Names in the News: People Shaping the Future of Lake Area Business – US Press

Wilkinson was named president of the bank

Charles V. TampaChairman of the Board The Board of Directors of First Federal Bank of Louisiana is pleased to announce that Samuel V. “Sam” Wilkinson He was appointed president and CEO of First Federal Bank.

Wilkinson succeeds Timpa, who has been with First Federal Bank for 44 years and served as CEO for the past 15 years. Timpa will remain chairman of the board.

Wilkinson has 45 years of experience in financial services, including starting his banking business in Calcasieu.

Marine National Bank, then Senior Vice President at Hibernia Bank and Senior Vice President at Capital One. Wilkinson He joined First Federal Bank in 2007 before being named Executive Vice President in 2017 and then President in 2020.

Wilkinson’s experience spans all aspects of banking, and he serves on various state and local community boards.

Wilkinson is a graduate of Vinton High School, McNeese State University and the LSU Graduate School of Banking.

Wilson was named to the commission

Third Court of Appeal Judge Sharon Darville Wilson He was appointed to serve on the Judiciary Commission of the Louisiana Supreme Court for a term beginning January 1 and ending December 31, 2026.

She received her bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University in 1988 and her Juris Doctor degree from Louisiana State University’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1991.

Wilson worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office from 1992-1999. From 1999-2002, she worked as a Chief Criminal Prosecutor in the Allen Parish District Attorney’s Office.

She returned to the Calcasieu Parish DA’s office and worked there from 2002-2009 when she began working in private practice.

Before being elected to the Louisiana Court of Appeals, Third Circuit, Wilson was elected to the 14th Judicial District Court and served from 2014-2020. She served as Chief Judge of the 14th JDC from 2017 to 2018 and co-founded the Veterans Medical Court in Calcasieu Parish.

Wilson served as an executive board member for the Louisiana District Judges Association from 2019 to 2020 and also served as a member of the District Judge – Judiciary Commission.

Wilson replaces outgoing appellate judge, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge John J. Molaison Jr. replaced him.

Griffin was named director of ASSL

The Board of Directors of Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana and Direct Care is pleased to announce. Melissa M. Griffin As the director general.

Griffin has served as the Finance Manager and Director of Operations for ASSL and Direct Care since the summer of 2021 and has demonstrated a true passion for serving clients. She earned her bachelor’s degree in management from McNeese State University. She has over 14 years of experience in management, accounting, logistics, human resources and team leadership.

Prior to SLL, Griffin served as hospital distribution manager at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for six years.

Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana is a non-profit organization that provides housing and support for adults with autism. Direct Care Inc. is a non-profit agency that provides personal care services to people of all ages on the autism spectrum and other developmental disabilities.

The Security Council appoints leaders

The Southwest Louisiana Safety Council is pleased to announce two promotions among their executive team for 2023.

Named the board of directors Sarita Shufens President and CEO. Originally from Lake Charles, Scheffens has been CEO of the Security Council since 2018.

The promotion to the President and CEO recognizes her innovations and contributions during her leadership, including moving the Security Council into a one-stop shop for all onboarding and PSM station requirements. Other changes include advanced training techniques to improve learning retention and a better user experience.

SCSWLA is pleased to announce the promotion. Jerry Pirotti to the position of CEO. Pierotti, also a native of Lake Charles, continues to this day in the role of director of operations. In his new role, he will continue to report to the president and CEO and will be responsible for all the day-to-day operations of the business, most recently building construction and consolidation into Sulphur.

Lakeside Bank Accreditation

Bauer Financial, the country’s leading independent bank rating and research organization, has been awarded again Lakeside Bank Their top 5-star rating. This recognition indicates that Lakeside Bank is one of the strongest banks in the country with excellent performance in terms of capital adequacy, profitability, asset quality and more.

Lakeside has two locations in Lake Charles, as well as Sulfur and Moss Bluff. Voted “Best Bank” in 2022. American Press People’s Choice Awards.

BauerFinancial has been reporting and analyzing the performance of US banks and credit unions since 1983. No institution pays for the rating or can avoid it.

The credit union has named a new COO

Southwest Louisiana Credit Union is pleased to announce. Audrey Lee As the new chief operating officer. Lee will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the credit union, developing policies, procedures and training to ensure efficient and effective operations.

She works closely with the CEO of Southwest Louisiana Credit Union. Chad Miller To establish short-term and long-term business goals.

Lee comes to Southwest Louisiana Credit Union from Pelican State Credit Union. In her previous role as Branch Manager, the branch increased net income significantly in less than a year, was awarded Top Productive Branch of 2021, MSR was awarded Top Producer of 2021 and the branch exceeded personal productivity, credit and savings goals.

Southwest Louisiana Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution with a mission of “Financial Empowerment for All” in Southwest Louisiana. The only community development financial institution in South Louisiana, it provides need-based products and services to low-income and underserved areas of the community.

Serving more than 18,000 members, Southwest Louisiana Credit Union has five branch locations and a sixth under construction in South Beauregard.