2019 Livingston Future 5 Named at Livingston Young Professionals Annual Meeting

The Livingston Future 5 were announced on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at the Livingston Young Professionals Annual Meeting. Jamie Seal was selected as the LYP member of the year for his contributions to the program’s success. Also on the agenda were Assistant Superintendent, Jody Purvis and The Livingston Parish News Publisher and Managing Editor, McHugh David. 
 
David spoke to the attendees about overcoming challenges in one’s career. He shared how The Livingston Parish News survived the 2016 flood amid significant personal challenges. “You learn to dig deep. Your first reaction will be emotional.” Within a 7-month period, McHugh endured the loss of both his father, Jeff David, and his mentor, Mike Dowty, and the flooding of his home as well as his newly acquired family business. He drew a parallel between his personal tribulations and professional obstacles, “the best lessons in life are failures. You have to persevere.”
 
Purvis encouraged the young professionals in attendance to step out of their comfort zone and not be afraid to take risks. “You have to be able to differentiate yourself from other professionals. Put in extra time and stay dedicated. Never pass up opportunities. Risks will pay off.” He also credits the naysayers throughout his career as the motivation behind his endurance, “I’ve been told, ‘You’re too young. Your time will come.’ I used that as fuel. You have to put yourself out there and be your own advocate.”
 
During the event, leadership of Livingston Young Professionals transitioned from outgoing chair, Kevin Foster to the 2019-20 Chair, Ross Kinchen. Foster carried on a tradition started by former LYP Chair Jamie Seal and presented Kinchen with bedazzled sneakers, symbolizing the “big shoes” he will fill as the LYP Chair.
 
Winners of the Livingston Future 5 include Jamie Felder of the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ashley Freeman of the Town of Albany, Blake Harris of Boyer, Hebert, Ables & Angelle, Nikki Lavergne of the Livingston Parish School System and Kacie Stewart of Stewart Family Medicine.
 
“We have recognized exceptional young professionals from both the public and private sectors as well as from all corners of the parish,” said April Wehrs, Chamber CEO. “It’s a goal of the Chamber to engage the entire parish and we know how interdependent private and public entities are in a thriving community.”
 
About Livingston Young Professionals:  Livingston Young Professionals (LYP) is a program of the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce.  LYP was formed in 2015 for young professionals living, working or volunteering in Livingston Parish. LYP offers opportunities for professionals ages 21-40. 
 
About the Chamber: The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce is the largest and longest-standing business organization in Livingston Parish. We represent the business community and coordinate community initiatives and programs which make Livingston Parish better. The chamber is 501C6 nonprofit association serving Livingston Parish and each of its municipalities and communities.