Let the Drum Roll!
Chambers heads to Broadway; Willard to lead House Democrats; One vote secures Henry Whitehorn’s sheriff victory; and Dr. Yvens Laborde named chief community medical officer
Shreveport native Max Chambers debuts on Broadway
Shreveport native Max Chambers is making his Broadway debut this month as Little Michael in MJ the Musical.
In April, the Caddo Middle Magnet student won both “Best in Show” and “People’s Choice” for the 2023 Artbreak’s Got Talent competition. He performed “Who’s Loving You” by the Jackson 5.
After three auditions, Chambers was cast to embody his musical inspiration, Michael Jackson. "It feels like I am a part of his legacy," said the 12-year-old.
Rep. Matthew Willard to lead House Democrats
Louisiana House Democrats named Rep. Matthew Willard of New Orleans as the caucus chair for the new legislative term.
Serving as vice chair will be Rep. Marcus Bryant, D-New Iberia. Rep. Aimee Freeman, D-New Orleans, will be treasurer and Rep. Adrian Fisher, D-Monroe, will be whip.
Elected in 2019, Willard sits on the insurance committee; municipal, parochial and cultural affairs xommittee; ways and means committee; and the joint legislative committee on capital outlay. Last session, Willard authored 17 bills and seven were signed by Gov. John bel Edwards.
One vote secures Henry Whitehorn’s sheriff victory
In a definitive conclusion to the closely watched recount in the Caddo Sheriff’s race, Henry Whitehorn has been confirmed as the winner, reports The Shreveport Sun.
This confirmation solidifies Whitehorn’s position as the successor to Sheriff Steve Prator, marking a significant transition in Caddo’s law enforcement leadership.
The recount, which scrutinized over 7,700 absentee ballots amid a razor-thin margin, ultimately upheld Whitehorn’s one vote victory. (Read @shreveportsun for more.)
Dr. Yvens Laborde named chief community medical officer
Yvens Laborde, MD, has been named chief community medical officer for the Ochsner Health medical system. In this new role, Dr. Laborde is driving Ochsner’s comprehensive community strategy to promote health equity and further align initiatives under Healthy State, a collaborative effort with government, non-profit and business organizations to promote health and wellness in Louisiana.
Laborde will deepen his work with Ochsner’s community outreach and community health partners to develop and implement programs focused on improving health and wellness in local communities. He will also develop programs to train and educate students and healthcare professionals on the principles and practices of health equity and social drivers of health and wellness.
Since joining the health system in 1995 as an internal medicine physician, Laborde served as the medical director of global and community health and led local, regional and global efforts focused on improving health outcomes around the world. He served as physician advisor during Hurricane Ida emergency response efforts; supported the Community Health Needs Assessment; led humanitarian relief efforts following devastating natural events in Haiti, Dominican Republic and Bahamas; and orchestrated outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic to reinforce equitable vaccine and testing in the community