10/19/2026
𝐒𝐭. 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐁𝐏𝐖 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬
Colonel Chad Clark of the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office has been named the 2026 Man of the Year, while Katie Tommaseo, Director of Tourism for St. Bernard Parish Government, has been named the 2026 Woman of the Year by the Business and Professional Women (BPW) of St. Bernard Parish.
Rachel Sigur, St. Bernard Parish Government’s Manager of the Government Access Channel and Social Media, has been selected as a 2026 Model Working Woman, joining fellow honorees Annelise Cassar of the St. Bernard Parish School Board and Rhonda DeForest of Nunez Community College. The five honorees will be recognized next week at the annual BPW Gala and Awards Ceremony.
This year’s honorees share a strong commitment to public service. Through their leadership, expertise, and dedication, they have helped strengthen and improve the community they serve.
St. Bernard Parish Government is especially proud to recognize two of its own, Katie Tommaseo and Rachel Sigur, whose contributions have made a lasting impact on parish government and the community.
Katie has served as St. Bernard Parish’s Director of Tourism since 2010. Over the past 16 years, she has become one of the parish’s most recognizable and enthusiastic ambassadors. Through her energy, professionalism, and genuine love for St. Bernard Parish, she has promoted the community’s unique character and attractions across Louisiana and beyond.
Her extensive professional relationships, statewide and national networking, and numerous media appearances have helped bring increased attention, visitors, and opportunities to the parish. Katie’s commitment to promoting St. Bernard Parish is matched by her dedication to the people who call it home. She is a lifelong resident, a longtime public servant, and an active community volunteer... but of her many accomplishments and accolades, it's her warmth and personality that shine. Katie has never met a stranger, and her ability to connect with people to share the deep love she has for St. Bernard Parish has defined her professional success in this role.
Rachel joined St. Bernard Parish Government in 2018 and has brought exceptional creativity, talent, and professionalism to her role managing our Government Access Channel. An accomplished and award-winning filmmaker, producer, and videographer, Rachel is the creative force behind our video productions and social media features. Her work ensures that residents stay informed and connected to parish government by providing coverage of public meetings, community events, and other important programming. Rachel contributes her expertise and endless talents to highlight the people, events, and stories that define St. Bernard Parish, and we are proud and grateful of the work she does.
“Together, Katie and Rachel exemplify leadership rooted in passion, creativity, and purpose. They are valued members of my administration, respected colleagues, and inspiring role models, especially for women and young professionals here in parish government and throughout our community,” said St. Bernard Parish President Louis Pomes.
St. Bernard Parish Government extends its heartfelt congratulations to Colonel Clark, Katie, Rachel, Annelise, and Rhonda on these well-deserved honors. We also thank the Business and Professional Women of St. Bernard Parish for recognizing the individuals whose hard work and dedication continue to make our community stronger.
Congratulations to all of the 2026 honorees! St. Bernard Parish is fortunate to have you, and we are proud to celebrate your achievements.
