Roach named legal counsel at Notre Dame

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — University of Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., announced that Brandon E. Roach has been appointed vice president and Robert K. Johnson General Counsel effective June 1. Roach’s appointment follows an extensive national search.

A Notre Dame alumnus, Roach succeeds Marianne Corr, who has served in the role since 2008. In fall 2024, Corr announced her plans to retire at the end of the academic year.

Roach currently serves as executive associate general counsel for the university, a position he has held since 2023. He joined the Office of General Counsel as an assistant general counsel in 2010, and prior to that, served as senior adviser to the university’s provost.

In his current role, he serves as the principal attorney for the Office of the Provost, the Athletics Department and the Department of Development, handling a wide range of issues including those related to academic policy and governance, strategic initiatives, major commercial and charitable transactions, employment matters, athletic affairs and litigation management.

He also advises University leaders on statutory, regulatory and legislative issues.

Roach studied government and sociology at Notre Dame, graduating summa cum laude in 1999. He earned his law degree from Yale Law School, where he was an editor of the Yale Law Journal and a member of its admissions committee. He clerked for Judge Julia Smith Gibbons of the U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, from 2003 to 2004, and later worked as an associate in the appellate group of a major Houston law firm.

He has served in critical roles with multiple leadership teams since returning to Notre Dame.

As senior adviser to the provost, he coordinated strategic academic initiatives in collaboration with associate provosts, deans, department chairs and other stakeholders and advised the provost on the development of academic and University policy. He also staffed the Academic Affairs committee of the Board of Trustees.

As associate and later executive associate general counsel, he designed and implemented the University’s compliance framework and offered support to Development and Athletics during significant periods of transition and growth. He also served as co-chair of the External Engagement Strategic Advisory Committee as part of the University’s strategic framework planning initiative.

Roach was born and raised in Louisiana and is the son of former Mayor Randy Roach and his wife, Nancy.

The Office of General Counsel provides comprehensive legal services and strategic counsel in support of the University’s mission and operations. For more information, visit generalcounsel.nd.edu.

Sermon joins    law firm

Jordan A. Sermon has joined Sigler, Arabie & Cannon as an associate attorney. Sermon’s primary practice areas are estate planning, succession administration, tax planning, and business law.

He is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University, with a degree of Bachelor of Science in mathematics and statistics with a minor in accounting received in 2014. He also graduated from McNeese State University in 2018 with a Master of Science in degree in mathematics and statistics and from Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in 2024 with a degree of Juris Doctor along with a Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law and a Graduate Certificate in Estate Planning and Taxation.

Sermon was admitted to the Louisiana bar in 2024, and is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and Southwest Louisiana Bar Association.

Janot named SECO director

Dr. Robert Janot of Sulphur has been named the Southern Council of Optometrist’s (SECO) Executive Director of the South.

Janot is the full-time Executive Director of the Optometry Association of Louisiana (OAL) where he represents over 360 Doctors of Optometry statewide.

Each year, the Southern Council of Optometry encourages the Optometric profession and its member states to identify and recognize outstanding individuals for their contributions and dedication to Optometry. This award celebrates the executive director’s exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment while contributing to the success and growth of SECO and the greater optometric community.

Beam recognized for safety record

BATON ROUGE  — Jeff Beam, a resident of Sulphur, has been recognized as the 2025 Safety Professional of the Year, a statewide award presented by the Louisiana Motor Transport Association.

This prestigious award honors individuals who uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism, making significant contributions that enhance the reputation of the trucking industry.

Beam has been a dedicated member of the LMTA, leaving a lasting impact through his work with Ergon Trucking and his leadership as a past chair of our Safety Management Council. His recognition highlights not only his personal excellence but also the strength and talent within the community.

U-Haul supports local business

U-Haul Co. of Louisiana is pleased to announce that Watson Auto Sales signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Lake Charles community.

Watson Auto Sales at 2150 E. College St., Suite A, will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, and moving supplies.

U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945. During these challenging times for small businesses, more than 21,000 dealers across the U.S. and Canada are generating supplemental income through their U-Haul affiliation.

Abell elected DSEDA past chair

Ryan Abell of Abell & Son, Inc. — a Kubota, New Holland, Mahindra dealer in Lake Charles, Abbeville and Welsh —was elected to serve as immediate past chairman of the Board of the Deep Southern Equipment Dealers Association.

Shane Soileau from Lacassine was also re-elected as a director during the Deep Southern Annual Business Session in Orlando, Fla.

The Deep Southern Equipment Dealers Association is made up of Agricultural, Industrial, Forestry, Turf, Irrigation and Outdoor Power Equipment Dealers in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida and is headquartered in Baton Rouge.