Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business

Foundation honors Roland

The Community Foundation SWLA held its Annual Meeting recently and presented its Professional Advisor Award posthumously to Roland Terrell. Roland loved Southwest Louisiana and made the Community Foundation the beneficiary of a life insurance policy to continue to enhance the region.

Roland and his wife died in a car wreck in 2022. Thanks to his forward thinking, the Community Foundation is able to invest his gift to benefit the Foundation's work for the future.

Austin Terrell, Roland's son, accepted the award on behalf of his father.

"It is great to see Dad being recognized for the work he did throughout his life to make his community a better place. My parent's commitment to improving the community set an example that instilled in me the value of not only being active in the community now but planning for its prosperous future as well," said Austin Terrell.

Austin is now an attorney and has joined the family business, Terrell and Associates.

Thompson CSE branch manager

Monica Thompson has been chosen as the newest Moss Bluff branch manager for CSE Federal Credit Union. Thompson comes to CSE with over 20 years' experience in branch management, financial services and financial courses with the Louisiana Bankers Association, adding up to 70 hours of extensive training.

She holds a Bachelor of Biblical Counseling from The Kings University.

Thompson will manage overall branch operations for the Moss Bluff Branch of CSE, located at 1170 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy.

Miller honored by McDonald's

Bridget Miller, a 28-year employee of Patel McDonald's, has received the McDonald's 2022 Outstanding Operations Contributor Award for her exceptional work in restaurant operations.

This award recognizes the top 20 individuals in the United States for their ongoing passion, dedication, and positive impact to McDonald's restaurant operations. Their leadership inspires others to embrace and bring McDonald's vision of customer excellence and long-standing commitment to people to life.

These leaders exhibit operational excellence that drives outstanding business results and sets a foundation for the future.

Miller started her career at McDonald's in 1995 as a crew member and now holds the position of Director of Operations for 29 Louisiana McDonald's locations for the Patel organization.

TeamCITGO recognized

SULPHUR — In recognition of National Volunteer Week, the Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex recently honored TeamCITGO volunteers during the W.A.V.E (We Are Volunteer Employees) celebration.

Lynette Cormier-Pitre, Citgo operations excellence supervisor, received special recognition as Volunteer of the Year with the most hours of service.

TeamCITGO, is celebrating its 36th anniversary in 2023

TeamCITGO volunteers make it a priority to give their time volunteering for worthy causes and charitable organizations year-round. Some of the receiving organizations include United Way of SWLA, The Nature Conservancy, McNeese State University Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Golden Nugget vies for title

NASHVILLE — Golden Nugget Lake Charles is excited to announce it is nominated for Casino of the Year in the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards.

Hosted by global superstars Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, "Country Music's Party of the Year" will stream live exclusively on Prime Video on Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m. from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

The Emmy-nominated, star-powered experience will celebrate country music's biggest stars and emerging talent, and feature unforgettable performances, exclusive collaborations, and unexpected moments that will captivate fans worldwide. The full rebroadcast of "Country Music's Party of the Year" will stream the next day for free on Amazon Freevee.

Local attorneys honored

NEW ORLEANS—Louisiana State Bar Association members, local bar associations and a specialty bar association received LSBA Young Lawyers Division awards, including the inaugural Top 40 List, presented to the state's top young lawyers who have made exceptional contributions to the legal profession and their communities.

All awards were presented during the Louisiana Young Lawyers Conference on March 31, with the theme "Empowered to Lead."

The Southwest Louisiana Bar Association's Young Lawyers Council was a finalist for Outstanding Local Affiliate.

The Southwest Louisiana Bar Association's Young Lawyers Council hosts social and philanthropy events for young lawyers, including two to four socials a year involving members of the judiciary. The Law Day program is organized by the Young Lawyers Council in conjunction with the SWLBA, including the essay and poster contest for school children.

Among the Top 40 Honorees:

Derek G. Hoffman, Lake Charles, an associate attorney at Stockwell, Sievert, Viccellio, Clements & Shaddockin Lake Charles, completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Utah (2010) and graduated from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 2018. His civil practice includes estate planning, succession and probate, and real estate transactions.

Adam P. Johnson, Lake Charles, who with his brother, Jonathan, owns The Johnson Firm in Lake Charles and focuses in family law, criminal defense and personal injury law. He received a BS degree in business management in 2006 from Louisiana State University and his JD degree in 2009 from Southern University Law Center. He represents the Fourth Board District on the Louisiana State Bar Association's Board of Governors. He was a member of the 2013-14 Leadership LSBA Class and co-chaired the 2014-15 Leadership LSBA Class.