The City of Leesville hosted a retirement celebration on May 12, 2026, honoring Mayor Rick Allen, marking the close of his 12 years of service to the community. Sponsored by CLECO and Meyer & Associates, the event brought together family, friends, colleagues, and community partners to celebrate his leadership and legacy.
Jessica Herring served as Master of Ceremonies and welcomed guest speaker Karen White, formerly of the Louisiana Municipal Association. White reflected on Mayor Allen’s steady leadership, comparing him to a live oak—grounded, steady, and strengthened by deep roots of service, its wide canopy offering protection and support to those he served.
Herring followed with a light‑hearted roast highlighting memorable moments from his time in office. City Administrator Patti Larney presented Mayor Allen with a memorial gavel in recognition of his years of service.
Mayor Allen closed the celebration by reflecting on how rewarding it has been to work with the City’s staff, thanking them for their dedication, support, and partnership over the years.
Mayor Rick Allen’s twelve years in office marked a period of steady growth, expanded partnerships, and major improvements throughout the City of Leesville. His leadership helped guide the community through challenges and opportunities alike, always with a focus on strengthening the city’s future and improving quality of life for residents.
Among his many accomplishments, Mayor Allen oversaw significant progress across every part of municipal operations. He expanded the city limits through the annexation of University Parkway and Fort Polk Entrance Road, securing a vital growth corridor for decades to come. Under his administration, the City acquired a new City Hall, welcomed new industry and small businesses, and entered one of Louisiana’s first Intergovernmental Service Agreements with Fort Polk—an agreement that brought new revenue into the city and helped establish a consistently balanced budget.
His tenure also included major investments in public amenities and infrastructure. Improvements were made to the Municipal Golf Course and City Park, the Leesville Municipal Airport, and especially the Leesville Recreation Complex, which saw some of the most transformative upgrades. These efforts strengthened community services, expanded recreational opportunities, and improved the city’s overall appeal to residents, visitors, and potential investors.
Beyond his work at home, Mayor Allen represented Leesville in regional and statewide roles, ensuring that the city had a strong voice in policy discussions affecting military communities, rural municipalities, and economic development initiatives. His work helped elevate Leesville’s profile, strengthen area partnerships, and secure opportunities that continue to benefit the city today.
He has been a consistent advocate for Fort Polk, working to protect the installation’s mission and its importance to the region. His efforts contributed to stronger military‑civilian collaboration, increased visibility for Leesville in statewide planning, and a more unified approach to growth and resilience.
With his term nearing its conclusion, the City of Leesville extends its gratitude to Mayor Allen for his years of service and leadership. His work has strengthened the city’s foundation and positioned Leesville for continued growth. We wish him every success in his future endeavors.