Congratulations to the 2023 Louisiana Young Banker Impact Award Recipients!

The Louisiana Bankers Education Council is excited to present the recipients of the third 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 2023 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 during the IMPACT Conference on Jan. 24 at the Marriott Hotel in Baton Rouge. Click here for more information.

  

Chad Carter, Northeast Louisiana Market President of b1BANK 

Excerpt from nomination, "Chad joined the bank a little over 12 years ago and has consistently demonstrated extraordinary leadership, adaptability and a deep understanding of the banking industry's complexities. As b1BANK's regional president for north Louisiana, Chad has been instrumental in setting the strategic vision for the region and building an exceptional team with a culture of innovation, accountability and collaboration. He has played a pivotal role in identifying new revenue streams and implementing technology-driven solutions, especially in agriculture, a major economic driver for Louisiana. Chad has a strong commitment to serving the bank's clients. He invests much of his time in learning and understanding their businesses in order to offer the most effective solutions. Beyond his professional achievements, Chad is also deeply committed to community service, volunteering his time and expertise to numerous charitable organizations and community initiatives, including the Louisiana Tech School of Banking, United Way and the Bossier City Chamber of Commerce. He is truly an asset to b1BANK and the banking industry."

 

 

Jim F. Lyons, President of First National Bank of Louisiana 

Excerpt from nomination, "It's not often that you meet a bank president who doesn't have a grey hair on his head. At just a couple of years past 40, Jim is the perfect candidate for this award, but not because of his age. In fact, Jim is wise beyond his years. He was tapped to take First National Bank of Louisiana into its second century by its last president, Randy Prather, for his vision, determination and "know how." Jim has a deep knowledge of this industry that comes from working extensively in both lending and operations. As a leader, Jim listens more than he talks and he gives people the tools they need to succeed. It's a privilege to work with him as the bank prepares for its centennial... and beyond."

  
  
 

Todd McDonald, President of Liberty Bank and Trust Company

Excerpt from nomination, "Todd McDonald exemplifies Liberty Bank's mission to provide cost-effective delivery of high quality and innovative financial products and services to diverse markets with a keen focus on disadvantaged communities who have traditionally been underserved. At his core, Todd is committed to financial discipline, faithfully uplifting individuals and creating opportunities that empower people, communities and growth for all. He has established inclusion efforts that incorporate the best ideas, increase collaboration and elevate organizational communication and effectiveness. He has embarked on multi-state listening tours with stakeholders across the country, enhanced internal communication practices and initiated leadership programs to cultivate future leaders. These efforts have helped Liberty Bank improve the employee experience, compress timelines for new branch openings and boost efficiencies in portfolio management, credit administration and deposit operations. His professionalism and expertise are apparent to all those who have the fortune to cross paths with him and his enthusiasm for banking is unmatched." 

 

Scott B. McLemore, Executive Vice President of Concordia Bank & Trust

Excerpt from nomination, "Scott McLemore is a highly respected attorney who served as a city judge in his hometown of Vidalia. Concordia Bank and Trust elected Scott to its board of directors in 2013. For the next eight years, Scott gravitated more and more to the banking industry. In 2020, after the passing of his father and much prayer and consideration, he decided to sell his law practice, retire his judgeship after his term expired and to go to work for Concordia Bank. His hard work ethic and leadership has been a shining star for the bank and the banking industry. Scott created and is chairman of Concordia Bank's Innovation Committee. His passion for banking extends to community involvement. Scott is the past president of the Natchez/Adams County Chamber of Commerce and is a board member of the Concordia Parish Chamber of Commerce. He is an avid supporter of economic development and serves on the board of Natchez NOW and Natchez Inc., which are the primary economic drivers in our region of Concordia Parish and Natchez/Adams County in Mississippi. Scott has been involved with many non-profit organizations, including one of his favorites, Dream Hunt Foundation, which presents opportunities to children with disabilities. His involvement in his daughter's school and in his church has added greatly to the quality of life in our community. Scott McLemore has positively impacted and will continue to enhance the banking industry and the lives of the citizens of our community and state."

 

Brandy Westmoreland, Executive Vice President of Landmark Bank

Excerpt from nomination, "Brandy has been recognized in the past for her commitment to service as a community banker, including being recognized as the Zachary Chamber of Commerce 2013 Volunteer of the Year and the 2018 Businesswoman of the Year. Brandy greatly impacts the lives of everyone that crosses her path. She never turns down an opportunity to volunteer or serve others. In terms of impacting the banking industry, what could be more important than a banker who sees their role not as someone who sells products but as someone who serves others in their financial needs regardless of whether or not she even gets the business. Brandy has had such a large impact on the bank that the bank changed its mission based on her brand of community banking. Instead of looking for individuals like Brandy and attempting to wrap them into our system, we instead see our structure as one of developing a system around people like Brandy focusing first on service towards others and allowing that to be the cornerstone of our organizational culture. Brandy has had a tremendous impact on our organization inside and out, and constantly strives to deliver new and innovative ways of serving our customers and our communities through our work. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award."