The Gateway to South Louisiana
Jan Risher has spent much of her life collecting stories and helping the rest of us recognize the extraordinary moments hiding in ordinary experiences. An award-winning journalist, author and longtime columnist, Jan serves as Louisiana culture editor for The Advocate, The Times-Picayune/ and The Acadiana Advocate. She also edits Louisiana Inspired, a publication celebrating people […]
After 31 years serving as a Lafayette City Court judge, Judge Douglas “Doug” Saloom is preparing to retire at the end of 2026, closing a remarkable chapter in Lafayette’s judicial history. Between Doug and his father, the late Judge Kaliste Saloom Jr., the Saloom family has served on the Lafayette City Court bench for more […]
Robert Schacht has lived a life that bridges seemingly different worlds: Hollywood filmmaking, aerospace and defense manufacturing, international trade, and classical music. Today, as Chairman and CEO of Westfield Fluid Controls and Westfield Hydraulics, he is building a sophisticated manufacturing operation in Lafayette, Louisiana, while also serving as Chair of the Board of the Acadiana […]
When JP MacFadyen first joined Discover Lafayette in 2022, Moncus Park was still in the early stages of becoming the extraordinary public gathering place envisioned by a group of determined Lafayette citizens nearly two decades earlier. Today, the 100-acre park in the heart of Lafayette has blossomed into one of Acadiana’s most treasured destinations, offering […]
George Marks, Director of International Trade and Cultural Development for Lafayette Consolidated Government, joined Discover Lafayette to discuss his vision for connecting Lafayette to the world by building upon one of our region’s greatest assets: our culture. George stepped into his new role in April 2026, but in many ways, he has been preparing for […]