BATON ROUGE, La. – Jason D. Smith, president and CEO of Bonvenu Bank in Bossier City, has been named Chairman-Elect of the Louisiana Bankers Association (LBA) for the 2025-2026 term. Smith’s selection was announced during the LBA’s 125th Annual Convention and Exposition held in Baton Rouge.
Smith will serve alongside newly installed LBA Chairman Michael R. Vizard, chairman and CEO of Cross Keys Bank in St. Joseph. Vizard succeeds outgoing chairman Brian North of Fifth District Savings Bank in New Orleans, who will remain on the board as immediate past chairman.
Smith’s appointment highlights a strong local presence in the leadership of Louisiana’s statewide banking organization. Under his leadership, Bonvenu Bank has become one of the region’s most trusted financial institutions, noted for its commitment to customer service, innovation, and community engagement.
Other newly elected officers include:
- Treasurer: H. Brooks Lewis, president and CEO of Citizens Bank and Trust Company in Plaquemine
New regional directors joining the LBA Board this year are:
- Acadiana Region: Joseph Zanco, Catalyst Bank, Opelousas
- Capitol Region: Benjamin Cavin, Landmark Bank, Clinton
- Central Region: John Ackel, City Bank & Trust, Natchitoches
- Southwest Region: Troy Kibodeaux, Farmers State Bank & Trust, Church Point
Returning board members include:
- Howard Dee Smith (Northeast Region), WSB, Winnsboro
- Kyle D. Kennington (Northwest Region), Community Bank of Louisiana, Stonewall
- Ronald J. Falgoust (South Central Region), First American Bank, Vacherie
- Jeff Ehlinger (Southeast Region), BankPlus, New Orleans
- Todd McDonald (Southeast Region), Liberty Bank & Trust, New Orleans
- Shively Verrette (At-Large Member), Lakeside Bank, Lake Charles
- Ginger Laurent (CEO), Louisiana Bankers Association, Baton Rouge
About the Louisiana Bankers Association
Founded in 1900, the LBA represents banks across the state by providing advocacy, professional development, and member services. The organization plays a critical role in shaping the state’s financial landscape and ensuring the strength and integrity of Louisiana’s banking industry. Learn more at www.lba.org.