Simone Merloz Introduced the Director of Leadership Lafourche, Lin Kiger. Lin is also the Director of the Chamber of Lafourche and the Bayou Region. The program started in the 1990s, but had a brief absence in the past decade. Leadership Lafourche is a leadership immersion program designed to train cross-sections of Lafourche residents and workers for productive roles in the community.  The program is focused on the future and well-being of Lafourche Parish, the communities within the parish and institutions within those communities.

Applications are currently being accepted for the Class of 2011.  Parish residents and individuals who work in Lafourche are encouraged to consider participating in the eight month program.

Sponsored by the Chamber of Lafourche and the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lafourche began in 1993 and has trained hundreds of people from up and down the bayou.    

Leadership Lafourche is a tuition-based program, subsidized by private and corporate donations.  Individual tuition is $700, a very worthwhile investment.  Class size is approximately 25 participants per year.  Corporate sponsorship is also currently being accepted.

Topics of instruction include:   Leadership, Culture and History, Education, Community Service and Healthcare, Government, Law Enforcement and Judicial, Environment and Economic Development, and Visioning.  Sessions will be held on the second Wednesday of each month beginning in November, with an opening reception to be held on October 13.

The program has a strict attendance policy therefore applicants should have the full support of their families and employers before submitting the application.

The application deadline is quickly approaching.  Interested individuals should contact the Chamber of Lafourche at 985-693-6700 or the Thibodaux Chamber at 985-446-1187 for more information or for applications.  You can also download applications by Going to The Thibodaux Chamber website.