Meet the 2027 Honorees
Get to know the remarkable Louisianians being honored for their accomplishments, leadership and contributions to our state.
Cindy Courville
An Opelousas native, Ambassador Cindy Courville made history as the first U.S. Ambassador to the African Union. Throughout her distinguished career, she has held senior leadership roles with the National Security Council, the Defense Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Department of Defense, helping shape U.S. policy and strengthen diplomatic relations across Africa.
An Opelousas native, Ambassador Cindy Courville made history as the first U.S. Ambassador to the African Union. Throughout her distinguished career, she has held senior leadership roles with the National Security Council, the Defense Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Department of Defense, helping shape U.S. policy and strengthen diplomatic relations across Africa.
Monty Chicola
A visionary Alexandria entrepreneur and founder of Real Vision Software, an IBM Business Partner at the forefront of document-management solutions enhanced by artificial intelligence. His pioneering work continues to advance emerging technologies, inspire future innovators and shape the expanding role of AI in business and industry.
A visionary Alexandria entrepreneur and founder of Real Vision Software, an IBM Business Partner at the forefront of document-management solutions enhanced by artificial intelligence. His pioneering work continues to advance emerging technologies, inspire future innovators and shape the expanding role of AI in business and industry.
Cleve Francis
Jennings native Dr. Cleve Francis is a renowned cardiologist, country music artist and trailblazer whose remarkable career spans medicine and music. The first Black cardiologist in the Inova Health System, he also gained national recognition as a recording artist and Grand Ole Opry performer, breaking barriers and championing greater representation in both fields.
Jennings native Dr. Cleve Francis is a renowned cardiologist, country music artist and trailblazer whose remarkable career spans medicine and music. The first Black cardiologist in the Inova Health System, he also gained national recognition as a recording artist and Grand Ole Opry performer, breaking barriers and championing greater representation in both fields.
Houston Energy and Founders Billy Harrison and Ron Neal
LSU alumni Billy Harrison and Ron Neal co-founded Houston Energy in 1988, transforming their entrepreneurial vision into one of the nation’s most respected independent oil and gas exploration companies. Through decades of leadership, innovation and industry expertise, they have made a lasting impact on energy exploration along the Gulf Coast while remaining deeply committed to supporting LSU and strengthening opportunities for future generations.
LSU alumni Billy Harrison and Ron Neal co-founded Houston Energy in 1988, transforming their entrepreneurial vision into one of the nation’s most respected independent oil and gas exploration companies. Through decades of leadership, innovation and industry expertise, they have made a lasting impact on energy exploration along the Gulf Coast while remaining deeply committed to supporting LSU and strengthening opportunities for future generations.
Jack Marucci
Jack Marucci is a nationally respected athletic trainer, sports performance innovator and founder of Marucci Sports, one of baseball’s leading equipment brands. After serving 25 years as LSU’s Director of Athletic Training, he was named Director of Performance Innovation in 2021 and entered his 31st year with LSU Athletics in 2026–27.
Jack Marucci is a nationally respected athletic trainer, sports performance innovator and founder of Marucci Sports, one of baseball’s leading equipment brands. After serving 25 years as LSU’s Director of Athletic Training, he was named Director of Performance Innovation in 2021 and entered his 31st year with LSU Athletics in 2026–27.