Executive Leadership Workshop

Join us for the Louisiana CASA Executive Leadership Workshop on February 3, 2026, in Baton Rouge at Red Stick Social! This one-day event brings together executive leaders from across the CASA network for an engaging day of learning, collaboration, and connection. Hear from dynamic guest speakers - including representatives from Louisiana DCFS and members of the state legislature, participate in open discussions, and gain valuable insights to strengthen your leadership and advocacy efforts. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with peers, share best practices, and shape the future of CASA in Louisiana.

Meet the Speakers

Bret Hanemann

Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) Assistant Secretary

Bret Hanemann was appointed DCFS Assistant Secretary for Child Welfare in June 2025. He previously served as Director of Governmental Affairs. Hanemann’s areas of expertise include team building, strategic planning, community relations, marketing and entrepreneurial leadership. He joined the Department from Jesuit High School, where he served as the Director of Admissions and teacher of public speaking and radio/tv production for more than a decade. During his tenure, Hanemann led recruitment activities, developed admissions financial strategies and action plans, and established strong working relationships with community leaders, increasing the school’s student body diversity while decreasing refusal rate and driving Jesuit’s unparalleled market share of Catholic elementary school students, with 70% of the student body originating from Archdiocese schools. Hanemann previously served as an adjunct speech professor at Tulane University, as well as Assistant Principal/Dean of Students at Jefferson Community School, Louisiana’s first charter school serving the needs of at-risk students in Jefferson Parish. He is a past board member for the Krewe of Orpheus and volunteer for Special Olympics of Louisiana. A New Orleans native and Jesuit High alum, Hanemann holds a Master’s degree in Education, with a concentration in Supervision/Evaluation, from Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans, and a Bachelor of Communication Arts from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.

Rebecca Harris

Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) Secretary

Rebecca Harris brings over 20 years of distinguished public service in Louisiana to her new role as Secretary for DCFS. Her career spans leadership positions at multiple departments, with a strong track record in field operations, financial management, policy development, and enterprise systems. Rebecca began her public service journey as a Social Services Analyst with DCFS, gaining frontline knowledge of Louisiana’s social support systems. Over the years, she has led major initiatives in improving program delivery and advancing system modernization efforts, while reducing costs and administrative and regulatory burdens. As Undersecretary at DCFS, Harris led the development of Louisiana’s highly recognized summer EBT program, implemented critical upgrades to the state’s child welfare hotline, introduced real-time dashboards to support child welfare decision-making, and streamlined procurement processes to improve outcomes and reduce costs. With a multidisciplinary academic background in Anthropology and Business Administration, Harris brings both strategic vision and practical experience to her role. She remains deeply committed to strengthening Louisiana’s child-centric systems and ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families across the state.

Jacquise "JT" Terry

Healing Place Dream Center, Empower 225

Jacquise “JT” Terry was born in Phenix City, Alabama, and raised by his single mother, Betty Padgett, alongside his older brother. JT excelled academically and athletically, graduating third in his class from Pacelli High School in Columbus, Georgia, with a 4.2 GPA in 2008. He was also a First Team All-State athlete in both football and basketball. JT continued his education and athletic career at Kent State University, where he became a four-year football letterman, two-year team captain, and three-time All-MAC performer both on the field and in academics. He made history as the only two-time ESPN Football Academic All-American at Kent State at that time and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Technology and a minor in Aeronautical Engineering. JT achieved his dream of playing professional sports, attending the Detroit Lions camp as an NFL undrafted free agent, signing with the CFL, and later playing as a point guard for the San Diego Kings in the ABA. He earned his MBA with honors from National University in 2018 and served as a certified Air Traffic Controller for the FAA. Today, JT is the Campus Pastor and leader of the Healing Place Church Dream Center, a board member and student program leader for Empower225, and a dedicated mentor and servant leader. His impact has been widely recognized as he was named to Baton Rouge’s 40 Under 40 by Business Report in 2022, featured in 225 Magazine’s Generation Now Leaders in 2023, and honored with the 2024 Burning Hearts Labor of Love Community Award.

Jolie Williamson, MS 

Louisiana Children's Cabinet Executive Director, Director of Children's Programs

Jolie Williamson is a seasoned educator with over 14 years of experience in public education. With a B.A. in Political Science and an M.S. in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, Jolie brings a strong academic background to her roles. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her excellence, including winning the NSDA Louisiana District New Coach of the Year in 2023 and being nominated for LEF Teacher of the Year for six consecutive years. Outside of education, Jolie is an active member of her community, volunteering, participating in martial arts, and exploring the rich history and culture of Louisiana. With her diverse skill set, passion for education, and commitment to community engagement, Jolie Williamson is passionate and ready to serve as the Director of Children's Programs and Executive Director of the Louisiana Children's Cabinet, guiding the state's efforts to support and uplift its youngest and most vulnerable citizens.