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 Schiling, Leadership Terrebonne Graduate (Class of ’93), has facilitated Leadership Terrebonne for 18 years. Karen is a native of Houma and a graduate of LSU. She has worked most of her professional life as a licensed clinical social worker in behavioral health and adoptions. Within her role as a social worker, Karen has led many groups and facilitated discussions on various topics, including diversity, crisis intervention training for law enforcement officers and first responders, applied suicide intervention skills training, and a host of other mental health-related topics.
Outside of work and Leadership Terrebonne, Karren is actively at Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne, Maria Immacolata Church, the National Association of Social Workers, The American Cancer Society, and the NOSOTROS Cancer Support Group. Karen’s favorite colors are purple and gold, and she wears them every chance she gets. After retirement, Karen plans to catch foul balls and celebrate the return of Gorilla ball at Alex Box Stadium. “Geaux Tigers!”