(This is one of 20 profiles on the recipients selected by an anonymous committee out of an extensive list of nominees for the 2023 Rising Lincoln Leader Award. The Lincoln Parish Journal thanks Mayor Ronny Walker and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for their support of this award. We would like to thank Kevin Hawkins at HawkinsPhoto.com for the headshots).
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Name: Thomas Graham
Age: 37
Employer: Lincoln Agency
Title: Insurance Producer, Branch Manager
Hometown: Ruston, La.
How long have you lived in Lincoln Parish: 35 years
Civic-volunteer organizations: Incoming Chair and Financial Committee Chair of Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the year 2021, United Way NELA Young Leader UNITED Cabinet Member, Lincoln Parish Crime Stoppers Committee, Ruston Rotary, Louisiana Tech Letterman’s Club, Origin Bank Community Commitment Award 2023, NCLAC Historical Building Preservation Committee, Leadership Lincoln Graduate – Class of 2020
Professional Highlights: Having the opportunity to work with my brother Gantt during my time with Louisiana Tech Athletics, and then join my father Randy and brother Matthew in the insurance business in 2019. Some of my fondest memories were made with my brother Gantt as we got to travel the country together during many seasons with Louisiana Tech Football. Now being alongside Randy and Matthew with the Lincoln Agency. I have been so thankful for their support and guidance since I began my journey in the insurance profession.
Also working for my alma mater, Louisiana Tech, as a graduate assistant coach for football, Director of Recruiting and Alumni relations, and Athletic Academic Coach/Career
Development Coordinator. I was able to enjoy and make many great memories during my time serving in each of those positions. I met and worked with so many wonderful people, many of those I consider dear friends.
Last, earning my master’s degree while coaching and starting to raise my family. I did not realize it until the day I received my diploma, but being the first person in my family to earn a master’s degree was special.
Ed Jackson, Assistant Athletics Director of Student Development for Louisiana Tech University, on Thomas Graham
“Thomas comes from a solid and loving family; a family that works together. He’s a young man that defied all odds to be an athlete at Louisiana Tech and be a starter. He’s a competitive young man and has a good personality and will do anything for you. He has the same competitive approach in business. I can call him when something happens and it is rectified and taken care of quickly. Business is about people first, and I see him as a servant. He wants to serve the people that he works for, and that’s a great commodity. I wish him the absolute very best in whatever he’s pursuing.”
Q&A with Thomas Graham
What makes Lincoln Parish special?
What sets Lincoln Parish apart is its small-town charm, reminiscent of Mayberry. The community spirit here is truly remarkable. When our first child was born with a serious heart condition, Maggie and I were touched by the outpouring of love and overall support. Experiencing this kindness only strengthened my commitment to helping others in return. Lincoln Parish has a way of drawing you in. The rich history and heritage are truly captivating.
The best part is that anyone can receive a quality education, attend a top-tier university, raise a family, build a successful career, and lead a fulfilling life – all without needing to leave Lincoln Parish.
During good times and rough times, everybody pulls the rope in the same direction. This is a place where people work hard, everyone respects one another, and everything just seems to fall into place.
Whether it’s supporting local businesses, pitching in to help with disaster relief, or joining
hands in local projects, the people here in Lincoln Parish are all about looking out for one
another.
How do you see your role in improving Lincoln Parish?
I was taught at a young age that you always leave things better than you found it. Regarding community involvement, my grandmother, Linda Graham, was a perfect example to follow. She always stressed the importance of having a pulse on what is happening within the community. I want to carry on my grandmother’s legacy and keep the chamber’s goals alive, especially by helping local businesses. I think it’s very important to connect with all parts of our community, listen to what they have to say, and work together to sort out problems and find common ground.
I also want to make sure the relationship between this area and its universities continues to strengthen and work together. I’ll continue to support small businesses any way possible so they can prosper. Preserving our history and historic buildings is a priority as well. I think we can come up with new ideas while still respecting our past. Honestly, it’s very simple: this community has supported me tremendously, so I want to do as much as I possibly can to support it back.
Who has played a pivotal role in your professional development and why?
In my professional journey, I have been incredibly blessed with various role models, mentors, and friends throughout the different seasons of my life. There are several individuals that have significantly contributed to my growth, making it a tough decision to single out one. Among these influences are my father, noteworthy coaches from my football career including Jack Bicknell, Pete Perot, Stan Eggen, Ed Jackson, Tommy Reeder, Derrick Dooley, Sonny Dykes, and Mark Tommerdahl.
However, I would be remiss if I didn’t shed light on the one individual who truly was impactful in my understanding of the importance of community. That person is Linda Graham, my grandmother, a prominent figure in my life and one very well known in Lincoln Parish. Her example of leadership and profound involvement within the Ruston community has a major influence on the person I am today. Linda Graham’s legacy has played a pivotal role in shaping my approach to professional endeavors. Her recognition, such as the Russ Award, underscores her remarkable contributions to our community. I am particularly motivated to carry the torch of active engagement, unwavering commitment, and attentive listening to others, traits that foster consensus-building. Her significant example has not only influenced my personal values but has also significantly contributed to my professional growth, particularly in the realm of civic involvement. As I continue to advance in my career, I am driven by her inspiration and dedicated to emulating her impactful leadership in my pursuits.
