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
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.
Vice President (President Elect)
Brooke Chelette is a Recruiter and Training Facilitator at Red River Bank, supporting hiring and training programs statewide. An alumna of Northwestern State University, she is active in professional and community organizations in Central Louisiana, where she lives with her husband and children. Brooke values family, faith, and service, and aims to make a positive impact both personally and professionally.
Secretary
Emily McGruder is the President and CEO of the Central Louisiana Community Foundation, where she leads philanthropic efforts that strengthen nonprofits and improve quality of life across the region’s 12 parishes. Emily is passionate about connecting donors to causes that create lasting change and helping organizations build sustainable futures. A proud military spouse and bonus mom, Emily is deeply committed to service both personally and professionally, and when she’s not working, she can often be found spending time with her two golden retrievers, Butter and Biscuit.
Treasurer
Ethan is the Director of the Office of First Year Experience at LSUA. Originally from Concordia Parish, he’s proudly called CenLa home for more than 15 years. A graduate of LSUA (B.S., 2014) and LSU (M.A., 2017), Ethan stays involved through local leadership efforts like YPG (including previously serving as Annual Events Chair), multiple community boards, and by serving on regional and national committees in higher education. He loves connecting with the people and organizations that keep CenLa moving forward.
membership co-chair
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.
small events 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.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Born in Mamou, Jamie’s family relocated to Central Louisiana during her early childhood. She is an alumna of Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA) and Louisiana Notary Public. Her love for people propels her commitment to community service. Jamie resides in Pineville, Louisiana, with her fiancé, stepson, and dachshund. Her personal interests include attending social events, car meets, enjoying coffee, and riding her four wheeler.
member at large
I am a native of Larto Lake, LA and a graduate from Louisiana Tech University in Human Resource Management. I am the Talent Development & Collegiate Specialist for Crest Industries, where I get to support Cenla by encouraging college students to come and work for one of the many great companies in our region & assist in developing the talent we have here already. My hobbies are learning & playing any form of game (Sports, card, or video game), visiting with family, and spending relaxing weekends at home or on the town with my wife and dog.
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.
marketing chair
Katie Campbell is a Bunkie, Louisiana native & the Marketing Department Manager at Kinetix, where she has spent the past six years leading strategy & growth initiatives. She also serves on the board of the YWCA & AMGA. Outside of work, Katie enjoys sunny afternoons on the patio with her husband & her goldendoodle, Ozzy.
