Second Harvest Food Bank recently announced the appointment of eight new members to its Board of Directors, including Katherine Bourg, a respected community leader. Bourg, who has deep ties to the Houma-Thibodaux area, will continue serving on the organization’s Bayou Advisory Committee to help strengthen food access across the region.
Addressing Food Insecurity in the Bayou Region
Over 43,000 people in the Bayou region face food insecurity, and the region’s vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding makes ensuring reliable access to food a year-round priority. Katherine Bourg’s appointment is part of Second Harvest Food Bank’s continued investment in the Bayou region. This includes the development of the Bayou Distribution Center, aimed at improving local access and enhancing disaster response efforts.
Meet the New Board Members
The new board members bring decades of experience in governance, investment strategy, corporate leadership, philanthropy, and community engagement. The full list includes:
- Allison Shapiro Dandry – Founder and Executive Director, Shapiro Family Foundation, New Orleans
- Larry Merington – President and CEO, Veneration Holdings LLC, Metairie
- Octave J. Francis III – Managing Director and Senior Vice President, FFC Investment Advisors of Raymond James, New Orleans
- Thomas G. Krentel – Owner, Krentel Management Services, New Orleans
- Senator Mike Michot – Partner, The Picard Group, Lafayette
- Charles J. Boudreaux Jr. – Partner, Kean Miller, Lafayette
- Katherine Bourg – Community Leader, Houma
- Scot Tyler – General Manager, Phillips 66 Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex, Lake Charles
These leaders will help guide strategic decisions, strengthen partnerships, and ensure effective stewardship of the organization’s resources.
Katherine Bourg’s Continued Commitment to the Bayou Region
Katherine Bourg’s appointment reflects her strong commitment to her community. As a longtime advocate in the Houma-Thibodaux area, she brings firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing families in South Louisiana, especially in coastal regions. Her work focuses on improving resilience for children, families, and seniors, making her an essential voice on the Bayou Advisory Committee.
Bill Hoffman, Board Chair of Second Harvest Food Bank, expressed his gratitude for the new board members:
“We are grateful to all eight new board members, and especially to Katherine for bringing her deep community ties in the Houma-Thibodaux area to this work. The Bayou region remains a priority for our organization, and her leadership strengthens our connection to the communities we serve there.”
Building Stronger Local Leadership
The ongoing development of the Bayou Distribution Center requires strong local leadership, and Katherine’s knowledge of the Bayou Parishes makes her a valuable asset in this effort.
Jon Toups, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank, shared his thoughts:
“As we continue building out the Bayou Distribution Center, strong local leadership is essential. Katherine’s knowledge of the Bayou Parishes and her ongoing advisory service position her as an important voice in that effort.”
Join the Effort to End Hunger
Through partnerships with local food pantries, meal programs, community supporters, and volunteers, Second Harvest Food Bank is working to ensure that every person across South Louisiana has access to the food and resources they need to thrive.
To learn more or to support the mission to end hunger, visit no-hunger.org.
