Southeast Louisiana Council ~ Boy Scouts of America

Pillars of Scouting Luncheon
Honoring Archdiocese of New Orleans, Jack Fernandez, and Jeff Ehlinger

May 14, 2026 - Reception 11:00
Luncheon Noon at the Audubon Tea Room

Jeff Ehlinger serves as Executive Vice President & Louisiana President for BankPlus, overseeing all operations, retail and commercial activity throughout the State of Louisiana.  Jeff has 26 years of banking experience and holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of New Orleans and a Master of Business Administration from Loyola University.  He also graduated from the prestigious Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. Jeff has served on numerous non-profit Boards in Louisiana and is active in many local business and civic organizations.  Ehlinger currently serves on the Board of the Louisiana Bankers Association, the University of New Orleans Foundation, the University of New Orleans Research & Technology Foundation, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, and the Southeast Louisiana Council for the Boy Scouts of America.  Ehlinger is a former Executive Committee Member of the Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission.  Ehlinger was born & raised in New Orleans, Louisiana and currently resides in Madisonville, Louisiana.

Archdiocese of New Orleans –– The Archdiocese of New Orleans has long been the largest partner of Scouting hosting more Cub Scout Pacts and Scout Troops than any other organization for many decades in the Southeast Louisiana Council.  Archdiocese of New Orleans is a Latin Church ecclesiastical division of the Catholic Church spanning Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, and Washington civil parishes of southeastern Louisiana.  They serve over 25 schools, 107 Parishes and around 137 Churches.  They were founded April 25, 1793.  Archbishop Gregory Aymond accepting on behalf of Archdiocese of New Orleans. 

Jack Fernandez was born in New Orleans and raised in the Gentilly and Metairie communities. His early life in the region helped shape a strong sense of service, leadership, and commitment to community—values that have guided both his professional career and extensive volunteer service. He is VP of Operations for BWC Terminals. A leading provider of bulk liquid storage and logistics solutions servicing manufacturers, refiners, producers and distributors throughout North America. 

Jack honorably retired from the Louisiana Army National Guard after 24 years of service, reflecting a long-standing dedication to public service and leadership. He is married to his wife, Shell, and together they have shared 24 years of marriage. Jack is a devoted father to Madeline and Jack, and family has remained central to his life and service. Jack is a Father of an Eagle Scout, former Scoutmaster Troop 106, Previous District Chair Cataouatche District (Westbank) and Executive Board Member.   

2026 Luncheon Team -  Growing Each Day  - Chairs Jim Letten and Pat Denechaud rest of the team 

Organization Facts - The Southeast Louisiana Council, Boy Scouts of America will provide youth development and leadership programs to approximately 4,000 young people in 9 parishes through Cub Scouting, Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Exploring programs during 2026. 

Funds raised from this event will provide:

Direct service to Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Troops, Venture Crews, and Explorer Posts – Unit Organization, Youth Recruitment, Volunteer Training, Service to Volunteers, Staff Assistance

• Program Services – Camping, Activities, Training, Insurance
• Support Services – Office Support, Equipment, Salmen Scout Reservation and Camp V-Bar
• Funds to help youth in need experience the wonderful opportunity Scouting provides

Pillars of Scouting Investment Levels:

• $25,000 Investor -  (Eagle Scout) Two full tables (20 Guests), signage, listing in program and at 2 tables, 5 minutes at podium during lunch if desired.
• $15,000 Reception Sponsor – One and a half tables (15 Guests), signage during the reception and recognition at the podium during the program 
• $10,000 Investor - (Life Scout) – One and a half tables (15 Guests), signage, listing in program and table
• $5,000 Investor - (Star Scout) – One full table (10 Guests), signage, listing in program and table
• $2,500 Investor - (First Class Scout) – Partial table of 6 guests, a listing in program and table
• $1,000 Investor - (Tenderfoot Scout)  – 4 guests, and a listing in program
• $500 Investor -  (Scout) – 2 guests and a listing in program
• Cub investor  –Attend event, must RSVP, invest in Scouting – request consideration of $100+
  • 10 seats at each table

Sponsors are encouraged to bring guests to enjoy the program who might consider making an investment in Scouting’s youth development programs.  Register below or go to www.bsa-selacouncil.org/pillars to register online.