The People Project:
Carla Tate
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | February 15, 2025
Meet Carla Tate!
Carla grew up in Roseland, Louisiana. She has one younger sister. She graduated from Amite High School in 1994. She then attended Southeastern Louisiana University. She is now the Executive Director of Tangi Tourism.
Carla has served and serves on many boards including Louisiana Tourism Promotion District Board of Directors and The Governor's Task Force on Statewide Litter Abatement and Beautification. She has also served on the search committee for the Southeastern Louisiana President and was the Leadership Tangipahoa General Manager.
Carla is a member of Arcola Baptist Church. She has one son, Nick, and is Nanny to one granddaughter, Addison Rose.
She has a boyfriend of 5 years, Carmen. She is also the mom to a cat, Sam.
We want to thank Carla for spending some time with us and letting us get to know about her life and her love of the area.
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: When I was 17 years old, I got a job in parish government. I worked in a variety of roles and departments, and was approached by Betty Stewart. She was with Tangi Tourism, and was planning to retire soon. She asked if I would be her replacement. After lots of thinking about it, I decided to do it. She trained me and I wanted to make her and my parents proud. I have been the Executive Director since 2012.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: I am the world's worst at deciding on a restaurant!
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: We would go to the beach, it is my happy place. We would spend Thanksgivings there.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: Tanzania- a safari with Tanzania Adventure Tours with Ryan Barker. I would love to see the beauty and the animals.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Urban Cowboy is my favorite movie. I can recite every word.
Q: What is the first concert you saw live?
A: My first concert was New Kids on the Block. My Mom and grandmother took us - they definitely went for us!
Q: Do you have a favorite book? What do you love about it?
A: The Bible because it guides me.
Q: What advice would you give a group of people?
A: Always be truthful.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: I want to visit all 50 states by the time I am 50 years old. I have about 10 left.
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: I love music of all kinds. My favorite is country. I would love to see George Strait perform again.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: The indoor mall that we had at Hammond Square, and the movie theaters we had. There were 3 in Hammond and 1 in Amite.
Q: If you could choose one person to go to lunch with that you’ve never met, who is it and where would you go?
A: Princess Kate because she is so poised. She is full of class.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: My people here. The people I work with everyday. The festivals, the board members. Our leadership works well together because we want the best for the parish.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Traveling for personal pleasure more. Being a Nanny!
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: I am a Notary Public with the parish. It was the hardest test!
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Family and comforting.
Q: If you could have a full-time staff member that is fully paid for, what would that be? (Chef, housekeeper, driver, coach, personal trainer, etc.)
A: A home organizer. Someone to keep me organized. My closet is my downfall!
Q: If you had to choose one type of cuisine to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Italian and seafood.
Q: What do you do when you are alone in your car?
A: My mind is always going. I need the radio on.
Q: What is the last gift you gave and received?
A: The last gift I gave was a gift for Kim Zabbia with Emily Matise. The last gift I received was a Southeastern Louisiana University centennial pin.
Q: What are you known for?
A: Reliable, dependable. Someone who tries to make situations better.
Q: What is your favorite 90s jam?
A: Anything by Bon Jovi.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: To be able to heal.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: Traveling, beach, spending time with family, going to the movies by myself.
Q: What is your most commonly used emoji?
A: The face palm.
Q: What are you the most proud of?
A: I am the most proud of Nick. That he is happy and doing his best. I am also proud of my ability to work with others.
Q: What two items would you take with you if you shipwrecked on a deserted island where food and water were taken care of?
A: My phone and Carmen.
Q: If you won the lottery, what would be the first 3 things you would purchase or spend money on?
A: A family trip, to pay off all of my family's debts and I would get myself a beach house!
Q: What do you want your legacy to be?
A: Faith gets you through anything. People to look at me as a good person with a caring heart and faith in God.
Who would YOU like for us to get to know?
We love meeting, knowing, and working with our community, and we love working with homes and all types of properties. Helping our community achieve their goals through buying and selling property is something we consider ourselves very fortunate to get to do. Contact one of our REALTORS® if we can help!
