Leadership, Experience & Vision to Move Us Forward. Vote Bourgeois for Jefferson Parish Council District 5.

Melinda Bourgeois

Leadership, Experience and Vision to move us forward!

I’m excited to share with you that I’m running for Jefferson Parish Council District 5, the area currently being served by Jennifer VanVrancken.

Why Jefferson Parish Council now?  I’m in this race because after serving on both the Design 5 Metairie and the Bucktown Harbor Master Plan committees, I realized my skill as a business owner, former school board member and volunteer would serve you well as a council person.

I’ve served in the local business community since opening my business in Metairie in 1988. I served on the Jefferson Chamber board for 9 years and 4 years on the JEDCO board. I’m the owner of Travel Central, one of the largest travel agencies in the region employing 20 people and doing over $12 million in travel sales, so I appreciate business concerns.

As a former member of the Jefferson Parish School Board from 2014 to 2018, I know the importance of collaboration in achieving our goals. It taught me how to work effectively with diverse stakeholders to deliver positive outcomes for our students and schools.

Beyond business and education, I have actively engaged in various community initiatives. My involvement with the Regional Planning Commission's subcommittee, Jefferson Beautification & Friends of Jefferson Beautiful, and South Beverly Knoll civic association has given me a deep appreciation for infrastructure issues and the need to create a beautiful and sustainable living environment for our residents.

I’ve been involved with Jefferson Performing Arts, the Girl Scouts, St. Catherine of Siena’s Food Pantry, was a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and a member of the Metairie Women’s Club, so I appreciate arts, culture, and service.

I am committed to being an accessible and transparent representative. I will listen to your concerns, engage in open dialogue, and keep you informed about decisions that impact our district. Working collaboratively with fellow council members and community leaders, I will seek common ground to achieve the best outcomes for District 5.

I hope I can earn your support.
Election Day is October 14, 2023

As a volunteer, here are some of the ways I’ve served Jefferson Parish —

  • On the Chamber Board, JEDCO Board and the Jefferson Parish School Board

  • As a Girl Scout leader and a CASA Advocate

  • As a founder of Jefferson Dollars for Scholars and Tour de Jefferson bike ride

  • As Gala Chair for Jefferson Performing Arts Society Pasta & Puccini and Jefferson Beautification Inc Parkway Promenade

  • As an active member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in both their Helping Hands and Women’s Club ministries

I believe in our community.

The Council’s role is to ensure that Jefferson Parish residents have the proper infrastructure, safety and opportunities so all businesses and individuals can thrive.

My background shows an ability to get things done through collaboration and to grow District 5 into a stronger and more diverse economy supported by high-quality education.

I believe my experience and commitment are clearly visible in my record of community involvement. 

District 5 Boundaries are from the Orleans Parish Line to Transcontinental Drive and from Airline Drive to
Lake Pontchartrain.

Melinda Bourgeois

3017 12th Street
Metairie, La 70002
504.229.0292  | melinda@melinda-bourgeois.com

Professional Experience

1988-Present | Owner, Travel Central
Travel Central has been in business since 1988 and is one of the largest and most respected agencies in the New Orleans region.  We employ 27  travel professionals and support people.    

2003-2019  | Owner, World Coffee

2015-2018  |  Board Member, Jefferson Parish Public School System
Instrumental in reestablishing the Legislative Committee, creating lines of communication with Louisiana State Representatives and Jefferson Parish Council. In addition, I actively promoted events with business and our career tech program to offer more opportunities to students.

Education

University Nevada Las Vegas
Bachelor of Science: Hotel Administration, 1987

Community Organizations:

  • Mercy Academy School Board, 1990-1992

  • New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce Education Committee Chair (East Jefferson), 1994

  • East Jefferson Council Executive Committee Chair, 1996; Vice-Chair Membership & Marketing, 1997; Small Business Council Executive Committee, 2000-2003

  • Jefferson Dollars for Scholars Co-Founder, 1993; Chairperson of Board, 1997-1998; Board Member, 2017-2020

  • Girl Scouts Board Member, 2006–2012; Girl Scout Leader, 2001-2006

  • Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) Board Member, 1997-2000

  • Jefferson Community School Coalition Board Member, 1996-2001

  • South Beverly Knoll Civic Association President, 2001

  • South Beverly Knoll Civic Association Board Member, 2001-Present

  • Jefferson Convention & Visitor Bureau Board, 2000-2002

  • Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Board, 2002-2010, 2014; Education Committee Co-Chair, 2014

  • Tour De Jefferson Chair, 2006-2014

  • Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), 2010-2012

  • Jefferson Performing Arts Fundraiser Chair, 2017

  • Regional Planning Commission – Citizens Advisory Complete Streets, 2011-2014

  • St. Catherine Siena Church Member, 1997-Present. 
    Helping Hands Food Pantry. Women’s Club.

  • Metairie Women’s Club Member, 2014-Present

  • Republican Women’s Club of Jefferson Parish 2014-present

  • Jefferson Beautification Parkway Promenade Chair, 2022

  • Laureate Academy Board Member, 2019-2021

  • Jefferson Chamber Health & Wellness Committee, 2019-Present

  • Friends of Jefferson Beautiful Board, 2021-Present

  • Bucktown Harbor Master Plan Committee, 2020-2021

  • District 5 Master Plan Committee, 2021