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We continue to build on our 50 plus years as an industry leader in maritime operations and recovery, materials, and crane operations.  Meet the leaders and team members who make our operations possible.

Glen D. Smith – Owner and CEO

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Glen D. Smith, known as an industry and community leader for over 30 years, has devoted his time to serving a myriad of companies and organizations that rely on his acute business skills and concern for the residents of the River Parishes.

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After being appointed to the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Airport Authority, Smith became Chairman under four governors, and also served as Chairman of the St. John the Baptist Parish, Economic Development Committee and Board member of the River Regions Chamber. Recognized in Who's Who of New Orleans and Who's Who of American Businesses, Smith is known for his ability to build partnerships in order to bring benefit to the State of Louisiana and the River Parishes.

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Smith is a 32nd Degree Mason, a thirty-year member of the Jerusalem Temple Shrine, a Patron of the Democratic Party, and was a Torchbearer for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games. A champion for senior citizens, law enforcement and disadvantaged children, Smith hosts and sponsors multiple events annually to benefit underprivileged children and families in the River Parishes, all done through the company's G. Smith Motorsports division. Smith recently donated over 300 teddy bears for children being treated for life-threatening illnesses and was chosen as the Junior Achievement, Hall of Fame Laureate.

 

Smith serves as a member of The Committee of 100 for Economic Development, Inc., and was recognized in 2013 by City Business as one of the top 50 financial professionals in the region. In 2016, he was named as a New Orleans Kingfish for his philanthropic efforts.

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An active member of the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians for decades, Smith has served as a Lieutenant since 1992 and was honored to have been selected King for the 2011 Washington Mardi Gras.

Gary L. Smith – Owner and President

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Gary L. Smith is the President of the Magnolia Companies of Louisiana, LLC, and, like his brother, Glen Smith, has been involved in all aspects of this family-run business since childhood. Smith’s passion lies within the company’s dredging operations, marine industries, heavy equipment divisions, and, of course, motorsports.

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G. Smith Motorsports’ creation stemmed from the Smiths lifelong love of motorsports. Cars, community, racing, outreach…these are all passions of the Smith brothers.  Over the last several years, GSmith Motorsports has evolved into what it is today: a platform for The Magnolia Companies’ community involvement, enrichment, and philanthropy.  G. Smith Motorsports partners with several local charitable organizations in the role of sponsor or direct donor.

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The Smiths have also created the Magnolia Companies Mentor Program to provide young adults onsite job experience in order to help them achieve their career goals and become active members of the community.

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Gary was appointed by the St. Charles Parish Council and approved by the Mayor of New Orleans as the St. Charles Parish Representative for the 9-member New Orleans Aviation Board (NOAB).  He occupies the seat previously held by his father, Mr. Henry Smith, the longest serving Aviation Board member with a term of 26 years.

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He is a member of the Jerusalem Shriners, the Knights of Columbus, and the River Parishes Chamber of Commerce. Smith also participates in the annual Washington Mardi Gras as part of the Mystick Krewe of Louisianans.

Executive Team

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William "Tony" Cunningham

Vice President of Operations

Disaster Recovery Division

Maritime Division

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Alton Johnson

Consultant

Maritime Division

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Melanie Maurin

Executive Director of Corporate Finance

The Magnolia Companies of LA, LLC

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Michael Messer

Vice President of Operations

Coastal Crane Services

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Gary Smith, Jr.

Vice President of Operations

Acquisitions & Investments Division

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Justin Tassin

Vice President of Operations

Maritime Division

Administration and Operations

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Josselyn Nunez

Front Office Coordinator

Office of the CEO

jnunez@magnolia.la

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Brandon de la Houssaye

Project Manager

Maritime Division

brandon@mdi-dredging.com

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Angela Fetters

Director of Human Resources 

Office of the CEO

afetters@magnolia.la

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Jennifer Heard

Director of Executive Operations

Office of the CEO

jheard@magnolia.la

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Michelle Matoka

Business & Operations Coordinator

Disaster Recovery & Maritime

michelle@mdi-dredging.com

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Eric Pounds

Senior Accountant

Accounting & Finance

epounds@magnolia.la

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Wilson Sharp

Project Manager

Maritime Division

wilson@mdi-dredging.com

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Nadine Turley

Business & Communications Coordinator

Office of the President

nturley@magnolia.la

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Candace Owens

Executive Coordinator

Legal and Real Estate Division

cowens@magnolia.la

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Roger "Joey" Geil III

Project Manager

Maritime Division

joey@mdi-dredging.com

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Michael Wright

Director of Safety & Security

The Magnolia Companies of LA, LLC

mwright@magnolia.la

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