Schriever, La. - Fletcher Technical Community College is proud to announce that Marie DesOrmeaux Centanni will serve as the keynote speaker for the college’s Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony to be held on the evening of Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at the Warren J. Harang Auditorium in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
Centanni currently serves as Executive Director of Governmental and Alumni Affairs at UL Lafayette, her alma mater. A veteran strategic communications consultant, her expertise draws from her unique experience in the often-dueling worlds of journalism, issue advocacy, and public service.
Prior to joining UL Lafayette in 2025, Centanni spent 17 years consulting with elected officials, economic development organizations, and issue advocacy groups through her Lafayette-based firm, Centanni Communications. Throughout her career, she has managed political campaigns, led public outreach efforts for major legislative initiatives, and lobbied before the Louisiana State Legislature on behalf of clients across the state. She has helped more than 60 leaders win elected office.
Centanni began her career as an award-winning journalist, serving as a reporter and anchor at KLFY in Lafayette and later as Capitol Correspondent for WAFB in Baton Rouge. She also served as Communications Director for Arkansas Congressman Mike Ross, the USA Rice Federation in Washington, D.C., and former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco.
Since 2012, Centanni has facilitated the Council for A Better Louisiana’s Leadership Louisiana program, helping develop leaders from across the state. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she has served on the boards of the Lafayette Downtown Development Authority, One Acadiana, the UL Lafayette Alumni Association, and the Community Foundation of Acadiana. Centanni resides in Lafayette with her husband, Lafayette Assessor Justin Centanni.
Fletcher’s Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony will celebrate graduates earning associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates, and industry-based credentials across a wide variety of academic and workforce training programs.
About Fletcher Technical Community College
Fletcher Technical Community College, a member of Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges is a vital educational resource serving the Bayou Region. The college offers associate degrees, technical diplomas, short-term workforce training, and free adult education programs such as high school equivalency preparation, digital literacy courses, and English language instruction. Fletcher is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education that strengthens Louisiana’s workforce and supports the economic growth of South Louisiana. Visit www.fletcher.edu for more information.