Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business
Published 4:01 am Sunday, October 12, 2025
Gaspard named accessibility services director
Christina Gaspard is the new director of the Office of Accessibility Services at McNeese State University.
The Office of Accessibility Services provides academic support services and accommodations for McNeese students who have documented disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Gaspard earned a bachelor’s degree from McNeese and a master’s degree in special education from Lamar University and is a Nationally Certified Educational Diagnostician.
Gaspard said the office is committed to removing barriers and providing necessary accommodations and resources to help students succeed, develop essential skills and become self-advocates.
The office offers services such as monitored testing, interpreters and note-takers for students who qualify for these academic adjustments.
Students can call 337-375-5916, email accessibility@mcneese.edu or visit mcneese.edu/oas/.
Bush tapped as STS vice chair
Timothy Bush, chief marketing officer at Visit Lake Charles, has been elected vice chair of the Southeast Tourism Society Executive Committee for 2025-2026. STS is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to advancing travel and tourism professionals and organizations across the southeastern United States.
Bush has been involved with STS for more than a decade. Last year, he served as secretary of the executive committee. He was first appointed to the STS board in 2016, serving until 2020, and was reappointed in 2022.
Since 2019, Bush has chaired the STS Recognition Committee, which focuses on developing quality recognition programs designed to highlight the work of the STS members. Since 2022, Bush has been the moderator and organizer of the Shining Innovation session during the Connections conference. The session showcases outstanding marketing initiatives across the Southeast, highlighting both award recipients and other noteworthy campaigns that drive meaningful visitor impact in their communities.
He is also a graduate of STS Marketing College, earning his Travel Marketing Professional certification in 2009.
Savoy named to state board
Rush Funeral Homes and Crematory President and CEO Kelly Rush Savoy of Oakdale has been appointed by Gov. Jeff Landry to serve on the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.
The board oversees licensing requirements for individuals engaged in the care and disposition of the deceased, offering internship guidelines and information on licensing for various roles within the funeral industry.