Bridging the Bayou - the Podcast of Fletcher Technical Community College

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Ryan Hebert, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), to discuss his journey into healthcare, leadership, and the work CIS is doing to advance cardiovascular care in the Bayou Region.

Ryan reflects on the chance encounter that helped launch his career, the mentors who shaped his path, and his journey from working in cardiovascular care to leading CIS. Together, they discuss innovation in cardiovascular medicine, expanding access to care in rural communities, the importance of prevention, and the partnership between CIS and Fletcher to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Fletcher Technical Community College – https://www.fletcher.edu

Cardiovascular Institute of the South – https://www.cardio.com

Cardiovascular Logistics – https://www.cardiovascularlogistics.com

Follow Your Inspiration (corporate) – Music by ArtIssizm on Pixabay

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Jerry Ledet, President and CEO of Synergy Bank, to discuss leadership, community banking, and his commitment to serving the Bayou Region.

Jerry reflects on his journey into banking, the risk he took to help launch Synergy Bank, and the culture of service that continues to guide the organization. Together, they discuss the importance of relationship banking, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, investing in education, and building strong community partnerships that help move our region forward.

Fletcher Technical Community College – https://www.fletcher.edu

Synergy Bank – https://www.synergybank.com

U.S. Small Business Administration – https://www.sba.gov

Louisiana Economic Development – https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov

South Central Planning and Development Commission – https://www.scpdc.org

Terrebonne Economic Development Authority – https://www.tpeda.org

Follow Your Inspiration (corporate) – Music by ArtIssizm on Pixabay

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with former Louisiana State Senator Bret Allain, a longtime farmer, businessman, public servant, and supporter of Fletcher Technical Community College.

Bret reflects on his connection to Fletcher, his time in public service, and the experiences that shaped his commitment to education and South Louisiana. Together, they discuss the opportunities ahead for agriculture, workforce development, and rural communities, as well as what continues to give him hope for Louisiana’s future.

Fletcher Technical Community College – https://www.fletcher.edu

Louisiana State Legislature – https://www.legis.la.gov

Morgan Plus 8 – https://morgan-motor.com/models/past-models/plus-8/

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In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Chancellor Dr. Kristine Strickland sits down with Mike Duplantis, factory manager at John Deere Thibodaux and vice chair of the Fletcher Foundation.

Mike discusses his journey into leadership, the equipment manufactured right here in South Louisiana and the changing landscape of the region’s sugarcane industry. They also explore how automation is transforming manufacturing, how Fletcher and John Deere are creating pathways from the classroom to the workforce and why investing in local students is essential to the future of the Bayou Region.

John Deere - https://www.deere.com

John Deere Careers - https://jobs.deere.com

Fletcher Technical Community College - https://www.fletcher.edu

Fletcher Welding Program - https://www.fletcher.edu/programs/technical-education/welding

Fletcher Energy and Advanced Technologies Programs - https://www.fletcher.edu/programs/technical-education

Fletcher Foundation - https://www.fletcher.edu/about-us/fletcher-foundation

Support the Fletcher Foundation - https://www.fletcher.edu/about-us/ways-to-give

The flower talked about during this episode was an Orchid!

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In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Mark Danos, CEO of the Danos Family Office and former chair of the Fletcher Foundation Board.

Mark shares the story of Danos’ growth from a small South Louisiana family business into a global energy services company while remaining grounded in its purpose, culture, and local roots. Together, they discuss intentional community investment through Seeds of Giving, Fletcher’s role in workforce development, the longstanding partnership between education and industry, and the future of energy and technology in our region. Mark also reflects on the life changing experience of spending a year with a nomadic tribe in northern Kenya and how it shaped his approach to leadership, service, and relationships.

Danos – https://www.danos.com

Seeds of Giving – https://www.theseedsofgiving.com

Fletcher Technical Community College – https://www.fletcher.edu

Follow Your Inspiration (corporate) – Music by ArtIssizm on Pixabay

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Brian Roberts, Executive Director and Chief Scientist of the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON).

Brian shares how LUMCON is advancing coastal and marine science through research, education, and partnerships across Louisiana. Together, they discuss protecting Louisiana's coast, inspiring the next generation of scientists, expanding opportunities through the Blue Works facility, and the importance of collaboration between education, industry, and the community. 

Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) - https://www.lumcon.edu

Fletcher Technical Community College - https://www.fletcher.edu

Follow Your Inspiration (corporate) – Music by ArtIssizm on Pixabay

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Mike Lewis, owner of Big Mike's BBQ Smokehouse.

From his early days in the restaurant industry to building one of the Bayou Region's most recognizable restaurant brands, Mike shares the story behind Big Mike's, the lessons he has learned through entrepreneurship, and the challenges he has overcome along the way. The conversation explores leadership, consistency, community involvement, and the vision behind Big Mike's newest restaurant project. Mike also discusses the importance of investing in local communities, supporting regional growth, and creating spaces where people can gather, connect, and feel at home.

Big Mike's BBQ Smokehouse - https://bigmikesbbq.com

Fletcher Technical Community College - https://www.fletcher.edu




Follow Your Inspiration (corporate) - Music by ArtIssizm on Pixabay

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Christy Zeringue, President and CEO of Colab.

From workforce development and economic growth to regional collaboration and community identity, Christy shares her perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping the Bayou Region. The conversation explores talent retention, industry expansion, quality of life, and the importance of creating a strong future for the communities that call South Louisiana home.

Colab - https://www.colabregional.com

 Louisiana Economic Development - https://www.opportunitylouisiana.com

 South Central Planning & Development Commission (SCPDC) - https://www.scpdc.org

Fletcher Technical Community College - https://www.fletcher.edu

Follow Your Inspiration (corporate) - Music by ArtIssizm on Pixabay

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Chancellor Kristine Strickland sits down with Nancy Clement, Dean of Energy and Advanced Technologies at Fletcher Technical Community College.

From unexpected career paths to the growing demand for skilled trades, Nancy shares her perspective on opportunity, workforce needs, and what it really takes to succeed in today’s job market.

Whether you're exploring your next step or just curious about the future of workforce training, this conversation offers insight into careers that are shaping our region.

ASE Education Foundation - https://www.aseeducationfoundation.org

Federal Aviation Administration - https://www.faa.gov

National Center for Construction Education and Research - https://www.nccer.org

Energy and Advanced Technologies - Fletcher.edu/E&AT

Follow Your Inspiration (corporate) - Music by ArtIssizm on Pixabay

In this episode of Bridging the Bayou, Dr. Kristine Strickland welcomes Hillary Charpentier, Executive Director of the South Central Industrial Association (SCIA), for a conversation on leadership, industry, and the evolving opportunities across the Bayou Region.

From an unexpected career path to a role at the center of regional collaboration, Hillary offers insight into the connections and conversations helping move South Louisiana forward. It’s a discussion about growth, impact, and what it takes to bring people and opportunity together.

South Central Industrial Association (SCIA): https://www.sciaonline.org

Nicholls State University (Chef John Folse Culinary Institute): https://www.nicholls.edu

Manufacturing Week (National Manufacturing Day Initiative): https://www.mfgday.com

Fletcher Technical Community College: https://www.fletcher.edu



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