News

Lafayette, LA – Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana (BGCA) is proud to announce its 2026 Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team, marking a new chapter of strategic growth, local engagement, and expanded impact across Acadiana.

Leading the organization into 2026 is Edward Bienvenu, who will continue serving as Chief Volunteer Officer (CVO), with Jason Patout named Incoming CVO. Joe Spell, Immediate Past CVO, will continue serving in a governance leadership role to ensure strong continuity and strategic oversight.

This year also marks the official expansion of BGCA’s Community Advisory Council model, creating localized leadership groups across each service area to strengthen community visibility, local fundraising and strategic partnerships.

These councils will serve as vital connectors between Boys & Girls Clubs and the communities they serve, helping ensure every Club is deeply rooted in local support while advancing BGCA’s mission of empowering all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

“Strong local leadership creates stronger Clubs,” said Rhyan Wheeler, BGCA President and CEO. “The addition of our advisory council structure ensures every community has a direct voice in shaping opportunities for the youth we serve while strengthening fundraising, awareness, and advocacy across our region.”

The 2026 Board also welcomes six new board members, bringing fresh expertise and community leadership to the organization:

• Adrienne Alexander, The Bayou Companies
• Reggie Thomas, Lafayette Marshal
• Carol Core, Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino
• Danny Nugier, Supreme Rice
• Matthew Craig, Northwestern State University
• Beth Trotter Broussard, First Horizon Bank

These new members join a dynamic and experienced board committed to expanding BGCA’s reach and impact throughout Acadiana and other served communities.

2026 Officers

• Edward Bienvenu, First National Bank of Louisiana — Chief Volunteer Officer
• Joe Spell, Tides Medical — Past Chief Volunteer Officer, Governance
• Jason Patout, Gulf Coast Bank — Incoming Chief Volunteer Officer; Abbeville Advisory Chair

Executive Committee

• Emily Hamner, Pinhook Foundation — Impact Chair
• Ben Lognion, International Snubbing Services — Advocacy Chair
• Reggie Thomas, Lafayette City Marshal — Safety Chair
• Brennan Breaux, SLEMCO — Events Chair
• Billy Hobbs, BWPR — Marketing & Communications Chair
• Albert Simien, Grace Consulting — Growth & Financial Strategy Chair
• Jerard Hussey, Investar Bank — Area Council Chair
• Lynwood Creswell, Retired — Historian

Board Members and Local Advisory Council Chairs

• Mary Leach Werner, The Sweet Lake Land & Oil Company — Lake Charles Advisory Chair
• Jhordi Henderson, COX Communications — Alumni Representative
• Meeyana Richard, Ochsner — Alumni Representative
• Adrienne Alexander, The Bayou Companies — Iberia Advisory Chair
• Carol Core, Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino — Opelousas Advisory Chair
• Beth Trotter Broussard, First Horizon Bank — Lafayette Advisory Chair
• Matthew Craig, Northwestern University — Natchitoches Advisory Chair
• Danny Nugier, Supreme Rice — Crowley Advisory Chair
• Angie Doyle, Burgersmith — Emeritus
• Dale Miniex, University of Louisiana at Lafayette — Emeritus

As BGCA continues to grow across the region, this leadership team will guide the organization’s efforts to expand access to life-changing afterschool and summer programming, strengthen operational excellence, and build sustainable local partnerships that support youth success for years to come.

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana or to learn how to get involved, visit www.bgcacadiana.com.