Thibodaux, LA – Nicholls State University will host its third Tauzin-Bollinger Leadership Forum on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6 p.m. in Powell Hall’s Gros Auditorium. The forum, organized by the MBA Department, will feature a discussion on the crucial role of politics in business decisions. The event is open to students, business leaders, and community partners.
Forum Discussion: Politics and Business
This year’s forum will bring together experts from political analysis, corporate leadership, and design strategy to discuss how public policy, political dynamics, and regulatory environments influence business decisions at the local, national, and global levels.
Guest Speakers and Insights
The forum will feature Dr. Ron Faucheux, a respected political analyst, author, and pollster. Dr. Faucheux leads a research and polling firm that advises corporations, public officials, trade associations, and media organizations.
He is known for turning complex political data into actionable insights for decision-makers. Dr. Faucheux holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of New Orleans and a Juris Doctor from the LSU Law Center.
Joining him will be Christian Bergeron, Chief Operating Officer of COLAB, the region’s economic development organization. Bergeron will discuss how political decisions influence workforce development, entrepreneurship, and regional growth.
He will also offer advice for emerging leaders on navigating the intersection of business, policy, and economic development early in their careers. Bergeron holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center. He is also pursuing an MBA at Nicholls State University.
Moderator and Forum Goals
The discussion will be moderated by Matthew Newchurch, the President, CEO, and Partner at DDG, and current President of the South Central Industrial Association. Newchurch, with extensive experience in business leadership, will guide the conversation with insights from various industries.
Dr. Marilyn Macik-Frey, Dean of the Al Danos College of Business at Nicholls, said, “In today’s environment, business leaders cannot afford to separate strategy from public policy. This forum offers a rare opportunity to hear from experts about how political forces shape markets, organizations, and decision-making. It reflects our commitment to preparing agile leaders.”
