STRONGER Together
About Leadership Terrebonne
Stronger
Together
In 1992, a small group of local business and community leaders discussed the possibility of creating a program that would inform Terrebonne Parish residents of issues facing the area with the hope that these participants would then become more active contributors to and leaders in the parish. This was the birth of the Leadership Terrebonne program.
Today, as many as 30 community residents a year participate in the 10-month program designed to promote the development of community leaders by providing participants from diverse backgrounds with an understanding of the problems, opportunities, and issues facing the community. Led by a professional facilitator, participants learn about featured topics from decision-makers and agency representatives who are considered local experts during day-long sessions each month.
This includes presentations by local elected officials, the parish school superintendent, sheriff, hospital administrators, and business owners, as well as recognized speakers who each year, provides an in-depth look at the state and local economy and their predictions for the future of Terrebonne Parish.
Karen O. Schilling
Executive Director
Karen Schilling, LT Class of ’93, has led Leadership Terrebonne for over 20 years. Karen, a native of Terrebonne Parish and a graduate of LSU, is a licensed clinical social worker, retired and enjoying that very much. During her social work practice, led many groups and facilitated many discussions on various topics, including diversity, crisis intervention training for law enforcement officers and first responders, suicide, and a host of other mental health-related topics.
When not planning, leading and thinking, Leadership Terrebonne, Karen is actively involved in activities at Maria Immacolata Church and the National Association of Social Workers. She is enthusiastic about downtown revitalization and Moving Terrebonne Forward. She serves on the Houma Downtown Development Corporation, the START Board of Directors and is Vice President of the Terrebonne Garden Club. Karen is a 2023 graduate of Leadership Louisiana. She enjoys traveling, getting at least 5 days of measurable exercise in each week and a host of other creative outlets.
Karen’s favorite colors – purple and gold, are worn as often as possible but definitely in Tiger Stadium or at The Box. Karen dreams of one day catching a foul ball at The Box or the CWS, but now, mostly relies on her son to shield her when one comes near! GEAUX TIGERS!