Northwestern State University’s College of Business and Technology will induct six distinguished alumni into its Hall of Fame during Homecoming festivities. The honorees are Wes Breeden from New Orleans, Joseph “Trent” Jackson of Shreveport, Laura Terrell Lyles from Natchitoches, Leah Sherman Middlebrook of Bossier City, Terry E. Moore of Shreveport, and Keith E. Poirrier of Lafayette.
The induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 24, beginning with a welcome breakfast at 9:30 a.m. in the Natchitoches Room on the second floor of Russell Hall.
Wes Breeden, a 2003 NSU School of Business graduate, is recognized for his leadership and commitment to community service. Currently the executive vice president of Field Strategy and Distribution for Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA), Breeden has dedicated over two decades to developing sales teams. He is also a recent MBA graduate from the University of Illinois in 2023. His contributions include chairing the NSU Foundation Board’s fundraising committee and volunteering with students nationwide to enhance leadership skills. Breeden has received numerous accolades, including Outstanding Young Alumnus in 2021 from NSU.
Joseph “Trent” Jackson serves as Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President at Cervey. He plays a pivotal role in overseeing the company’s core technology platforms, contributing to areas such as pharmacy software and healthcare data systems. Jackson’s experience includes managing engineering teams that create secure, scalable systems within the pharmacy ecosystem.
Laura Terrell Lyles has been the president and CEO of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce for eight years. Under her leadership, the Chamber engages approximately 450 members and fosters local economic growth. Lyles is also involved with the Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance, enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness. She graduated from NSU in 2005 with a degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism.
Leah Sherman Middlebrook is vice president of risk program management for Fidelity National Information Services (FIS). Over her two decades at FIS, she has taken on leadership roles across various functions, including mergers and acquisitions and international payments strategy. A two-time NSU graduate, she occupies several positions on the NSU Alumni Association Board and has received the university’s 2021 Volunteer of the Year award.
Terry E. Moore works as a vice president and senior financial advisor for Merrill Lynch. He has extensive experience in wealth management, following a substantial career at United Parcel Service in transportation and logistics. Moore, a 1986 NSU graduate, remains active in community engagement through various organizations in Shreveport.
Keith E. Poirrier is the CEO of Poirrier Group, LLC. After graduating from NSU in 1992, he founded QuickTax Financial Services and eventually launched a commercial insurance agency specializing in high-risk sectors. His professional credentials include being a Certified Insurance Counselor and previously serving on an advisory board for a major insurance company.
For more information about the College of Business and Technology at NSU, visit nsula.edu.
