Young Leaders Under 40 Recipients

By Nancy Correro
Editor, The Times of SWLA




We would like to introduce the successful and talented young adults of Imperial Calcasieu. They are industrious, diligent, and they’re making a tremendous impact in their communities. On Monday evening, June 15, at the Isle of Capri, we will be honoring the ten 2009 Times/Fusion Five, Up and Coming and Under 40 recipients. Our guest speaker will be Ray Shoemaker, CEO of Rural Healthcare Developers. Here are the young movers and shakers making a difference in Southwest Louisiana:

Faith Thomas is the Accounting Administrator with Texas Industries (TXI) Anacoco Aggregates Division. In addition, she is United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator for TXI’s Louisiana Operations. She has successfully established and continues to organize an annual fundraising event which has raised more than $35,000 since its inception in 2005 for Beauregard Parish United Way Agencies and United Way Southwest Louisiana.
Faith graduated from DeRidder High School and Clark College. She is a Notary Public, owner of Lagniappe Notary Service and has a Property & Casualty Agent’s License. She has worked 20+ years with combined experience in accounting, banking, management, insurance and administrative fields. She is a member of the Louisiana Notary Association, DeRidder Junior Women’s Club and the Mahogany Expressions Book Club.

In January 2009, she was named as one of the Volunteers of the Year at the Beauregard Parish Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. She is actively involved in the local community and volunteers her time as follows: Chairperson-Keep DeRidder Beautiful, Vice-President Board of Directors-BeauCARE, Board of Directors-Beauregard Parish Chamber of Commerce, Loaned Executive/Allocations & Review Panel/Co-Chair for Beauregard Parish Commerce & Industry Division-United Way Southwest Louisiana, Parent Volunteer-DeRidder High School, Beauregard ARC, Playful City USA, La Cuisine de Beauregard Food Festival, Voter Registration, Adopt-A-Spot Bryant Park, Breast Cancer Awareness/Walk, Obesity Action Coalition, Obesity Help Support Group Leader, and Walk From Obesity.

Faith is the daughter of Houston & Mae Helen Buckley and has two sons, Brandon and Gregory. In her spare time, Faith enjoys volunteering, reading, and spending time with family and friends. “I challenge people to pay it forward by volunteering because I believe this will improve the quality of life within our communities. It will make the community a better place for our families to live and work.”

Heath Allen is the Executive Director of the Lake Charles Regional Airport. A lifelong resident of Southwest Louisiana, Heath grew up in Kinder, Louisiana before graduating from McNeese State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and a double major in marketing. Heath now resides in Lake Charles with his wife and high school sweetheart Erin and their 2 year old son Grayson. His love for aviation and Southwest Louisiana is second only to that of his family.

Heath is currently the Vice-president of the Louisiana Airport Managers and Associates organization, a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives, a member of the Aviation Partnership of Louisiana, a member of the Chamber SWLA and graduate of the Chamber’s Leadership Class of 2003 and is currently serving as a panel member for the National Academies’ Transportation Research Board ACRP project located in Washington, DC.

In addition to his professional affiliations, he is also an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Lake Charles having served as President in 2007 and was selected as new member of the year in 2005. Heath also recently joined a new Lions Club in the Lake area as a charter member.

Aside from business, he enjoys snow skiing, fishing, traveling and spending time with his family.

Dr. Lisa A. Vaughn is a doctor at SWLA Center for Health Services. She is a 30 year old native of New Orleans. Dr. Vaughn is the second child of Lloyd and Jacqueline Vaughn, Jr. Her siblings include Lloyd Vaughn III, Byron Green, and Lori Vaughn.

Dr. Vaughn graduated from McDonough #35 High School with honors in 1996. In 2000, she graduated with honors from Xavier University of Louisiana, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She then attended Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical School in 2004.

Following medical school, in June of 2008, she completed her residency training in the area of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, New York.
Dr. Vaughn’s deep southern roots called her back home after 12 years of study and professional training. She now enjoys calling Lake Charles home where she is presently employed at SWLA Center for Health Services.

She attends church services at United Christian Fellowship. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends. Dr. Vaughn has experienced and accomplished much; however, she is more elated about what is to come in her future.

Judd Bares is an award-winning television producer/director and owner of Sweet Spot Telemedia, a commercial production facility that services the advertising needs of local and regional businesses. Notable customers include Stine, City Savings Bank, AutoPlex Group, and Sabine Pools and Spas.

He is a Nashville recording artist for D&R Records. He has released a 12-song album ‘What’s Not to Love?’ in 2008. He plays locally and regionally in the Southwest Louisiana/Southeast Texas markets.

Born on January 19, 1973, Judd Bares Graduated from Sulphur High School in 1991. He then attended McNeese State University, graduating in 1996 with a B.S. in Mass Communications. While at McNeese he was as member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

He resides in Carlyss with his wife of 6 years, Tressie Russell-Bares, and has a two year old daughter Charlee Jo and a son born this May, Jett Brannon Bares.

He is a member St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Carlyss and Bon Ton Festival Entertainment Chairman. Bares is a on the Board of Directors of The American Advertising Federation of Lake Charles and a member of Sulphur High School Blue Gold Foundation.

He is the “World’s Best Bubble Blower” according to his daughter, Tressie.

Angela Tezeno is a highly energetic and passionate life coach for women. She is a speaker and gospel recording artist who has been delivering a message of hope for 15 years. Angela Tezeno is the faithful wife of Dr. Timmy H. Tezeno and the mother of their three beautiful children. She is known for her pure heart toward people and her consistent positive attitude. Angela radiates her powerful message of motivation through her enthusiastic style of delivery on every platform whether through speaking, coaching, or with song. She has a special gift to connect with women from all walks of life. She is both engaging and compelling, setting an expectation to challenge women to achieve greater personal fulfillment and spiritual growth.

Angela Tezeno has written and recorded the song “Holy Woman” a powerful testament of who God created her to be. Angela has created the I Motivate Me™ Line of products to help individuals stay motivated and succeed. She is the acclaimed author of I Motivate Me (The Secret Strategy of Fulfilling Your Destiny) and “How to Organize Your Life in 37 Minutes.” She has been featured on television and radio with her signature “Minute Makeover (Inside/Out)™.

Angela earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. She taught elementary school and served in the classroom for eight years. With a Masters in Education and a Certification in Christian Life Coaching, Angela founded Angela Tezeno Ministries to inspire and empower women to live effective and meaningful lives that bring glory to God. The response was so powerful; people started calling Angela the “mountain movin' motivator.” Angela is also the founder and president of Holy Woman Alliance (a non-profit organization that aides in the wellness of the widow, orphan, and the poor).

Angela Tezeno has received many awards including SWLA Gospel Honors Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year, the Women of Excellence Award, and several other recognitions for her service to the community and in business including a feature story for the Louisiana Small Business Development Program. Her greatest reward is doing God’s will as she continues to be: Angela—messenger, bringer of truth.

Beau Hearod is the Owner and President of Jeff Davis Insurance Agency. Beau Hearod is a native of Jennings, Louisiana and a graduate of Jennings High School. He attended undergraduate school at the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa where he played baseball for the Crimson Tide and received a B.S. Degree in Finance. After graduation, Hearod was drafted by the Houston Astros to play in the minor leagues for two years in New York and Kentucky.

Upon the conclusion of his brief baseball career, Hearod returned to his hometown of Jennings, Louisiana to pursue his lifelong dream of owning an insurance agency. In October of 2007, Beau Hearod became the Owner and President of Jeff Davis Insurance Agency. Hearod has grown Jeff Davis Insurance over 30% since he took ownership. With Hearod’s leadership, Jeff Davis Insurance is one of the leading independent insurance agencies in Southwest Louisiana, and represents over 25 insurance companies assuring clients the best value at the best price.

Cassondra Savoy Guilbeau is regional director for the American Heart Association of Southwest Louisiana. Guilbeau was born in Lake Charles, but grew up in Eunice. She graduated from Northwestern State University in 1996 with a degree in journalism. Her career began as a reporter in New Iberia where she met her husband, Brian Guilbeau. In 1998, the year they married, Cassondra and Brian moved to Lake Charles where she began working in public relations and marketing, and Brian began working for the American Press.

Guilbeau worked at the O’Carroll Group, writing copy and coordinating public relations for clients. She received quite the education there and still considers Peter O’Carroll to be a mentor. Cassondra went on to become the public relations manager for Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel for four years. Following Hurricane Rita, she became the regional director for the American Heart Association of Southwest Louisiana. After her first year with the organization, she was promoted to senior regional director and also began managing the Central Louisiana market. They raise funds and awareness in the fight against the No. 1 and No. 3 killers in our country, heart disease and stroke.

Over the years, Cassondra has been a very proud volunteer for many wonderful organizations. She has served on the United Way Campaign Cabinet, board of directors for the American Red Cross and chaired the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Great Strides Walk. She has been recognized for her work with the Jim Leigh Campaign Award (United Way), Board Member of the Year (American Red Cross) and recently was named a Woman of Excellence by the Black Heritage Festival. She is a member of First United Methodist Church, the Ad and Press Club of Southwest Louisiana (where she currently sits on the board of directors) and Fusion Five.

Of course, nothing is more important than her “jobs” of mother and wife. She has a beautiful eight-year-old daughter, Lillian Faith, who is her world. Her husband, Brian, is an incredibly talented writer and the strongest person she knows. He has twice survived a lung transplant and never ceases to amaze Cassondra with his courage.

“I was very surprised to be recognized as a Top 10 Up and Comer, but also very, very honored.”

Richard Cole is Assessor for Calcasieu Parish. Richard J. Cole, Jr. has been employed by the Calcasieu Parish Assessor’s Office since 1992. He is a Certified Louisiana Assessor. As Assessor, his duties have included property transfers, preparation of ownership plats, appraisals, verification, and drafting of legal descriptions, compiling millage rates, tax roll abstracts, and the annual tax roll to submit to the Louisiana Tax Commission. He is also in charge of a 2 million dollar budget.

Cole has continued his education through advanced ESRI computer mapping and information systems training which includes: Global Information Systems training for Assessors, Fundamentals of Real Property Assessing, Income Approach to Valuation, Tax Policy from the International Association of Assessing Officers, Mapping RU1 from the Louisiana Assessor’s Association for surveying, mapping and reading of legal descriptions of property, National Leadership Human Resources Training, and several URISA training classes.

Mr. Cole is active in the community through many local organizations. He is a member of the Krewe de la Noblesse. He is on the Board of Directors of Contraband Days, Boy Scouts of America, West Calcasieu Association of Commerce, and The Chamber of Southwest Louisiana.
He is a Life-Sponsor of Ducks Unlimited and a member of the Young Men’s Business Club, McNeese Petrochem Club, McNeese Cowboy Club, McNeese Diamond Club, McNeese Athletic Foundation, and Nolan Ryan Foundation.

The Young Men’s Business Club selected Cole as Lake Charles’ Citizen of the Year in 1997. The Sulphur Rotary Club selected Cole as the 2005-2006 Service Above Self recipient. The West Cal Association of Commerce selected Cole as The Citizen of the Year for 2005.
He is currently serving as committee member of Boy Scout Troop 33 in Sulphur. He is an Eagle Scout and has received the highest honor for a volunteer Boy Scout, the silver Beaver. He also received the Order of Arrow Outstanding Adult Arrowman and Founder’s Award.

Cole stated that he has worked to help all the citizens of the parish with their Homestead Exemption, property descriptions, and business inventories. “Whether you pay property taxes directly, or indirectly, the office of the Assessor is extremely important.”

Richard and his buddies have a cooking team called Fatboyz Inc (FBI); they help provide meals for non-profit organizations in our community. The highlight of their career was when Hurricane Katrina and Rita hit in 2005; they cooked for all of the victims at the Lake Charles Civic Center. They served over one million meals with the help of the Southwest Louisiana Community.

The 39 year-old is a native of Sulphur and a graduate of Sulphur High School. Cole and his wife, Dawn, live in Sulphur, Louisiana. They are the parents of two sons, ten-year- old, Ryan and four-year-old, Johnathan. Richard is the son of Jody and Jolene Cole of Sulphur.

Brooks Donald Williams is head coach for McNeese State University’s Cowgirls.
In just two seasons at McNeese State University, Brooks Donald Williams has made a major impact on the Cowgirl basketball program. On the court, Williams has led the Cowgirls to the Southland Conference Tournament both years and the 14 victories by the Cowgirls in 2009. The Cowgirls shot a school record, led the Southland Conference (for the second straight year) and ranked 76th in the nation, with a 71.8 free throw percent this season. They also ranked second in the SLC with a 34.3 three-point field goal percent.

Off the court, Williams and the Cowgirls have participated in numerous community service activities including the Ethel Precht Breast Cancer Walk and the Jeff Davis Bank Toys for Tots drive for the second consecutive year.

In her first season, Williams guided the Cowgirls to a 10-21 record and a tie for second place in the East Division after being picked to finish sixth in the preseason polls. Williams led the Cowgirls to victories in four of their last six games last season and a Southland Conference Tournament bid.

Williams’ 2007-08 squads broke seven McNeese records (six team and one individual), tied two, and set a Southland Conference record with 16 three-pointers made in a road victory at Lamar.
In her first full recruiting season at McNeese, Williams signed the Louisiana 3A and 5A state MVP’s and the Northeast Louisiana Player of the Year. Most recently, Williams signed the 2009 Louisiana Sports Writers’ Miss Basketball and Class B outstanding player and MVP, along with two local all-state players and a national junior college scoring leader.

Prior to her stint with the Lady Eagles, she spent one season at the University of Memphis and three years at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock.

While at Southern Miss, Williams helped the Eagles improve its program each year and went 15-15 her last season with a 9-7 record in Conference USA.
Between college stops, Williams served temporarily as head coach at St. Thomas More High in Lafayette, La.

As a prep player at Jennings High, Williams earned All-State, All-Parish and All-District honors. She was a four-year starter and played in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association all-star game, serving as team captain. Her Jennings squad won four straight district titles
Williams was also a member of the Acadiana Stars AAU program during her prep days, participating in state and national tournaments.

She was a member of the Lady Bulldogs squad at Mississippi State University, from which she holds a bachelor degree, but had her playing career sidelined due to an injury.
Williams is the daughter of Jennings community members, David and Brenda Donald and the granddaughter and great niece of Dan L. Donald and Walter “Bunk” Donald, former Jennings business leaders and owners of W.B. Donald Chevrolet and Cadillac and founders of Jeff Davis Bank & Trust Co. Williams’ uncle, Dan Donald, currently serves as President of Jeff Davis Bank & Trust Co.

Williams has one brother, Seth Donald, who resides in Shreveport and recently opened his own agency with State Farm. She has three nieces, Mary Brooks, Eliza and Mae Donald.
Williams’ family coaching mentor is her uncle and godfather, Doug Fowler. Coach Fowler, a 2008 Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame inductee and extremely active leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, is a former coach and Mississippi Association of Coaches executive director who served the coaching profession for over 40 years in the high school and collegiate ranks.

The 31 year old is married to Tyler Williams of Memphis, TN. Tyler currently serves as Marketing Director for Jeff Davis Bank.

Nicholas (Nic) Edward Hunter is the owner and operator of Harlequin Steaks and Seafood. Nic Hunter was born in Lake Charles and began working at the Harlequin at about age 12 or 13. His grandparents, Mr. Edward & Mrs. Lucille Hunter, opened the Harlequin in 1956. Nic began working in the kitchen as a dish washer and salad prep a few shifts a week, but when he was about 16 or 17 he moved into the front of the house.
An Expressions feature in the LC American Press on Monday, Januray 7th 2002 read “Head Hunter: St. Louis senior runs his family’s restaurant.”
After graduating from St. Louis in 2002, Hunter began attending McNeese State University. At the age of 20, an opportunity presented itself to relocate the Harlequin to the old Jean Lafitte restaurant on College Street. His family agreed to let him take the reigns completely both in running the restaurant and owning it completely.
He graduated from McNeese in the Spring of 2007 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History.
The hours are long, usually 60-70 hours a week, but he loves the people he works with and visiting with the customers. “The restaurant business is a tough one, but it really is the only thing I have ever known.”
Nic Hunter is a member of St. Margaret’s Parish in the Diocese of Lake Charles. Today, Hunter does not rule out exploring a second Harlequin or something similar. Hunter feels like the Harlequin is a vehicle for him to meet an amazing array of people from the community, both as customers and employees. “I have grown to truly appreciate Louisiana, our heritage, and the amazing opportunity and wealth of social diversity this state has. I have used my position to better my community as much as possible.”
In 2008, Hunter participated in numerous community activities. “There are too many causes close to my heart to name, but several that come to mind are The Whistle Stop (a child advocacy center), the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jennings, the Banners Series, and the Bishop’s Service Appeal for the Diocese of Lake Charles.”
When it comes to community activities and charitable causes, Hunter is a strong believer that people have a duty and responsibility to enhance their community and make it a better place because they are a part of it. This often requires more than just acting with their pocketbook.
The most important people in Hunter’s life are his grandmother, Mrs. Hunter, and “The Three Wise Men.” While the restaurant business can be very demanding, Hunter tries to find social time as much as possible. He loves watching the New Orleans Saints, and loves visiting New Orleans even more. He usually tries to make a one or two day trip to New Orleans every month or so just to unwind. He loves good food and good wine. “I enjoy reading, especially books on Louisiana history, specifically 20th century Louisiana political history, on which more books than I could read in a lifetime have been written. Though I usually read non-fiction, one of my favorite books is The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.”