Board of Directors
Inspired by our love for Acadiana and our commitment to its future, the Leadership Institute of Acadiana (LIA) is guided by a dedicated board of directors and staff comprised of engaged alumni, community advocates, and leaders from across our programs.
Together, they provide the vision, stewardship, and support that enable LIA to fulfill its mission of serving as the point of convergence for informed leadership and actionable community change.
Interested in Serving? LIA’s Board of Directors is strengthened by leaders who are passionate about developing Acadiana’s next generation of changemakers. We welcome interest from individuals who bring diverse professional experiences, community involvement, and a desire to advance regional leadership. Serving on the board is an opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of LIA, support its continued growth, and invest in a stronger, more connected Acadiana. If you are interested in learning more about board service opportunities, we encourage you to apply.
2026 Board of Directors
Desiree' Provost
Chair
AVP-HR Business Partner, Human Resources, Ochsner Health
Terry Dugas
Incoming Chair
DEI Consultant, CGI U.S. CSG
Shamika Boxie
Treasurer
Executive Director, Lafayette Community Development Fund
Nancy Roy
Secretary
Executive Director of Workforce Student Services & Operations, South Louisiana Community College | Owner, Pigeon Post Trivia
Brandon Smith
Past Chair
Senior Manager, Enterprise Strategy & Delivery Office (ESDO), Cigna / Evernorth
Aleisha Johnson Cook
VP of Programming
Principal Consultant, AJC Business Solutions | Instructor, University of Louisiana at Lafayette College of Business
Murugan Ambalakannu
Director, Consulting Services, CGI
Faryal Atif
Assistant Director of Student Engagement, University of Louisiana at Lafayette Alumni Association
Dr. Philip Auter
Professor, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Nicole Jones
Vice President of Philanthropy, Community Foundation of Acadiana
Karen King
Senior Litigation Counsel, U.S. Attorney's Office
Diogo Tavares
Financial Advisor, Northwestern Mutual
Sarah Lopez
Co-Owner, Awardmaster
Grayson Stepanek
Director of Marketing & Communications, Goodwill Acadiana
Danielle Tassin
Senior Sales Director, Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission
Troy Wayman
President & CEO, One Acadiana