About Us
YPG of Cenla
Who We Are
About Us
The Young Professionals Group of Central Louisiana is a motivated, educated and community-conscious group of individuals. By connecting diverse young professionals across the area, we create a force that will both strengthen and grow Central Louisiana.
YPG of Cenla
What’s in your future? Find out how to navigate the various opportunities and transitions you’ll face as a young professional and how to reach your professional goals. Make sure you get the most from your YPG Membership.
Board Members
president
Chris is a Wealth Management Advisor at Oestriecher Financial Management Services. He joined OFMS in January of 2023 after spending five years as a Financial Consultant for an independent firm, and two years as a Pharmaceutical Sales representative. Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Louisiana College in 2016. He is active in the Rotary Club of Alexandria, and he, his wife Kira, and daughter Adeline are active members of Kingsville Baptist Church.
Vice President (President Elect)
Bianca is a Louisiana native with a passion for connecting people with solutions and developing creative strategies for improving customer relationships. After graduating from Bolton High School in Alexandria, she studied business at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and earned her degree in 2009.
Secretary
Britni is the Communications Coordinator for Louisiana Central, the economic development organization for the 10-parish region of Central Louisiana. She is a proud Central Louisiana native, wife, and mother of three who is actively involved in her community after moving back from Alberta, Canada.
Treasurer
Annie Johnson Salazar, MHS, PLPC, NCC is a children’s trauma therapist at the Children’s Advocacy Network. She is an Alexandria native and is excited to be back working in her hometown. She graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, LA. She enjoys spending time with her friends, family, cat, and her foster fail of a puppy.
membership chair
Emily is the President and CEO of Central Louisiana Community Foundation.
marketing chair
Lily is a Marketing Coordinator at Ugly Mug Marketing in downtown Alexandria. She is 2017 ASH alumna where she is currently the assistance powerlifting coach. Being a 2x Regional, State, and National Powerlifting Champion, a 2x Team USA World Team member, and Gold Medalist in Canada, she enjoys giving back to a program that gave so much to her.
small events chair
Keisha Hamilton is a Program Coordinator at Louisiana Central where she is responsible for workforce programs and other special initiatives. She is focused on regional workforce development efforts, including the coordination of Louisiana Central’s ACT Work Ready Communities initiatives and other projects connecting area employers and training and educational providers.
Annual Events Chair
Ethan is Director of the Office of First Year Experience at LSUA. Originally from Concordia Parish, Ethan has made CenLa home after graduating from LSUA (B.S. 2014) and LSU (M.A. 2017). He loves his community and working with the people that make CenLa great through multiple organizations.
volunteerism chair
Born in Mamou, Jamie’s family relocated to Central Louisiana during her early childhood. An alumna of Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA), she earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a concentration in Data Analytics and was an inducted member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. This educational foundation propelled her commitment to community service.
She has attained multiple certifications from the Louisiana Bankers Association and successfully passed the statewide notary public examination in 2019.
Jamie resides in Pineville, Louisiana, with her fiancé, stepson, and dachshund. Her personal interests include attending social events, enjoying coffee, and tending to her chickens.
member at large
Sarah is the Communications & Sustainability Manager at Crest Industries in Pineville, Louisiana. Born and raised in Alexandria, Sarah graduated from the Manship School of Mass Communication at LSU in 2020. She now lives in Pineville and dotes on her nephews and niece.
member at large
Frank E. Burns Jr. is the Vice President of Physician Practice Operations for CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic for the Central Louisiana ministry. Frank is an experienced healthcare professional with knowledge of physician practice and facilities management. He received his Bachelor’s in Public Health from Austin Peay State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and his Executive Master in Healthcare Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He will be attending the Virginia University of Lynchburg in the fall to obtain his Doctoral degree in Healthcare Leadership. Frank oversees the administrative and operational aspects of the Christus Trinity Clinic in the Central Louisiana region, serving over 25,000 patients annually. Frank is a native of Knoxville, TN, and enjoys nature, art, and good ole southern cooking.
MEMBER AT LARGE
Connor is a native of Fairhope, Alabama, and is currently an Economic Development Project Manager at Cleco. He graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2021 with a degree in Communication and Media Studies, and he’s excited to play a part in building the central Louisiana community through his work and with YPG.
