Jerry Prejean’s journey from a tight-knit community in Lafayette to becoming Acadiana Market President at First Horizon Bank is a testament to hard work, mentorship, and dedication to service. With a career spanning over 30 years in banking, he has played a pivotal role in economic development, financial literacy, and youth mentorship. His legacy is not just in finance but in bridging communities, fostering opportunities, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Jerry Prejean’s journey to becoming a leading figure in Louisiana’s banking sector began in a close-knit Black middle-class neighborhood in McComb. Born into a family deeply rooted in community values, his upbringing was shaped by a network of supportive relatives, neighbors, and mentors who played a pivotal role in his formative years.
His early childhood was spent on 16th Street, where his grandmother lived next door, making family bonds an integral part of his daily life. However, after just a year and a half, the family moved to 12th Street, settling into his other grandmother’s home on the corner of 12th and Sterling Street. This was a temporary transition while his father sold their house and prepared to build a new family home. Despite the move, the strong sense of community remained constant.
Growing up in a neighborhood where local businesses flourished, Jerry witnessed firsthand the power of a self-sustaining community. The grocery store owner, the dry cleaner, and even the hair salon owner all lived within walking distance, creating an environment where everyone knew each other and looked out for one another. He recalls moments of discipline and care that extended beyond the walls of his home, neighbors felt responsible for guiding and protecting children, reinforcing a collective approach to raising the next generation. “It was all okay to discipline other families’ kids. No one questioned it, and there were no repercussions,” he recalls, emphasizing the collective responsibility that defined his childhood.
Jerry’s Creole and mixed heritage gave him a rich cultural background and strong identity. On his mother’s side, Jerry’s family lineage is traced back to Pennsylvania through the Scranton family, known for their medical and professional contributions. His grandmother, Ida Scranton Broussard, and her husband, Clarmar Broussard, had nine children, with Jerry’s mother among the youngest.
On his father’s side, Jerry’s dad Joseph Prejean was raised by his aunt, Estella Arceneaux Prejean. Out of respect for her, this is where the Prejean name was adopted. She was a deeply respected figure whose strength, discipline, and dignity left a lasting mark on him. She embodied the values of hard work, family, and perseverance that became central to Jerry’s own outlook on life. Jerry remained connected to his Creole roots and traditions through her and his extended family, which shaped his understanding of community, culture and self-worth. “She really was responsible for raising my dad and turning him into the man he became,” Jerry shares, highlighting the strong familial ties that influenced his upbring.
One of the most defining influences in Jerry’s life was his father, a chef who worked at prestigious country clubs and private institutions. His father’s career exposed Jerry to high professionalism, service, and leadership standards, which would later play a crucial role in his career development. In a twist of fate, Jerry now works in the same building where his father once managed the executive dining room, a full-circle moment that underscores the impact of hard work and perseverance. “Ironically, I’m now the market president in the same building where my dad worked, laying out fine china and crystal for high-stakes business deals,” he reflects.
Growing up in this rich cultural and entrepreneurial environment, Jerry learned the importance of community, family, and discipline. These foundational values would guide him through his education, career, and community leadership, shaping the inspiring figure he is today.
Education and Career Beginnings
Both familial expectations and personal ambition shaped Jerry Prejean’s path to professional success. Growing up in a household that prioritized education, he was heavily influenced by his two older brothers, both of whom became physicians. His father had agreed with them: he would support them through medical school, and in return, they would help finance Jerry’s education when the time came. However, despite the strong push toward medicine, Jerry soon realized that his interests lay elsewhere.
Initially, he followed his brothers’ encouragement and pursued science courses, considering a path toward medicine. However, while he respected the profession deeply, he soon realized he did not share the same passion for the medical field that had driven his brothers. “I had three dads screaming at me,” he laughs. “And I thought, wait a minute, this isn’t working!”
It wasn’t that he couldn’t do it, it simply wasn’t where his interests naturally aligned. Over time, he recognized that his strengths and enthusiasm leaned more toward business, finance, and working directly with people, rather than clinical practice. Medicine was honorable, but it was not his calling. During his college years, Jerry balanced full-time work with part-time studies, a decision that would ultimately provide him with invaluable real-world experience. He worked at Brother’s Clothing Store, a division of Abdalla’s Department Store, a third and fourth-generation Lebanese-owned retail business known for its high-end clothing department stores. Working there gave him essential skills in customer service, negotiation, and business operations. “I remember pulling a suit off the rack and handing it to a customer before they even told me their size, and they’d say, ‘How did you know?’ It was just instinct,” he recalls.
While working in retail, Jerry gradually chipped away at his degree in Finance, attending classes when his schedule allowed. Eventually, he took a brief hiatus from work, focusing entirely on completing his studies after getting married. With his degree in hand, he began his journey into the banking sector, an industry where his sales acumen and ability to connect with people would prove to be an asset.
Inez B Prejean Elmo Broussard Clarence Broussard
Florence B Thibeaux Carlton Broussard
front Joseph B and Hines A middle Thaddeus C and Ursula at the back
His first role in banking was in retail banking, where he managed grocery store bank branches, an innovative concept at the time. The strategy involved setting up bank locations inside supermarkets, where employees engaged customers in casual financial conversations while they shopped. Jerry was a natural fit, given his retail and customer service background. “I’d be standing in the grocery aisle, handing out potato chip clips, and saying, ‘By the way, have you thought about opening a bank account?’” he recalls, smiling.
Within six months, he was promoted and transitioned into private banking, working with high-net-worth clients on investment strategies, estate planning, and financial management. His natural ability to build trust and rapport with clients quickly set him apart. “I was still selling, just a more sophisticated product than jeans and jackets,” he quips.
Over the years, he rose, solidifying his reputation as a knowledgeable, community-driven financial expert. Eventually, his leadership skills and deep ties to the Acadiana region earned him the position of Market President of First Horizon Bank. In this role, he oversees banking operations and serves as the bank’s public face, fostering relationships with business leaders, community organizations, and philanthropic efforts.
Jerry Prejean’s rise in the banking industry was not a product of privilege or shortcuts. Instead, it was built on hard work, adaptability, and the ability to connect with people, lessons he first learned in the streets of 12th and Sterling, in a neighborhood where everyone looked out for one another. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and seizing opportunities when they arise.
Jerry Prejean – Banking Career and Leadership
Jerry Prejean’s journey in banking spans over 30 years, marked by steady growth, leadership, and a commitment to both financial services and community development. His career trajectory reflects his ability to merge financial expertise with relationship-building and strategic vision.
1993 – First Steps in Banking
After earning his degree in Finance and gaining valuable experience in retail management, Jerry entered the banking industry in 1993 at First National Bank of Lafayette (which later became Bank One in 1998). During this period, he honed his skills in relationship management, financial planning, and client service.
2002 – Transition to IBERIABANK
In 2002, Jerry joined IBERIABANK, which was undergoing significant expansion. He was appointed Senior Vice President and led the Private Banking division, catering to affluent clients and high-net-worth individuals. He focused on providing personalized banking solutions, estate planning, and investment advisory services.
2010s – Expansion of Influence and Leadership
Over the next decade, Jerry established himself as a leader within the industry. His role at IBERIABANK’s Private Client Group involved overseeing financial strategies for high-net-worth clients, integrating investment planning, wealth transfer, and business financial management. He also played a key role in community-focused financial initiatives, promoting financial literacy and fostering local business growth.
2021 – Named Acadiana Market President of IBERIABANK (First Horizon)
Following the merger of IBERIABANK and First Horizon Bank, Jerry was appointed Acadiana Market President in 2021. In this role, he expanded his responsibilities to include regional leadership, corporate banking, and commercial development. His primary objectives included supporting local businesses, overseeing high-level financial operations, and guiding the bank’s community engagement efforts.
2026 – Continuing Leadership at First Horizon Bank
As of 2026, Jerry remains at the forefront of regional banking. His role continues to involve building relationships with businesses, mentoring financial professionals, and advocating for economic diversification in Acadiana. His leadership is instrumental in shaping banking strategies that benefit individual clients and the broader community.
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
Beyond his professional success, Jerry Prejean has dedicated his life to giving back to the community, focusing on mentorship, youth development, and economic empowerment. His commitment to philanthropy and leadership is evident in the numerous organizations he has supported and led.
Boys & Girls Club – A Lifelong Commitment
One of Jerry’s most significant contributions has been his 25-year tenure on the Boys & Girls Club of Acadiana board. His involvement with the organization was inspired by childhood experiences where he saw firsthand the club’s impact on his peers.
“I really probably got more out of it than the kids got out of it,” he admits. His leadership helped secure funding, expand programming, and provide educational and recreational opportunities for thousands of underserved youth. Even after stepping down from the board in 2019, his commitment to the organization remains strong.
AMIkids – Guiding Troubled Youth Toward a Brighter Future
Jerry has also been deeply involved with AMIkids Acadiana, a residential program that provides rehabilitation and mentorship to young boys convicted of minor offenses. His dedication to this cause led to him being elected national board chair of AMIkids, overseeing a network of approximately 40 facilities across the U.S.
“Every kid needs someone to see something in them that they may never see on their own,” he emphasizes.
The program boasts a 80% success rate in preventing recidivism and provides an individualized approach to helping young men reintegrate into society. Through education, anger management, and personal development, AMIkids helps youth turn their lives around.
Financial Literacy and Economic Empowerment
As a banking executive, Jerry has always championed financial literacy, ensuring that young people and underserved communities have the tools to build economic stability. He has worked closely with organizations such as Junior Achievement and 100 Black Men, conducting budgeting, savings, and responsible credit management workshops.
“You can easily paint yourself into a corner with too much debt,” he warns. He encourages young adults to manage credit wisely and make informed financial decisions, stressing that economic stability is the foundation for long-term success.
Leadership in Economic Development and Community Growth
Beyond his work with youth, Jerry has played a vital role in economic development initiatives throughout Acadiana. He has served as Chair of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) and Chair of One Acadiana, focusing on attracting businesses, creating job opportunities, and diversifying the local economy beyond oil and gas.
“It’s important that we continue to diversify our economy… Acadiana has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and we need to nurture that,” he states.
His efforts have helped secure investments in solar energy, healthcare, and manufacturing, fostering long-term economic growth and opportunity.
A Philosophy of Giving Back
Jerry Prejean’s commitment to service and mentorship is deeply ingrained in his personal and professional philosophy. Whether through youth programs, financial education, or economic development, he has always sought to empower those around him.
“True success isn’t just about personal achievement, it’s about how many people you lift up along the way,” he reflects.
His legacy extends beyond banking; it is about creating opportunities, fostering leadership, and building stronger communities. His dedication has shaped financial futures and inspired the next generation to invest in their communities and make a lasting impact.
Personal Life and Work-Life Balance
Despite his demanding professional career, Jerry Prejean prioritizes family, health, and personal fulfillment. He has been married to Kay, a nurse practitioner, for 36 years, and together, they have built a life grounded in love and mutual support. “The greatest asset I took from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette wasn’t my degree, it was meeting my wife,” he says with a smile.
Their family includes two adult children who have followed in their mother’s footsteps in the medical field. Their son, a physician in the U.S. Army, is currently stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia, while their daughter is completing a fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology in Indianapolis. She and her family plan to return back to Lafayette in the summer of 2026. “I’m incredibly proud of both of them, not just for their professional success, but for the people they’ve become,” Jerry reflects.
Balancing career and personal life is difficult, but Jerry prioritizes it. “My wife and I take early morning walks together, it’s our time to connect before the day gets busy,” he shares. He also enjoys cooking, golf, and physical activity with regular Peloton workouts.
As he looks ahead, Jerry acknowledges the importance of adjusting priorities. “With grandkids now in the picture, I’m starting to reevaluate how I spend my time,” he admits. While he remains dedicated to his banking career, he also wants to be present in his grandchildren’s lives in a way he felt he missed with his own grandparents.
His philosophy on life is simple: build meaningful relationships, give back to the community, and always make time for family. “At the end of the day, it’s not just about professional success, it’s about being there for the people who matter most,” he says.
Reflections and Legacy
As Jerry Prejean reflects on his career and community involvement, he views success through a broader lens. For him, professional milestones matter, but what endures is the influence one has on people and place.
He believes leadership is less about titles and more about responsibility, the responsibility to strengthen institutions, open doors for others, and leave systems better than you found them.
“We have more similarities than differences,” he says. “If we can recognize that and work together, we can truly move the needle.”
For Jerry, collaboration has been the thread running through every chapter of his life, from banking to economic development to youth advocacy. The goal has never been personal recognition, but collective progress.
Looking ahead, he hopes to be remembered not simply as a banker but as someone who brought people together, a connector, a steady voice, and a leader who believed deeply in the potential of his community.
In the end, his legacy is not measured by balance sheets but by strengthened relationships, expanded opportunity, and a region positioned for the future.
A Life Rooted in Connection and Inspiration
His love for connection extends beyond mentorship; it is a fundamental part of his character. When asked what he would take if stranded on a desert island, his response reflected his appreciation for music and culture.
“I would probably take a good Bob Marley greatest hits album with an island vibe to keep the spirit alive.”
A wireless speaker and phone would be his luxury items, ensuring he stays connected to the rhythms and sounds that have inspired him throughout life. This choice reveals his relaxed and optimistic personality, ability to find joy in the little things, and appreciation for moments of reflection.
Economic Vision and Financial Stewardship
At the heart of Jerry Prejean’s leadership is a long-term view of prosperity, not just for individuals, but for entire communities.
His work in banking has always centered on helping people formalize their goals and build practical pathways to achieve them. Financial planning, responsible credit use, and strategic investment are not abstract concepts to him; they are tools that create stability, mobility, and opportunity.
But his vision extends beyond individual wealth. Through his leadership roles in regional development organizations, he has advocated for a diversified economy that reduces dependence on single industries and expands opportunity across sectors. Sustainable growth, in his view, requires collaboration between business, education, government, and community institutions.
For Jerry, financial stewardship and economic development are inseparable. Strong individuals build strong businesses. Strong businesses build strong regions. And strong regions create opportunities for future generations.
A Lasting Legacy of Collaboration and Leadership
Looking ahead, Jerry hopes to be remembered as a collaborator and a bridge-builder who brought people together for a common purpose and helped create opportunities for others.
“We have more similarities than differences. If we can recognize that and work together, we can truly move the needle and create lasting change,” he says.
His impact extends beyond banking; it is woven into the lives he has touched, the communities he has strengthened, and the opportunities he has helped create. As he continues his work, Jerry remains committed to mentorship, economic empowerment, and philanthropy, ensuring his influence resonates for generations.
More than a banker, he is a mentor, a community leader, and an advocate for those striving to achieve their own success.
