Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC) is proud to announce two pivotal changes in its leadership teams, opening a new chapter in the organization’s mission to provide exceptional civil legal services to low-income families across Louisiana. The ALSC Board of Directors has elected George D. Ernest III, known to family, friends, and colleagues as “Dave”, as its new Board President.

Dave Ernest, born and raised in New Iberia, Louisiana graduated summa cum laude from Louisiana State University and earned his law degree from Paul M. Hebert Law School where he was on the Louisiana Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif. After completing law school, Dave clerked for the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and has held various leadership positions, including chair of the Lafayette Bar Foundation and president of the Lafayette/Acadiana Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. He advocates for access to justice in Louisiana and promotes pro bono services declaring that “pro bono work can be very rewarding and a great way to give back to one’s community.” In 2022, he received the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Friend of Pro Bono Award. Dave is a shareholder at Hurlburt, Monrose, and Ernest. His diverse practice focuses on defense casualty litigation. Additionally, he serves on the boards of the Louisiana Bar Foundation, the Lafayette Bar Foundation, and the Lafayette/Acadiana Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.

Avis Gutekunst joins the ALSC team as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Avis previously served as Chief Financial Officer of the City of St. Martinville overseeing all areas of accounting including Utility, Planning and Zoning, and Tourism and Recreation. She has served as a financial manager for over 35 years. Avis is a proud graduate of LSU and received her CPA designation in 2000 and holds the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) accreditation. Under Avis’s leadership, ALSC aims to modernize and automate its accounting processes, a critical step in supporting the organization’s growth and expanding its impact within the community

“As ALSC grows, embracing technological advancements is essential to support our mission,” states Executive Director, Sachida R. Raman. “These leadership appointments reflect our commitment to building a stronger foundation for equal access to Justice. We are confident Dave and Avis will bring the vision, expertise, and dedication needed to essentially serve our clients and communities with excellence.”

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