Ignite St. Mary class explores leadership and collaboration

The 2026 Ignite St. Mary leadership class spent the day touring St. Mary Parish and meeting with local elected officials and community leaders during its annual Local Leaders Day on Tuesday, July 14, gaining firsthand insight into the partnerships that help move the parish forward.
Throughout the day, class members visited communities including Franklin, Baldwin, the Chitimacha reservation, Patterson, Berwick and Morgan City. While each community highlighted its own unique strengths and priorities, participants said one common theme emerged: collaboration.
The class learned how local governments, parish officials and the Chitimacha Tribe work together to address shared challenges and create opportunities that benefit residents throughout St. Mary Parish. Organizers said the experience offered participants a deeper understanding of the importance of communication, mutual respect and regional cooperation in effective leadership.
Adding to the day’s experience was a special guest, KLFY News 10 reporter Kelby Daigle, who joined the all-women Ignite St. Mary class as an honorary participant to learn more about the program and the communities it serves.
The class expressed appreciation to the local leaders who welcomed them and shared their experiences, including Franklin Mayor Eugene Foulcard, Baldwin Mayor Clarence Vappie, Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana Vice Chairman Melinda Butaud, St. Mary Parish President Sam Jones, Chief Administrative Officer Paul Governale, Patterson Mayor Rodney Grogan, Patterson Chairman Holden Murray, Berwick Mayor Duval Arthur and Morgan City Mayor Lee Dragna.
Participants said the day reinforced the value of servant leadership and demonstrated that the parish’s greatest successes come through cooperation among its municipalities, the parish government and the Chitimacha Tribe.
Ignite St. Mary also recognized its 2026 corporate sponsors, Cabot Corporation, the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana and New Industries, LLC.