(November 20, 2014)

Centenary alumnae and staff selected as 40 Under 40 recipients

SHREVEPORT, LA —Four members of the Centenary community have been selected as recipients of the prestigious 40 Under 40 award given annually by the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Initiative. The awards will be presented at the eighth annual Northwest Louisiana Young Professionals Gala presented by CityLife on Friday, December 5, at Horseshoe Casino's Riverdome.

One of the honored guests will be Kasie Mainiero, a 1997 graduate of Centenary College who now serves as the principal of University Elementary in Shreveport. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education with additional certifications in early childhood education and church careers. Mainiero also has a master's degree in counseling, a reading specialist degree, and is currently working on a doctorate in educational leadership. While her love and passion is teaching reading skills to young children, Mainiero also enjoys teaching educators and imparting her joy of learning to them.

"It was such an honor to hear I had been selected by the Chamber for this award," said Mainiero. "There is a rich tradition of excellence in Shreveport, and I am delighted that the committee recognized me for my contributions to the region. I'm equally honored to be part of the impressive cohort from the Centenary family."

Three other Centenary community members join Mainiero on the 2014 40 Under 40 list:

Ashlie Daigle '04 serves as the director of Student Involvement at Centenary. Her primary areas of responsibility include advising student organizations, creating orientation programming for new students, and overseeing Greek life. She also assists the Student Government Association in the execution of homecoming and provides opportunities for leadership to the student body. Daigle's work experience in student affairs began in residence life, having worked as a live-in residential hall director at both Michigan State University and Middle Tennessee State University. She also acts as business manager for a local company, Zombee Candles, which offers hand-poured, 100 percent soy candles made in Shreveport. A native of Thibodaux, Louisiana, Daigle earned her bachelor's degree at Centenary and a master's degree from Michigan State University. Daigle has volunteered her time and passion for food to efforts related to Shreveport Green and the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana. She is a contributor to the Shreveport Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau Blog, 20x49, and is a new member of Slow Food North Louisiana.

Patrina Johnson serves as the director of Advancement Services for Centenary College, where she is responsible for the integrity and management oversight of donor records and the production of research regarding the capacity of donors to make gifts to the College. Johnson previously worked at the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO) as a trainer and training coordinator, technical assistance provider, and capacity builder to area nonprofits. She holds the Certified Nonprofit Professional and Grantsmanship Center certifications. She served on the boards of the Commission for Women of Bossier City and Ivy Crown Community Services, and the Advisory Board of the Caddo Council on Aging and also maintains professional memberships with CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education), APRA (Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement), WealthEngine Institute, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Johnson holds a bachelor's degree in finance/analysis and an master's in human services administration, nonprofit management from LSU, Shreveport. She is currently enrolled in LSUS' doctoral Leadership Studies program. A proud native of the Bahamas, she is married to Joseph Allen Johnson, Jr, church planter of Living Waters Baptist Fellowship. She and her husband are the proud parents of Priscilla "Lael" Johnson.

Adam Walsh is Centenary's Head Men's Basketball Coach. In 2013, his fourth year as head coach, he led the team to an 18-10 record, which is the program's first winning record since 2003-04 and the program's best since 1989-90. During this time he also captured his first conference Coach of the Year honor and the Huddle Coach of the Year Award from the Northwest Louisiana Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In October, he was a recipient of the Young Alumni Achievement Award from his alma mater, High Point University. Walsh encourages his basketball team to engage with and impact Shreveport by facilitating visits to serve schools and organizations in the community. He and the Gents volunteer their time at Community Renewal International and Common Ground, inviting community groups to be special guests at games. He has also hosted free basketball clinics for the CRI Friendship Houses.

The 40 Under 40 award recognizes successful young professionals from northwest Louisiana for their outstanding professional achievements, leadership, community involvement, and commitment to improving Shreveport and Bossier City.