Visit Lake Charles is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members to its board of directors.
Derrick Morris, representing the City of Lake Charles, is a longtime entrepreneur and media professional with deep ties to the region’s arts, entertainment, and cultural scene. As the founder of 3rd Coast Media, which includes 3rd Coast TV, 3rd Coast Radio, and the 3rd Coast Crunkfest Music Awards, Morris has spent decades promoting Southern music, culture, and creative industries. His work in media and entertainment has brought visibility to local artists and businesses. In addition, Morris has served on various community boards, including the Black Heritage Board, Maison Amie, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southwest Louisiana.
Jana Crain, representing Southwest Louisiana’s Arts and Humanities, brings a strong voice for the region’s creative community. A native of Lake Charles and graduate of McNeese State University, Crain holds degrees in criminal justice and paralegal studies and has worked as a litigation paralegal for 20 years. She currently serves as vice president of the Arts and Humanities Council, where she advocates for local artists, supports cultural programming, and helps expand access to the arts through grant initiatives and strategic partnerships. In 2020, Crain was recognized as a Thriving 30-Something for her leadership and volunteerism efforts throughout the community.
Janie Frugé, representing Chamber Southwest, serves as the chief executive officer of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, where she has worked for 28 years. Before assuming her current role in 2013, Fruge served as chief operating officer and chief nursing officer. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McNeese State University and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from the University of Phoenix. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Frugé is a dedicated leader in healthcare and community development and is actively involved in the Sulphur Rotary Club, United Way, and the Chamber Southwest Alliance Executive Board.
John Hamati, representing the Southwest Louisiana Lodging Association, brings more than 35 years of leadership in the resort and hospitality industry. As vice president of resort operations at Golden Nugget Lake Charles, Hamati draws on an extensive background that spans luxury hotels, mixed-use developments, and international resort properties. His career includes key roles with brands such as Hyatt, Marriott, Kimpton, and Aston, as well as international experience managing properties in the Caribbean, Panama, and Spain. A strong advocate for community involvement, Hamati has served on multiple civic and economic development boards throughout his career.
Kala Kuhlthau, representing the West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce, brings more than 43 years of experience in the financial industry. As senior vice president and branch manager at Lakeside Bank in Sulphur, her extensive background in consumer and commercial banking, lending, and internal auditing gives her valuable insight into the needs of local businesses and economic development. An active community leader, Kuhlthau has served on the finance committee of Project Build a Future for over a decade and has been involved with the West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce for more than 10 years, including a term as chairman of the board.
“The addition of these community leaders to our board strengthens our mission to position Southwest Louisiana as a premier destination,” said Kyle Edmiston, president and CEO of Visit Lake Charles. “Their diverse expertise in finance, community engagement, media, resort operations, and the arts will be instrumental in driving continued success.”
Visit Lake Charles is governed by an 11-member board of directors, with Nathaniel Allured serving as the 2025 board chair, Hiren Zaveri as vice chair, and Richert Self as secretary/treasurer.
Download their headshots here.
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About Visit Lake Charles:
Visit Lake Charles, the official destination marketing organization for Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, is the only organization in Southwest Louisiana providing advocacy, promotion, and education for the tourism industry. For more information on Visit Lake Charles and things to see and do in Louisiana’s Playground, log on to www.visitlakecharles.org.
