Congratulations Pelican Leadership Academy Class of 2026!

This October, the Pelican Leadership Academy Class of 2026 will graduate in October.

The Pelican Leadership Academy (PLA) is a unique experience designed to inform, educate, and connect the emerging and experienced leaders in Louisiana to some of our state’s biggest assets and most daunting challenges. The program meets in Baton Rouge once a month over 10 months. It covers free market economics, the founding of America, ethical leadership, teamwork, campaigns, and serving in elected office.

What the Class of 2026 Experienced

The year opened with “What Have I Gotten Myself Into?”, an introduction to the program and to Louisiana’s political and economic landscape. Next came “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of More Freedom,” on the principles of a free society, free market ideas, and the thinking of the founding fathers.

In “It’s Geaux Time: Louisiana’s Comeback,” participants took a deep dive into the policy issues in Louisiana’s Comeback Agenda. They then spent “A Day in the Life of…” at the Capitol, shadowing a legislator or lobbyist.

“Let’s Get Ethical…Ethical…” focused on making ethical decisions and on how to compromise without losing your principles. In “Don’t Kill the Messenger,” District Media Group trained the class in speech writing, media interviews, and other communications tactics.

The final sessions covered campaigns and public service. “Taking It to the Streets” demystified the campaign process, and “I’m Elected. Now What?” explored life as an elected official. The year closes with “Go Forth and Prosper,” the course wrap-up and graduation.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026

• Melissa deGeneres, Baton Rouge: community leader, former president of the Junior League of Baton Rouge, and head of her family’s sand and gravel business. She served as president of the CATS Board of Commissioners.
• Anna deTiege, Mandeville: a leader in Louisiana’s innovation economy who launched the Louisiana Growth Fund and is preparing the state’s first 10-year Innovation Fund.
• Luke Dupre: Parish Attorney for the Acadia Parish Police Jury and President of the Acadia Parish Bar Association.
• Elizabeth Ersoff, retired Louisiana Department of Health social services director who created the MPL program. She is a member of the Caddo Parish RPEC.
• Kelly Feldman: Digital Marketing Coordinator at Pelican Institute, with over 20 years in graphic design and communications.
• Michael Fesi, Jr.: founder of StatePay, StateChain, and STAR Seed Technologies, and the driving force behind the successful StateChain Summit held in September in Lafayette.
• Mary Hays: entrepreneur and owner-manager of Geaux Run by Fleet Feet. She serves on the boards of the Oil Center Association and Performing Arts Society of Acadiana.
• Dwight Hudson: Louisiana State Director for Right On Crime, now serving his third term as East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman for District 9.
• Angelle Pearce, small business owner and civic volunteer, recently appointed to the Lafayette City/Parish Recreation Advisory Commission.
• Connie Phillips: owner and founder of DocuSource and founder of the St. Tammany Library Accountability Project.
• Ian Roche: first-year LSU veterinary student planning to practice farm animal medicine.
• Ellie Schroder: retired educational administrator with 27 years in education, small business owner, and recent BESE candidate.
• Caroline Starlight: Project Manager on Ochsner Health’s Government Relations team and a Leadership Jefferson alum.
• David Tinkis: President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana and a member of the American Enterprise Institute Leadership Network.
• Dr. Christian Vigé: Provost of Delta College and founder of Magnolia Children’s Group.
• Parker Ward: manager at Fairfield Property Management, founder of the Krewe of Oceanus, and owner and executive chef of The Happy Fork Catering Company.
• Glenn Woodard: Licensed Professional Engineer and Senior Project Manager with DDG, PC, specializing in civil land development.

Join the Class of 2027

PLA graduates are currently serving in the legislature, on city and parish councils, on school boards, and in the Governor’s administration, just to name a few of the ways our graduates are impacting the future of our state.

Applications for the 2027 cohort are due November 15, 2026, and letters of recommendation are due December 15, 2026. Apply here: https://pelicanpolicy.org/pelican-leadership-academy/

If you have questions or want to discuss whether this is the right experience and time for you, please call/text 225-235-1554 or email Laurie Adams at laurie@pelicaninstitute.org.

Don’t miss this opportunity to help write Louisiana’s Comeback Story! Learn more about the Pelican Institute at https://pelicanpolicy.org/about/