Meet Our Board Members
Chastan Bickham
Chastan Bickham
Chastan Bickham
I’m Chastan Bickham, born and raised in Bogalusa, La. I am divorced with two grown children, Ashley and Aric, two granddaughters Emma and Harper and a third (Olivia) to arrive in January. I love what the balloon festival brings to our community and am super excited to be a part of making it happen.
Tiffany Carney
Chastan Bickham
Chastan Bickham
I'm Tiffany Carney. Im a wife, mother business owner and volunteer. I love Washington Parish and Im proud to be a founding member and director of the festival. Im excited to see it blossom, grow and become a signature event for the families of Washington Parish and the surrounding communities!
Troy Carney
Chastan Bickham
Shanda Gibson
Hi! Im Troy Carney. Husband, dad, tattoo artist and local business owner. My wife is the director, so do you think I have a choice on being on the board? Lol Im joking. I enjoy working on the festival. Seeing it come together and the fun, fast paced environment. Looking forward to another year.
Shanda Gibson
Shanda Gibson
Shanda Gibson
My name is Shanda Gibson and I have been with my significant other, Chad for 13 years. I am a mom of 4, and i have a son in law, hopefully a future daughter in law, and 2 of the most precious grandsons ever born. Ive worked at Citizens Savings Bank for 16 years and run 2 successful direct sales businesses. I joined the Balloon Festival c
My name is Shanda Gibson and I have been with my significant other, Chad for 13 years. I am a mom of 4, and i have a son in law, hopefully a future daughter in law, and 2 of the most precious grandsons ever born. Ive worked at Citizens Savings Bank for 16 years and run 2 successful direct sales businesses. I joined the Balloon Festival committee to help make a difference in our town and parish. We have the potential to grow our small city beyond our wildest dreams, we just need the help to do it.
Brandy Hines
Shanda Gibson
Bridget Owens
I'm Brandy Hines, Vice President of the W.P.B.F. I have been on the board since our very first festival and love seeing how much we are growing. I am the mother of 4 boys and 4 amazing grandchildren!
Bridget Owens
Shanda Gibson
Bridget Owens
Hi, my name is Bridget Owens. I am married to Patrick Owens. We have five kids and two grandchildren, Isaiah and Ava! I have been employed with Resource Bank in Bogalusa for 19 years and now the manager. I enjoy serving our community and volunteering when/where I can. I love this festival and look forward to being a part of the work that goes into it, to help make it a success!
Wendy Perrette
Phairon Route Vernon
Kimberly Taylor
My name is Wendy Perrette. I am widowed and have one son, Rex. I have been a reporter, spent 13 years as an educator and 20 years in government. I have volunteered in my community all of my life. I love our Parish. I was Mayor of the City of Bogalusa when the Balloon Festival began. I was excited to support the vision of the festival. I’m
My name is Wendy Perrette. I am widowed and have one son, Rex. I have been a reporter, spent 13 years as an educator and 20 years in government. I have volunteered in my community all of my life. I love our Parish. I was Mayor of the City of Bogalusa when the Balloon Festival began. I was excited to support the vision of the festival. I’m still excited by the vision, so I joined committee to lend a helping hand in expanding this festival.
Kimberly Taylor
Phairon Route Vernon
Kimberly Taylor
My name is Kimberly Taylor and I am excited to serve on the Bogalusa Ballon Festival board this year. I am from Baton Rouge and I have lived in Bogalusa for the last 4 years with my husband David Taylor. I am a proud mother of a Senior at SLU and I look forward to her upcoming graduation in December. One of my biggest passions in life has
My name is Kimberly Taylor and I am excited to serve on the Bogalusa Ballon Festival board this year. I am from Baton Rouge and I have lived in Bogalusa for the last 4 years with my husband David Taylor. I am a proud mother of a Senior at SLU and I look forward to her upcoming graduation in December. One of my biggest passions in life has always been in animal rescue. I have volunteered at many shelters, and have myself fostered and loved a number of animals.
The last 15 years of my career has been spent in consulting and services for state and local government. I look forward to serving on the board this year and supporting the team in making the Bogalusa balloon festival, bigger and better than ever! The drive and the passion I have seen from those who have built this festival, is inspiring to me and I look forward to being a part of this team!
Phairon Route Vernon
Phairon Route Vernon
Phairon Route Vernon
I am a resident of Covington , La. but grew up in Franklinton, La.
I love festivals and fairs !!! I want to see to festival grow and develop over the years . I also love working in the community and helping others !
Karen Wheat
Karen Wheat
Phairon Route Vernon
My name is Karen Wheat, I am a life long resident of Washington Parish. I grew up in the Pine Community and currently live in the Plainview Community. Last year I volunteered with the Balloon Festival and I am excited to serve as a committee member this year.
I am a registered nurse and I retired after 30 years of state service. I cur
My name is Karen Wheat, I am a life long resident of Washington Parish. I grew up in the Pine Community and currently live in the Plainview Community. Last year I volunteered with the Balloon Festival and I am excited to serve as a committee member this year.
I am a registered nurse and I retired after 30 years of state service. I currently work part time as a nursing instructor at Northshore Technical Community College in Lacombe, LA and PRN at Our Lady of the Angels in Bogalusa LA. In the past I have served on various committees and served as a CASA.
When not working I enjoy spending time with my husband, Joe Wheat, our four children and their spouses, eight grandchildren who are the light of my life as well as traveling, camping and spending time at our camp.
I look forward to meeting each of you at the Washington Parish Balloon Festival!