The Leadership Webster Class of 2024-25 was honored during a graduation luncheon held at the Community House in Minden on Tuesday, May 20, catered by Geaux Fresh.
Stephanie Barnette, president and CEO of the Greater Minden Chamber, welcomed attendees and expressed appreciation to families, employers, and supporters of the graduates. “While they may have stepped away from the office one day each month, they were stepping into a deeper understanding of local industries, service, mentorship, and community deeds with one goal in mind: becoming transformational leaders,” Barnette said.
She described transformational leaders as those who “dream bigger, reach higher, and see the possibilities where others see limits.” She encouraged the graduates to remain connected and continue working together to strengthen the community.
Graduates Katie Tippen and Jason Medcalf delivered remarks reflecting on their experiences in the program. Tippen, a lifelong Minden resident, said, “It really made me appreciate where I come from.” Medcalf added, “It’s been a real privilege to be able to come here and be part of this program, and really become much more involved in this community.”
Guest speaker Pastor Trey Waller of Living Word Minden shared insights on leadership and influence, drawing from personal experience as a baseball coach. “If you’re influencing somebody, you’re a leader,” Waller said. He recounted a story of a young athlete whose actions influenced teammates, underscoring the responsibility that comes with leadership. “In that moment, that boy realized that he needed to do something with what he had.” Waller also referenced leadership principles from the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, stating, “Leaders do consistently what others do occasionally.”
Lindsay McClaran, board chair of the Greater Minden Chamber Board of Directors, closed the ceremony. “Leadership doesn’t end with a certificate. It begins with the choice to show up and speak out while lifting up others along the way,” McClaran said.
The 2025 graduates are:
- Jackson Burns, Caribbean Pool Supply
- Joshua Butts, Minden Fire Department
- Elizabeth Campbell, City of Minden
- Ashlee Drake, City of Minden
- Michael Walker, City of Minden
- Brittany Harris, Minden Medical Center
- Heather Hedgepeth, Carter Credit Union
- Brittany Irby, Jeanne Martin State Farm
- Jason Medcalf, LA Army National Guard, Camp Minden
- Morgan Monday, b1BANK
- Trevor Parrish, Regions Bank
- Derek Peris, Brick Street Coffee
- Rebecca Peris, Brick Street Coffee
- Brandon Perryman, Perryman Welding
- Katie Tippen, Greater Minden Chamber
- Becky Wallace, Gibsland Bank & Trust
Leadership Webster is a nine-month program beginning in September and concluding with graduation in May. Participants meet monthly for sessions focused on areas including education, healthcare, economic development, local government, and nonprofit services. The program includes an overnight visit to the Louisiana Legislature and requires attendance at local governmental meetings. For more information, visit the Chamber’s website at greatermindenchamber.com.