2024-2025 ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP TEAM

Dr. Ken Oertling (St. Charles Parish), President

Dr. Ken Oertling is a former Submarine Electronics Technician/Radioman of the United States Navy and Education Service Officer while serving aboard the U.S.S. Groton from
1991 to 1997 where he received numerous medals, including Sailor of the Year. He went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Teaching and a Masters in Educational
Leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University. In 2001, he began his teaching and coaching career at Hahnville High School, where he taught physical science and biology and coached multiple sports. He eventually ascended to assistant principal and then principal, where he received awards such as Louisiana High School Principal of the Year and Louisiana Association of Principals Principal of the Year in 2015. In 2018, he received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University.

 In 2019, he was appointed Superintendent of St. Charles Parish Public Schools where he holds various regional and state-level leadership positions, including Past President of the
South Central Louisiana Association of School Superintendents and current President of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents. He also serves on several state and local organizations including the River Parishes Community Development Corporation, River Parish Chamber of Commerce, St. Charles Parish Economic Development Committee, LSU Ag            Center Leadership Council, United Way of St. Charles Campaign Chair, Rotary of St. Charles, BESE’s State Superintendent’s Advisory Council and the Louisiana Senate Early Literacy                                                                         Commission, and St. John the Baptist Parish Council.

Jeff Powell (Rapides Parish), Vice President

Mr. Powell began his teaching career in Grant Parish. He then moved into various administrative roles in Rapides Parish before becoming the Director of Middle and Magnet Programs in the district. Mr. Powell took the position of Chief Academic Officer in Iberville parish before returning home to serve as the Superintendent of Rapides Parish in 2019.

Mr. Powell graduated from Northwood High School and has been a resident of Rapides parish for over 27 years. He served in the Louisiana Army National Guard for six years and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from LSU in Baton Rouge. He then earned his Teacher Certification and Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northwestern State University.

Mr. Powell is active in the operations of LASS, serves on several boards that serve his community, and has been a two-time winner of Regional Superintendent of the Year.

His innovative leadership style has brought Rapides Parish Public Schools to their highest achievement levels under the state’s current accountability system. Mr. Powell’s intentional work to expand literacy outreach efforts, workforce development plans, and student achievement have all contributed to his positive impact in our community and around our state.

                                                   Tommy Byler (Vermilion Parish), Treasurer 

Mr. Byler was named the Superintendent of Schools in Vermilion Parish in August of 2020. He previously served as the principal of North Vermilion High School. Byler previously served the district as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal in his 33 year career. In 2018, Byler was named the Louisiana State Principal of the Year. In his role as a principal he also served as the president of the Louisiana Association of Principals and as the Vice-President to the LHSAA Executive Committee.

Byler was recognized in his role as a Superintendent as the Region IV and V Superintendent and the Louisiana 4-H Superintendent of the year. He has served on the Superintendent's Advisory Committee, Accountability Task Force and Future of Leap Test Committee. 

 Mike Faulk, Executive Director

                                                                                                                       David Claxton, Immediate Past-President