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 (2024-2025)

Christian Williford
President

David Fitts
President-Elect

Richard Guillory
Vice President

Ryan Lavergne
Immediate Past President

David Edmond
Treasurer

Ryan Devillier
Secretary

Board Members at Large

Andre Higginbotham
Trevor Bellard
Alex Robichaux
Jack Emling
David Way
Brent Frick
Lexie Sellers
Michael L. Smith
Laura Hanes

John Gherardi
2024 Kiwanian of the Year
View Past Officers and Honorees

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.