LAFAYETTE, LA – Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) is entering an exciting new chapter of regional service with the launch of its Community Investment Department. This organizational evolution is designed to deepen the Foundation’s role as a proactive partner in Acadiana’s growth and long-term success.
Chasah West has been appointed as the Director of Community Investment to lead this new department. In this role, West will steward CFA’s strategic funding priorities, focusing on impact and partnerships that address the root needs of the Acadiana region. This transition signals a shift for CFA from transactional grantmaking toward a model of sustainable, community-driven investment.
Supporting the new department, Nicole Hebert will serve as the Community Grants and Events Manager. Hebert will be responsible for the logistical oversight of CFA’s grant cycles and the execution of community-focused events, ensuring that CFA remains a visible and accessible resource for area nonprofits.
In addition to the department’s launch, CFA is pleased to announce the promotion of Chantell LaVasseur to Accounting & Donor Compliance Manager. Having previously served as the Accounting Clerk, LaVasseur will now bring an increased focused CFA’s financial stewardship. In this elevated role, she will lead efforts to maintain rigorous donor compliance and ensure that philanthropic intent is managed with the highest level of transparency.
“The creation of the Community Investment Department allows us to be more transformational with how we deploy resources across our eight-parish service area,” said CFA President & CEO Missy Bienvenu Andrade. “With Chasah and Nicole focused on community impact, and Chantell elevated within our financial operations, CFA is better positioned than ever to foster a thriving Acadiana.”
The new roles are effective April 1, 2026. For more information about Community Foundation of Acadiana and its grant program, please visit cfacadiana.org/grants.
CFA is one of south Louisiana’s premier philanthropic organizations benefiting our region, with a focus on the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Vermilion. CFA’s core purpose is to build legacies and improve communities by connecting generous people to the causes they care about. Since its inception in 2000, CFA has realized cumulative gifts exceeding $322 million and has made cumulative grants of more than $175 million. You can learn more at www.cfacadiana.org.