CENAC - Key Persons
Andrew Soudelier joined Cenac in 2001. Andrew studied Business Administration at Nicholls State University. Andrew's 14 years of experience in sales and contract negotiations with the Department of Labor led him to a career in human resources. He currently serves as the Personnel Manager.
Job Titles:
- Generation Owner
- Leadership
- Louisiana Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Community Leader
Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. is a Houma, Louisiana-based entrepreneur with a global reach, an avid philanthropist in the gulf coast region of the U.S. and a strong supporter of coastal restoration.
Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. is a third-generation owner of Cenac Marine Services, originally founded in 1927 as Cenac Towing Company by his grandfather. Under his tenure as owner, Benny Cenac has led the company since 1981 through several industry hardships by focusing on customer service, efficiency, quality and safety in its marine transportation services. Cenac Marine Services has clients across the country and maintains a focus on transporting liquid petroleum barges.
Cenac is guided by the values and principles established by Benny's grandfather over 85 years ago: a commitment to employee satisfaction and employee morale. Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. takes pride in continuing this legacy and is certain that all current employees would share that the company operates as a family and everyone from the boat captains to the security guards are treated as such. Benny Cenac understands that the core foundation of his company is the employees he considers family, championing his grandfather's commitment to valuing each employee as a critical part to the success of the business.
In addition to Cenac Marine Services, Benny Cenac Jr. owns several other business entities in the gulf coast region, touching a wide-range of industries such as retail, manufacturing, wholesale and agriculture. An entrepreneur at heart, Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. enjoys seeking out new business opportunities across the region, in an effort to help cultivate a strong local economy. He understands that a strong local economy means a strong community, and that starts at home in Houma.
As a dedicated leader of his community, Benny Cenac Jr. has served on several boards and committees, including Nicholls State University College of Business Advisory Board, Nicholls State University Foundation and Restore or Retreat. Benny is also a member of Waterways Operators, South Central Industrial Association, Bayou Community Foundation and Greater New Orleans Foundation. In addition, Benny Cenac Jr. has also served as committee member for Restore or Retreat, a non-profit coastal advocacy group focused on protecting the Barataria and Terrebonne basins, from further damage caused by coastal erosion, the greatest threat to Louisiana beautiful coastline.
Benny Cenac is also a lifelong philanthropist, donating both his time and money to dozens of regional, national and international causes. He is most fond of his involvement with The Terrebonne Association for Retarded Citizens, Houma-Terrebonne NAACP, O.N.E./C.H.A.N.G.E., American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
As a strong supporter of conservation efforts, Benny has instilled these values on his own property, Golden Ranch Farms, where he raises various animals, including blackbuck antelope, oryx, Père David's deer, axis, elk, sika, and even zebras who all call the land home on Louisiana's largest privately owned refuge. In addition, he has also constructed a series of flood control structures to help stop saltwater intrusion and coastal erosion - building on his promise to protect the pristine coasts of Louisiana for the next generation.
A lifelong resident of Louisiana, Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. continues to take a more proactive role in his community. He is very involved in projects that help to improve the community and continues to give back to his hometown of Houma. From stimulating the local economy through his many businesses to protecting Louisiana from the negative effects of coastal erosion, Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. is proud to serve those in the community he calls home, the friends he considers family, and the great state of Louisiana.
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
- Member of the Leadership Team
David Bourgeois has worked for Cenac Towing since 1971. He studied General Studies at both McNeese State University and Nicholls State University. During his 45-year tenure at Cenac, he has played a vital role in the success of the company working as Safety Manager, Marine Personnel Manager, and Human Resources Manager. Currently, he serves as Director of Human Resources.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President of Operations
Dustin Walker has worked in various capacities at Cenac since 1995. While working at Cenac, Dustin earned his college degree from Nicholls State University in Business Administration in 2003. During his time at Cenac, Dustin has worked in dispatch, personnel, maintenance, and purchasing. He previously served as Barge Superintendent and currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Operations.
Jarred has been a part of Cenac since 2003. Jarred earned his college degree from Nicholls State University in Business Administration and Management in 2008. In 2014, het retuned to Nicholls where he received his Maritime Management Concentration. During his time at Cenac, he has worked in Operations as a dispatcher. He currently serves as Sales Manager.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Executive Vice President of Administration
Keith Besson has been a part of the Cenac team since 1997. He graduated from Nicholls State University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. After college, he began his career in public accounting with the firm of Kelton and Company. Mr. Besson is currently a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant, and a Certified Fraud Examiner (inactive). Currently, he serves as the Executive Vice President of Administration of Cenac Marine Services.
Tim Moore graduated from Louisiana State University in 1996 with a degree in Business and Mass Communications. He currently works as Safety Manager. Tim joined Cenac in 2008 and has previous experience in international production management.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Manager of Vessel Maintenance & New Construction
Walt Cenac began his career with Cenac in 1987. He studied Marine and Industrial Diesel Engines at South Central Louisiana Technical College and graduated in 1978. After finishing his studies, he worked as a manufacturer trainer, a field service employee, and a service representative. Prior to joining Cenac, he was the sole proprietor of Cenac Diesel Service and worked on an oil spill response team for nearly 10 years. During his time with Cenac, he has filled many positions. Currently, he serves as Vessel Maintenance and New Construction Manager.