The 2025 Community Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to improving our community’s quality of life through exemplary service. This year, we are proud to honor Carolyn Baringer as the recipient of the award.
Carolyn is what many would call a quiet storm. She moves steadily behind the scenes, spinning more plates than most of us could imagine, and giving—again and again—without ever seeking recognition. Her leadership is not loud or flashy. It is thoughtful, balanced, fair and deeply rooted in a genuine desire to serve others.
She has supported and strengthened countless nonprofit organizations throughout East St. Tammany, serving on numerous boards—such as Boys & Girls Club of Slidell, Steel Mimosas and Slidell Women’s Civic Club—as an engaged, working member who focuses on outcomes, not accolades. For more than a decade, Carolyn has poured her energy into developing future leaders through Leadership Northshore—mentoring, sponsoring and guiding dozens of participants who now give back themselves, multiplying her impact across the community.
Her service spans youth organizations, civic groups, public safety foundations, women’s leadership initiatives, hospice programs and schools. But perhaps one of her most meaningful contributions happens quietly—behind a camera. Alongside her husband, she attends community events, captures moments of joy and generously shares those images with nonprofits at no cost. From free Christmas photos for thousands of families to senior portraits for homeless students, Carolyn ensures people feel seen, valued and remembered.
She is a mentor, a sponsor, a servant leader and a professional known for integrity, ethics and humility. She runs from the spotlight—yet her impact shines everywhere. Her tireless dedication to service above self has created lasting positive change in St. Tammany.