Leadership
The Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (LACDL) is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Board of Directors slate, including two officer positions: Secretary and Treasurer. Our Board of Directors meets quarterly (with both in-person and virtual options) to guide the mission and growth of the organization, while Officers meet monthly to oversee ongoing operations between board meetings. You may nominate yourself or a fellow member who would be a great fit for leadership.
LACDL's committee structure uses a 3-chair system to divide responsibilities and make leadership accessible and sustainable. The level of activity varies by committee. There's a place for every level of engagement. Find out more about our committees here.
Interested in getting involved or know someone who should?
- Join a committee: Sign up here.
- Lead as an Officer, Board Member, or Committee Chair: Complete the Nomination Form here.
Have questions before submitting? Reach out anytime at [email protected] or (225) 341-2573. We'd love to help you find your place in LACDL leadership.
Board of Directors
Committee Co-Chairs
| Amicus Committee | Death Penalty Committee | Education Committee |
| Lee Harville, E. King Alexander & Chris Murell | Nick Fiser, Rebecca Hudsmith, Bidish Sarma & Nick Trenticosta | Lacie Dauzat, Carol Kolinchak & Karl Ludwig |
| Federal Defense Committee | Lawyers' Assistance Committee | Legislative Committee |
| Cristi Gibbens, John McLindon & Chris Murell | Lester Gauthier, John Radziewicz & Clare Roubion | Meg Garvey, Daniel Ginnetty & Jeanna Wheat |
| Membership Committee | Public Defense Committee | Strategic Planning Committee |
| Cecelia Kappel, Christen DeNicholas, Harry Daniels & Jack Harrison | Rhonda Covington, Beth Warner & Ralph Williams | Jim Boren, Meg Garvey & Walt Sanchez |
| Youth Defense Committee | ||
| Carol Kolinchak, Lakita Leonard & Hannah Van De Car |
Executive Director
Jamee Blink
(225) 341-2573 | [email protected]
Past Presidents
| 1985-86 | Julian R. Murray, Jr. | 2007 | John E. DiGiulio |
| 1987-89 | Thomas E. Guilbeau | 2008 | Elton B. Richey, Jr. |
| 1989-90 | J. Michael Small | 2009 | Rick Schroeder |
| 1990-91 | James E. Boren | 2010 | Michael A. Mitchell |
| 1991-92 | Thomas L. Lorenzi | 2011 | Paul Fleming, Jr |
| 1993 | Rebecca L. Hudsmith | 2012 | Bob Noel, II |
| 1994 | Arthur A. Lemann, III | 2013 | Richard Goorley |
| 1995 | Henry C. Walker | 2014 | Robert S. Toale |
| 1996 | John F. LaVern | 2015 | Brett Brunson |
| 1997 | Michael S. Walsh | 2016 | Harold Murry |
| 1998 | Walter M. Sanchez | 2017 | Kyla Blanchard-Romanach |
| 1999 | Hon. Tony Marabella | 2018 | Franz Borghardt |
| 2000 | William E. Rittenberg | 2019 | Harry L. Daniels III |
| 2001 | Phyllis E. Mann | 2020 | Lindsay Blouin |
| 2002 | Hon. Laurie White | 2021 | Christie S. Smith |
| 2003 | Addison K. Goff, IV | 2022 | Avery Pardee |
| 2004 | Hon. Ron Ware | 2023 | Meghan Garvey |
| 2005 | David W. Price | 2024 | E. King Alexander |
| 2006 | John P. Calmes, Jr. | 2025 | Jim Boren |
