Katrena King Announced as Executive Director of Leadership Institute of Acadiana

by | Dec 7, 2021 | Uncategorized

LAFAYETTE – The Leadership Institute of Acadiana (LIA), a non-profit that runs Leadership Lafayette and other leadership programs, announced today the appointment of Katrena King as Executive Director.

King will oversee and manage processes, programs, and resources to support the mission of convening, building, and activating leaders to build and strengthen their communities. She will also continue the partnership between LIA and One Acadiana (1A) to leverage the resources of the two organizations.

Katrena King, a graduate of Leadership Lafayette Class XXXIV, has spent the last few years working to build community in the city of Lafayette and the Acadiana region. Her experiences as a lawyer and her passion for people instilled in her a willingness to work through complex community issues. As the daughter of a Methodist minister, Katrena spent her childhood moving around the state of Louisiana which heavily influenced her personal mission of working to make the state a better place for all its people. Katrena holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of New Orleans, a JD from Southern University Law Center, and is currently pursuing deacon studies at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. As an alumna, Katrena continues to give back to the law center as an adjunct professor.

“I love people, meeting them where they are, and challenging them to become better versions of themselves,” said King. “I’m thrilled for the opportunity to focus on building strong leaders who will in-turn build a stronger community.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Katrena King as Executive Director of Leadership Institute of Acadiana,” said Taniecea Mallery, 2021 Board Chair, Leadership Institute of Acadiana. “Her thoughtful approach and connections to the Acadiana community will be valuable in achieving the mission of LIA and growing the organization to new heights.”

“After a long search, we are thrilled to have Katrena join LIA as Executive Director,” said Will Kellner, Incoming Board Chair, Leadership Institute of Acadiana. “All of us on the Board are excited for her tenure and ready to help the organization move onto this new chapter.”

1A President and CEO Troy Wayman adds, “On behalf of the LIA board and 1A, I would like to thank Jan Swift for her willingness and ability to serve as Interim Executive Director. The board is truly grateful for her leadership and dedication. We now look forward to working alongside Katrena as she steps into this pivotal role and advances LIA’s dynamic suite of programs.”

Since 1987, Leadership Lafayette has helped to enhance the skills, knowledge and personal awareness of our community leaders to build a coalition of supportive networks that affect positive change for the Acadiana region. As Leadership Institute of Acadiana’s flagship program, Leadership Lafayette is designed to equip and activate informed leaders through a broader awareness and appreciation of the region in which they live, work and play.

For more information, contact Katrena King at Info@LeadAcadiana.org

###