Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. Locally, we do that through community service and financial support. Since 1944 we have been a positive influence on the lives of children, providing the support they need to thrive.

Board of Directors (2023-2024)

Mary Nain
Past President and Foundation President

Ryan Lavergne
President

Christian Williford
President-Elect

David Fitts
Vice President

Alex Robichaux
Secretary

David Edmond
Treasurer

Board Members

Andre Higginbotham
Trevor Bellard
John Gherardi
Jack Emling
David Way
Brent Frick
Jill Rivers
Tom Long
Laura Hanes 

View Past Officers and Honorees
Casey Hebert
2023 Kiwanian of the Year

History

Kiwanis International was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. The organization was originally called the Supreme Lodge Benevolent Order of Brothers. A year later, the name changed to Kiwanis, which was selected by the organization’s founders based on their understanding that the word was translatable to “we build” from the Algonquian Native American language family.

Initially focused on business networking, the organization changed its focus to service in 1919 — specifically service to children. Today, there are Kiwanis clubs in nearly 80 nations and geographic locations.

The Kiwanis Club of Lafayette was established in 1944 and has a rich history dedicated to community service and improving the lives of children in Lafayette, Louisiana. The club has been involved in numerous impactful projects over the years and has been a significant supporter of local organizations such as the Children’s Museum of Acadiana, Special Olympics Acadiana, and the Boys & Girls Club of Acadiana.

The Kiwanis Club of Lafayette is committed to serving the children of Acadiana by providing practical means to build and support a better community.