Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business

Published 1:10 pm Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Market Basket new leadership

Market Basket has announced the promotion of David Thompson to president and Greg Franz to chief operating officer for all Market Basket stores across Texas and Louisiana.

Thompson and Franz represent the third generation of leadership within the company and reflect the values that have shaped Market Basket for decades. Both were raised with a deep appreciation for the communities the company serves and were guided by family members and mentors who emphasized service, integrity, and accountability as the foundation of leadership.

Throughout their careers, Thompson and Franz were required to learn the business from the ground up, working in all store-level departments and locations before advancing into supervisory and executive roles. This hands-on experience continues to influence how they lead — with respect for the work, the people, and the standards that drive the company’s success.

As president, Thompson will assume overall leadership responsibility for the company while continuing oversight of Maintenance Operations. As chief operating officer, Franz will oversee company operations, working closely with division managers, store operations, and security departments to support consistency and operational excellence.

Skylar Thompson will continue in his role as chief executive officer and will work closely with Thompson and Franz across all areas of administration and operations.

The Sculptry expands services

The Sculptry, Southwest Louisiana’s premier medical aesthetics clinic, is now offering surgical consultations with two of Louisiana’s most respected cosmetic surgeons, Dr. Kevin Duplechain and Dr. William Ishee, giving clients convenient access to surgical expertise.

Founded and led by Hannah Grogan, FNP, The Sculptry has become a leading destination in Lake Charles for advanced aesthetic services, including injectables, laser treatments, skin rejuvenation and more.

Consultation appointments are available for a wide range of surgical procedures, including face lifts, brow lifts, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, neck contouring, hair restoration, breast surgery, tummy tucks and advanced body contouring options.

Based in Lafayette, Duplechain and Ishee provide a concierge-level cosmetic surgery experience.

Duplechain is a nationally recognized cosmetic surgeon with decades of experience specializing in facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty and breast and body procedures. He has been named among America’s best doctors for more than 25 years and continues to teach facial plastic surgery at Tulane University School of Medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

Ishee is a highly trained surgeon who completed a rigorous general surgery residency with thousands of operative cases as well as a cosmetic surgery fellowship.  He joined Dr. Duplechain’s cosmetic surgery practice in 2024 and brings extensive experience in breast surgery, trauma, surgical oncology and advanced body procedures.

Scales named to chief HR officer

Lake Charles Memorial Health System is proud to announce the promotion of Shana Scales from vice president of human resources to chief human resource officer, recognizing her strategic leadership and significant contributions to the organization.

Since joining LCMHS in 2023, Scales has strengthened human resources as a core organizational function — supporting employees, advancing the health system’s mission, and helping ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care. Her leadership has played a key role in fostering a workplace culture where employees feel supported, valued, and positioned for growth.

Under Scales’ direction, LCMHS earned Great Place to Work Certification, driven by a data-informed focus on employee engagement, trust, and inclusion. She also led the launch of Where Wellness Meets Work, an initiative that aligned the Employee Assistance Program, Employee Wellness, and the Employee Health Clinic into a more coordinated and accessible approach to employee well-being. Through the development of Culture Influencers, she further strengthened collaboration between leadership, staff, and community partners.

Beyond these initiatives, Scales has advanced the practice of human resources through leadership in compensation and benefits strategy, diversity education, and long-term talent planning. Her commitment to workforce development is also reflected in renewed education partnerships, including Oak Park Middle School, and the launch of Memorial’s first STEM-H camp.

In her new role as chief human resource officer, Scales will continue to lead workforce strategy and organizational culture initiatives in support of Memorial’s mission to serve Southwest Louisiana.

Sowela promotes Hidalgo

Sowela Technical Community College has promoted Heather Hidalgo to executive director of Institutional Advancement, a role that will support the college’s continued growth through community engagement, alumni relations and philanthropic development.

Hidalgo brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing, business development, event planning and community relations. Since joining Sowela in 2025 as alumni coordinator, she has played a key role in strengthening alumni engagement and advancing institutional partnerships that support student success and workforce development.

Active in the Southwest Louisiana community, Hidalgo currently serves as Chamber Leadership Council Alumni Chair and is a former president of the Southwest Louisiana Arts and Humanities Council. She has also provided leadership for the LiveWell Women’s Network and Advisory Council and the Christus Ochsner Healthy Seniors.

Her previous professional experience includes serving as Director of Marketing and Business Development for Lake Area Adventures and Director of Marketing and Communications for CHRISTUS Ochsner, where she led strategic communications, outreach initiatives, and community-focused programs.

Hidalgo will oversee community development, alumni relations and fundraising efforts for both Sowela Technical Community College and the Sowela Foundation.

LTA elects leadership

LAFAYETTE — The Louisiana Travel Association installed a group of tourism industry leaders as new officers for its executive committee and board of directors after the completion of the association’s annual meeting.

Kyle Edmiston of Visit Lake Charles and Greg Hennagin of Golden Nugget Lake Charles will be returning directors.

LTA is the statewide trade organization dedicated to leading and strengthening Louisiana’s tourism industry through advocacy, education, and promotion. In 2024, tourism generated $2 billion for the state and remains the fourth-largest employer.