2024 Tangipahoa Chamber Annie Honorees

The Tangipahoa Chamber of Commerce Annie Awards, established in 1998 in honor of the late Southeastern Louisiana Administrator Dr. Anne Ferguson, honor women who excel in their respective realms of expertise and are setting the pace for our region’s future. Since the inception of the Annie Awards, the Tangipahoa Chamber has honored over 75 women who work in excellence and have a true servant’s heart for our community.

Annie Award honorees are leaders and challenge the status quo. They are appreciative of those who have contributed to their success and are helping to shape future leaders. They have formed strong relationships in our community and use their voices as instruments of encouragement and strength.

The 2024 honorees will be recognized at The Tangipahoa Chamber's Annie Awards Luncheon on Friday, June 7, at the Southeastern Louisiana University Student Union Grand Ballroom. North Oaks Health System serves as Presenting Sponsor for the luncheon again this year. Call the Tangipahoa Chamber at 985-345-4457 or visit tangipahoachamber.org for ticket availability.

Annie Award’s Guest Speaker

Gayle Benson

Gayle Benson provides leadership for the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. She succeeds her husband, Tom Benson, who passed away on March 15, 2018, after serving as Owner of the Saints since 1985 and the Pelicans since 2012. The New Orleans native is an accomplished business professional and philanthropist with strong ties to the local community and is dedicated to contributing to the growth and enhancement of the Gulf South region.

Mrs. Benson has enriched the New Orleans community through her support to causes in the health and wellness, cancer care, education, arts and faith-based sectors. Her philanthropic leadership has been recognized far and wide since becoming Owner.

Mrs. Benson was born in New Orleans and grew up in Old Algiers, graduating from Martin Behrman High School in 1966. After serving as keynote speaker at their respective commencement ceremonies, Mrs. Benson has been awarded honorary degrees from the University of Holy Cross (2015), Southern University of New Orleans (2021), and Delgado Community College (2022). Mrs. Benson has also received a Doctorate of Letters from Notre Dame Seminary in 2014 and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Loyola University New Orleans (2019).

Stephanie Bogle Bankston

Stephanie Bankston began her journey in Tangipahoa Parish as a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University. After acquiring her degree, she worked as a Certified Public Accountant in healthcare finance. For 24 years, Stephanie served North Oaks Health System in Finance and Revenue Cycle in a variety of positions, including Assistant Vice President of Finance, Business Services Director, and Physician Group and System Financial Services Director. The remainder of her corporate career, she worked privately for a large firm in Chicago. Her focus was performance improvement and change management engagements for large physician groups at the University of MiamiUHealth, Adventist Health on the west coast and Hawaii, and Louisiana Children’s Medical Center in New Orleans.

Jessica Bennett

Jessica Bennett, Chief Ancillary Officer of North Oaks Health System, is committed to improving the landscape of healthcare and community throughout the Northshore. She began her career with North Oaks in 2011 after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from LSU Health. In 2022, Jessica earned a Doctorate in Business Administration from California Intercontinental University.

Jessica has a passion for service, and her current role at North Oaks affords her the ability to make a daily impact in the community she calls home.

Jessica, her husband Ben and children, Claire and Owen, reside in downtown Hammond where they are staples at community events in their shared support of non-profit and philanthropic organizations.

Jessica previously served on the Tangipahoa Chamber Board of Directors and is a 2021 graduate of Leadership Tangipahoa. She currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Tangipahoa Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau and Secretary for the Lion Athletics Association Executive Board. Jessica supports her alma mater through involvement on the Southeastern Legislative Committee and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dean’s Advisory Council. She also is a member of the Hammond Rotary Club, Louisiana Hospital Association and Louisiana Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Jessica truly embodies selflessness and servant leadership in her commitment to the vitality of Tangipahoa Parish and embraces the sage words of Anthony J. D’Angelo, “Without a sense of caring, there can be no community.”

Mary Mowad Guiteau

Mary Mowad Guiteau is an accomplished interior designer that has energized the Tangipahoa community with her creative vision and strong leadership.

Following a decade of notable projects throughout Baton Rouge, Mary moved to Tangipahoa Parish where she has made her home and is raising her two children, Layla and Carson. For the past 17 years, she has been an integral part of Holly & Smith Architects, working on projects throughout Louisiana and Texas, with a focus on improving her immediate community of Tangipahoa Parish. Mary has helped expand SLU’s campus and participated in the historic revitalization of downtown Hammond by contributing to the design of numerous buildings. Her work has contributed to the vibrance of Tangipahoa Parish with the design of several schools, businesses, and recreation parks. She has been a featured speaker at the International Facility Management Association’s national conference and has been published in their national magazine five times.

In 2022, Mary achieved a significant milestone in her 27-year design career by becoming a Principal at Holly & Smith Architects, making her the firm’s sole female partner.

Mary is Chairman of the Design Committee on the Hammond Downtown Development District Board of Directors. She serves as a lector at Holy Ghost Catholic Church and volunteers at Holy Ghost School, as well as St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School. Mary has been active in the Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs, including chairman of the Benefactor Committee, Chairman of the Board, Vice President and President.

Mary mentors students at all levels, teaching the connection between math and design, shaping future designers.

Bridget LaBorde

Bridget LaBorde began her career at Northshore Technical Community College as an instructor, later serving as Student Affairs Officer and Campus Dean. As Hammond Campus Dean, she promoted the college in Tangipahoa Parish. Now, as Director of Workforce Training and Development, she spearheads initiatives across the college and the Northshore.

A lifelong Tangipahoa Parish resident, Bridget holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications from Southeastern University. She proudly supports her alma mater, having served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

As a leader in higher education, she’s a Certified Workforce Developer through LED FastStart and LCTCS. She is a standout leader in various LCTCS system-wide and regional initiatives, garnering awards like the Healthier Northshore Community Champion Award, NTCC GEM Award, NTCC Outstanding Professional Staff Award and a Top 20 Influential Women in Tangipahoa Parish nominee.

Bridget, a 2019 Leadership Tangipahoa graduate, served as a past member and President of the Tangipahoa Economic Development Foundation Board and the Tangipahoa Chamber Board of Directors. She is a current Courtney Christian School Advisory Council member and a Southeastern Louisiana University Alumni Strategic Planning Committee member. Bridget is also a member of the Tangipahoa Professional Women’s Organization and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Bridget and her husband of 32 years, Andy, are members of the Mission Church. They have three adult children and 2 grandchildren. A breast cancer survivor and advocate for screenings, you will also find her sharing her story and encouraging and supporting others as they go through their cancer journey.

Rhonda Smith Sheridan

Rhonda Smith Sheridan, a Ponchatoula native and life-long Tangipahoa resident, graduated from Ponchatoula High School in 1983. She attended the Louisiana School of Court Reporting and worked for Judge Bruce C. Bennett and later Thomas “Tommy” Waterman for about 25 years.

Since early 2008, Rhonda has served as Executive Assistant to Mayor Robert F. Zabbia in Ponchatoula. She works closely with the City of Ponchatoula team on grants for sewers, sidewalks, and capital outlay as well as many other state and federal projects. Rhonda is involved in all facets of city events such as the Strawberry Festival and other annual programs. As Administrator of Ponchatoula’s Magistrate Court, Rhonda provides judicial support, leadership, planning, and supervision of the daily operations of Court.

Rhonda believes in giving back to foster a thriving community. She’s served in various leadership roles including Chairman and Alumni Chair for Leadership Tangipahoa, the Secretary-Treasurer for Wadesboro Catholic Cemetery, and the Fundraiser/Events Chair for Twin Steeples’s Harry Gabriel Project. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Westminster Place for the Elderly in Ponchatoula, the Board for the Tangipahoa Parish Economic Development Foundation, and the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission. Rhonda is a 2012 graduate of Leadership Tangipahoa.

Rhonda and Mike, married 37 years, have one son, Kyle, daughter-in-law, Chloe Crain Sheridan, and granddaughter, Vera Jo Sheridan. A grandson will be welcomed to the family in September. Rhonda cherishes family time and their Tangipahoa River camp.

Erica D. Williams

Erica D. Williams-Bell, Esq., an esteemed local attorney, embarked on her journey in 1993 when she graduated with honors from Ponchatoula High School, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Grambling State University. In 2000, she earned her Juris Doctor from the esteemed Southeastern University Law Center solidifying her commitment to justice.

For 18 years, she served as a Public Defender in the 21st Judicial District Court, extending free and reduced legal representation to the underserved in Tangipahoa Parish. Concurrently, she nurtured a private law practice, specializing in criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and civil litigation.

Erica’s commitment to justice extends beyond the courtroom. She is an active member of numerous legal and community organizations, including the 21st Judicial District Bar Association, American Bar Association, and National Bar Association. Additionally, she contributes to the welfare of her community through involvement in the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center Advisory Board and the Florida Parishes Juvenile Justice Commission.

Erica’s leadership roles include serving as President of the Greater Tangipahoa Branch of the NAACP from 2018 to early 2019, participating in Positive Role-models Involved in the Development of Excellence (PRIDE), and serving as a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Recently, Erica’s dedication to equitable education led to her appointment on the Moore versus Tangipahoa Parish School Board Advisory Committee on Equity.

Erica enjoys cherished moments with her family. Married happily to Richard Bell for 14 years, they share two daughters, Shania and Shantavia, along with their precious grandson, Wayne Jr.