Shreveport Times: Leaders - 10 who make our community better
January 02, 2008
This community is blessed with an abundance of inspiring leaders. These are the people who go the extra mile. They pull their own weight, and they push a little when necessary.
Many of them have their names in The Times on a weekly basis. Some of them work behind the scenes, rarely getting the attention they deserve.
It is difficult to honor all those people at once, so The Times has once again singled out 10 outstanding leaders to honor this year.
The group is a mix of men and women from all walks of life. They all have passion and drive and a willingness to make things happen.
Some of this year's honorees are like Judge Carl E. Stewart and Mayor Cedric Glover, lifelong residents of this community who chose to stay in the area and make it a place worth calling home.
Others, like Brandy McNeill, grew up elsewhere but now call this their home and strive to make it even better than it is now.
Lampton Enochs and Alissa Kantrow came to the area after Hurricane Katrina drove them from their homes and jobs. New Orleans' loss has been our gain as they work to cement Shreveport's reputation as a center for filmmaking.
Two of this year's leaders, Woody Wilson and Gen. Robert Elder, have strong military backgrounds. Wilson spent 25 years in the United States Air Force and now works to keep Caddo Parish running smoothly. Elder is commander of the 8th Air Force and is launching the new Cyberspace Command at Barksdale Air Force Base.
Some of this year's leaders are recognized for work they do outside of their paid positions. Ann Stokes is a retired building contractor, but it is her tireless work in the field of education reform that has earned her this honor.
Linda Biernacki runs her own business, one she built from the ground up. However, it is the work she does for countless charities and nonprofits in the community that makes her a go-to person when it is time to get something done.
Gard Wayt is president of a regional insurance brokerage firm, but he will be forever tied to Interstate 49 due to his role as executive director of the I-49 International Coalition.
All 10 of these people have demonstrated their focus, passion and ability to lead. They can take a group of people and lead them to a common goal. They see a need and they address it.
Future community leaders have these examples to look to for guidance and inspiration. Each of us could probably benefit from the lessons these people can share with us. But, if nothing else, it is a bit heart-warming to see so many people who care for this community and the people in it.
Many of them have their names in The Times on a weekly basis. Some of them work behind the scenes, rarely getting the attention they deserve.
The group is a mix of men and women from all walks of life. They all have passion and drive and a willingness to make things happen.
Some of this year's honorees are like Judge Carl E. Stewart and Mayor Cedric Glover, lifelong residents of this community who chose to stay in the area and make it a place worth calling home.
Others, like Brandy McNeill, grew up elsewhere but now call this their home and strive to make it even better than it is now.
Lampton Enochs and Alissa Kantrow came to the area after Hurricane Katrina drove them from their homes and jobs. New Orleans' loss has been our gain as they work to cement Shreveport's reputation as a center for filmmaking.
Two of this year's leaders, Woody Wilson and Gen. Robert Elder, have strong military backgrounds. Wilson spent 25 years in the United States Air Force and now works to keep Caddo Parish running smoothly. Elder is commander of the 8th Air Force and is launching the new Cyberspace Command at Barksdale Air Force Base.
Some of this year's leaders are recognized for work they do outside of their paid positions. Ann Stokes is a retired building contractor, but it is her tireless work in the field of education reform that has earned her this honor.
Linda Biernacki runs her own business, one she built from the ground up. However, it is the work she does for countless charities and nonprofits in the community that makes her a go-to person when it is time to get something done.
Gard Wayt is president of a regional insurance brokerage firm, but he will be forever tied to Interstate 49 due to his role as executive director of the I-49 International Coalition.
All 10 of these people have demonstrated their focus, passion and ability to lead. They can take a group of people and lead them to a common goal. They see a need and they address it.
Future community leaders have these examples to look to for guidance and inspiration. Each of us could probably benefit from the lessons these people can share with us. But, if nothing else, it is a bit heart-warming to see so many people who care for this community and the people in it.
