Dean Day, center director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at McNeese State University, received the 2026 Louisiana SBDC State Star Award. This award is a significant national honor within the America’s Small Business Development Center network. State directors select one SBDC professional annually for exceptional performance, leadership, and impact in supporting small businesses.
In 2025, Day facilitated the launch of 30 businesses, contributing to the creation of 98 jobs and the retention of 43 jobs in Southwest Louisiana. He also assisted clients in obtaining $4.3 million in capital and supported $3.1 million in sales growth. Bryan Greenwood, state director of the Louisiana SBDC network, nominated Day for the award. Day joined the LSBDC at McNeese in 2022 and was promoted to center director in 2026, after receiving the LSBDC network’s Rising Star Award in 2024.
The LNG Center of Excellence Welcomes New Director
Mark Peters has been appointed director of operations for The LNG Center of Excellence at McNeese State University. Dr. Michael Buckles, provost and vice president for academic affairs, announced the appointment. The center aims to be a collaborative space for education, industry, government, and community engagement on LNG-related topics. Peters brings extensive experience in chemical manufacturing, holding a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Mississippi State University. His career includes roles at Dow Chemical, Orion Engineered Carbons, Lotte Chemical, and Westlake Corp., where he served as a production engineer, business manufacturing director, chemical engineer, plant manager, and senior executive over 38 years.
Visit Lake Charles Recognizes Communications Director
Candy Rodriguez, Director of Communications for Visit Lake Charles, has been named the 2026 Rising Star Award recipient by the Southeast Tourism Society. This award honors emerging travel and tourism professionals for their leadership, creativity, and industry contributions. Rodriguez joined Visit Lake Charles in September 2023 and has been instrumental in enhancing the organization’s communications through media relations, community engagement, and bilingual outreach. Her work on initiatives like Just Imagine SWLA, Chuck Eats Restaurant Week, and the Spanish-language podcast “Visita Lake Charles: Las Voces de Luisiana” has significantly amplified the organization’s reach. Just Imagine SWLA garnered over 1.07 million views and impressions in 2025, while Chuck Eats highlighted numerous local restaurants. The podcast offers a new avenue for connecting with Spanish-speaking audiences.
Catalyst Bank Adds Commercial Relationship Manager
Tyler Richard has joined Catalyst Bank as a commercial relationship manager in its Lake Charles market. A native of Southwest Louisiana, Richard possesses nearly a decade of commercial banking experience, beginning his career in 2017. He specializes in commercial real estate lending, commercial and industrial lending, accounts receivable lines, and equipment financing. Richard focuses on understanding businesses thoroughly to tailor financial solutions. He is active in the Lake Charles community, serving as a member of the Greater Lake Charles Rotary Club and a board member of the Literacy Council of Southwest Louisiana. He is also a graduate of Leadership Southwest.
New Marketing Director at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital
Demi Neely has been appointed director of marketing, foundation, and community impact at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Neely brings a diverse background in health care operations and relationship development. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from McNeese State University and emphasizes the importance of strong connections between healthcare organizations, providers, and their communities.
