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Valerie Gotch Garrett, Lafayette, LA (Lafayette Parish, District 3)
Ms. Garrett is the sole owner of Valerie Gotch Garrett, APLC in Lafayette, LA. Ms. Garrett earned her
law degree from Southern University Law Center.
Ms. Garrett is a native of Lafayette, LA. She credits her “pay it forward” mentality and “passion for
justice and serving others” to her community. In her community, Ms. Garrett was appointed as
“Lafayette Airport Commission Chairperson” in 2017 and 2018. Lafayette Airport Commission is a
seven-member volunteer commission that performs operations, marketed-related tasks, and coordinates
business development with potential customers. As a member of the Lafayette Airport Commission, Ms.
Garrett led efforts to revamp the DBE program/application process which afforded minority owned
businesses opportunities to become DBE certified. Ms. Garrett also served as the DBE administrator
and in her role met with Congressional Delegation, FHA Representative, and State Delegates for
funding.
Ms. Gotch Garett is a board member on Susan G. Komen for the Cure Acadiana and Lafayette Autism
Society; past mentor for “Black Girls Rock,” which honors black women in different fields for their
achievements; and is a member of the African American Heritage Foundation.
She is the recipient of the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Pro Bono Award (2013-2016); Lafayette
Volunteer Lawyer, Outstanding Solo Practitioner Award (2014, 2015, and 2016); Pro Bono Publico,
Outstanding Pro Bono Service to Louisiana Indigent Award (2014-2016); and the Lafayette Volunteer
Lawyer, Outstanding Attorney Award (2015-2016).
Jason Matt, Matt and Allen, LLC, Lafayette, LA (Lafayette Parish-District 3)
Mr. Matt is an attorney at The Law Offices of Matt and Allen, LLC. Mr. Matt earned his law degree
from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law.
Mr. Matt serves on the Board of Directors and volunteers regularly for Downtown Lafayette Unlimited
(DLU). DLU’s main goal is to fund various downtown projects to create a Downtown Lafayette that is
improved, beautiful and encourages a thriving environment where people can “live, work, and play.”
Mr. Matt volunteers with planning the Downtown Alive concerts, a free outdoor concert series. He also
works with the Downtown Development Authority to improve lighting, parking meter upgrades, and
American with Disability sidewalk improvements in Lafayette.
Mr. Matt is a member of the Acadiana Center for the Arts and participates regularly in city-parish council
meetings, economic development meetings, and serves as a volunteer lawyer for Wills for Heroes,
Protective Order Panel, and Mock Trial.