of Commerce, visit stlandrychamber.com or call 337-942-2683.