July 2023 Monthly Meeting

Monica Mancuso

Monica Mancuso is serving as executive director for the non-profit organization, St. Mary Excel. She has served in the organization since its inception in 2018. Her work with the organization centers on economic diversification for educational and cultural advancement. She previously worked in parochial, public, and postsecondary education in providing instruction and/or supervision.

A lifelong resident of Morgan City, Monica graduated from Central Catholic High School, Louisiana State University (LSU), Nicholls State University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She holds a terminal degree of doctorate of educational leadership from LSU.

Monica has participated in the community training committee work for the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority in drafting the Atchafalaya National Estuarine Research Reserve management plan and she serves on advisory boards for Ochsner St. Mary and the South Louisiana Community College, Young Memorial Campus.

Monica and her husband, Bart, are the parents of four children and grandparents to 12 grandchildren.

Catherine Holcomb

Catherine Holcomb is serving as president of the non-profit organization, St. Mary Excel. She has served in the organization since its inception in 2018.Her work with St. Mary Excel centers on economic diversification for educational and cultural advancement. She retired from public education after 10 years teaching at Morgan City Junior High and 23 years at Morgan City High School.

A native of Morgan City, Catherine graduated from Morgan City High School and Nicholls State University. She also earned her Masters of Administration and Supervision from Nicholls State University and completed 30 more hours in graduate education from different Louisiana universities. Before retiring from teaching, Catherine earned her National Board Certification in Social Studies Education. Throughout her teaching career, Catherine worked with students on the school newspapers, sponsored the Historical Society, the Quiz Bowl teams, and other extra-curricular activities.

Working through St. Mary Excel, Catherine was the chairman of the BIKE MORGAN CITY project which has secured over a million dollars through grants for bicycle and walking trails throughout the community, as well as safe pedestrian travel to South Central Community College on Young’s Road. The outdoor access provided through these trails will enhance St. Mary Parish’s recreational opportunities within the Atchafalaya National Estuary Research Reserve.

Catherine started working with St. Mary Excel because she wanted to find a way to give back to the community which has given her so much. All five of her children attended Morgan City High and graduated from Nicholls State University.