August/September 2023

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A Year of New Leadership Mayor Derrick Johnson, Sr. of Cheneyville was inaugurated as the LMA President during the Annual Banquet with a blessing of the gavel by Reverend Cedric Brown with Second Edgefield Baptist Church. Leesville Mayor Rick Allen was also installed as First Vice President, and Broussard Mayor Ray Bourque as Second Vice President. Johnson, succeeding former Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine, will serve as the primary advocate for the villages, towns, and cities of Louisiana throughout his 2023-2024 term, steering the LMA Executive Board and chairing the LMA Executive Committee. “This is a surreal moment, and I never thought when I first started this journey that I’d be here, or that I’d even want to be here,” shared Johnson. “But over time, I’ve been mentored by great leaders and I’ve learned that I have a calling, and that I do justice to myself and to others when called to serve. I hope to be able to make an impact this coming year on not only my own municipality but on so many others that need help across the state.” Allen, stepping into the First Vice President role, commented, “It’s difficult to describe the future of an organization that I personally feel is running remarkably well as it is. My plan is to contribute as much as possible to the next generation of leaders who are finding out about our services for the very first time. My hope is to find a way to blend old and new in such a way that the LMA continues to be progressive but holds steadfast to its history.” Allen is currently serving his third term as Mayor of Leesville, having first won the office in 2014. He also serves on the Governor’s Military Advisory Committee, the Vernon Parish Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and is Chairman of the Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance. Ray Bourque, taking on duties as Second Vice President, asserted, “The value of the LMA in terms of our missions of advocacy, education, and service, is that we help local elected officials achieve their goals. When we can assist our local communities, that knowledge travels statewide. And that causes ongoing change in a positive manner.” Bourque is currently in his second term as Mayor of the City of Broussard. Previously a city council member for eight years, he has focused on envisioning a future of healthy growth for Broussard. John Gallagher, LMA’s Executive Director, praised the new leadership, saying, “I’m very excited to continue working with Mayor Johnson in his new capacity as our LMA President, with Mayors Allen and Bourque in their roles, and the entire incoming board. This new slate of officers is going to be bringing a lot of energy and ideas, and I’m looking forward to a very productive year ahead.” Saturday night’s banquet also saw numerous honors bestowed on President Johnson from LMA partners and friends, an inspiring speech by Air Force Sustainment Center Commander and Materiel Command Lieutenant General Stacey T. Hawkins (introduced by his very proud father and former Bastrop Mayor Clarence Hawkins), a rousing National Anthem by Stephen Fontenot, and an emotional musical tribute by Zalah Vallien. The Pineville High School JROTC Program presented a touching display in the form of a POW-MIA Missing Man Table, taking attendees through the importance of each item’s placement and reminding the audience to remember our missing service men and women who have not yet returned home. Special thanks go to Pineville Councilman Nathan Martin for his head table introductions, LMA Communications Consultant Anita Tillman for serving as emcee, Dr. Brookie Allphin for presenting the Community Achievement Awards, and President Johnson’s children, Skylar and Braylon, for their Pledge of Allegiance recitation. The night was capped off by a stunning and energetic performance by national recording artist Cupid and the Dance Party Express, who certainly lived up to their name! Page 18 LMR | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2023
86 TH ANNUAL CONVENTION LMR | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2023 Page 19
Page 1 and 2: Aug-Sept.23 Louisiana MUNICIPAL REV
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Page 5 and 6: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE To My LMA Fam
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Page 21 and 22: District Vice Presidents 2023-2024
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Page 27 and 28: Singing, and dancing, and an air sh
Page 29 and 30: 86 TH ANNUAL CONVENTION Sarah Traha
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Page 39 and 40: LOUISIANA ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL

August/September 2023

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