Congratulations to the 2022 Louisiana Young Banker Impact Award Recipients!

The Louisiana Bankers Education Council is excited to present the recipients of the second annual Louisiana Young Banker Impact Award. This award honors Louisiana bankers who are 45 years old or younger for their contribution to their bank and/or the banking industry. 

“Congratulations to all the 2022 Louisiana Young Banker Impact Award recipients! We are so proud of you and look forward to your continued successes far into the future,” said LBA CEO Ginger Laurent. 

This year’s recipients will be recognized at an awards luncheon held in conjunction with Louisiana Bankers Education Council’s annual business meeting on Dec. 7, 2022, at the Marriott Hotel in Baton Rouge. Click here for luncheon registration information.

Elizabeth Baldwin Hefler, Senior Vice President, Group Leader Commercial & Middle Market Banking at Hancock Whitney in New Orleans 

Elizabeth personifies everything you want in a banker. She runs a large team of bankers across Southeast Louisiana. Her clients lead some of the largest companies and organizations in the state. She’s a trusted confidant that guides them through challenging scenarios every single day. She’s a leader among leaders, elevating those around her. Elizabeth is committed to the local community. She teaches financial education regularly in communities that aren’t often served. She rolls her sleeves up and does the hard volunteering whether in food banks or building community gardens. She’s on a large number of boards in the community, offering guidance and expertise to non-profits. She is a mentor to people in the industry and in the community. She is known for her open door policy and no question or issue is too big or too small. She’s there for people when they are going through tough times in their personal lives and is the first to show up when someone is in need. She wants everyone to have their voice heard and prioritizes inclusivity.

Katrice deserves to be recognized due to her many years of service to the banking community. She has helped many people open small business, taught them to be financially responsible and helped businesses apply for grants, PPP loans, loan forgiveness and now the employee retention credit program. She teaches financial literacy to the young and elderly. She helps customers by promoting our credit builder program so customers can build credit and save money. She is also a leading volunteer in our community, serves on many boards and continues to be a leading example of a community banker. 

Ryan Kilpatrick, Executive Vice President, Chief Brand & Communications Officer at Origin Bank in Ruston

Ryan's impact on the banking industry is thorough in its scope and its longevity. He unites and engages supporters to take action on critical legislation that impacts our industry. He educates our 850+ employees on why and how their voice matters, and is a true advocate for community banks everywhere. Origin Bank’s core purpose is “to enrich the lives of people in our community.” Ryan drives and lives out this purpose on a daily basis. He inspires and empowers Origin’s employee base, as well as colleagues throughout the financial industry to make a difference in the lives of others.

Minh Luu, Chief Financial Officer & Senior Vice President of Peoples Bank & Trust in New Roads

If I had to pick one thing that Minh has done to make an impact on the banking industry, it would be his involvement with education and student advocacy through LBEC and his local school district. Minh also gives tirelessly to the employees at his bank and has had a major and lasting impact on the staff of our bank. He serves on multiple internal bank committees and is our go to person on all information technology-related concerns. 

Kendra L. Palmer, Vice President / Retail Coordination Officer for b1BANK in Shreveport 

We meet countless individuals in our community, through our work and in various other ways during our life. There are only handful however, that make you feel truly special anytime you come into contact with them in any type of situation. Kendra is not only inspiring and charismatic through her smile, but also through years and years of action with constant commitment to her profession. She has not only had positive impacts on younger bankers but some of the most seasoned bankers during her 15+ year career. She is laying the foundation on how to build and sustain impactful bankers/teams across our great state. Kendra Palmer has been an inspirational figure since I met her 10+ years ago. Each time she steps into a situation, the result/situation always seems to be improved from the way she found it. This can be testament to her character, her upbringing and just the genuine person that she truly is.