Partners & Staff

Bryan and Strange, Inc. DR. JERRY D. BRYAN, President
The Team-Management Doctor

Jerry has been with the business since its beginning in 1983. He is married to Melissa Andrews Bryan. They have two children and are members of the First United Pentecostal Church of DeRidder, Louisiana. Born in Lincoln, Kansas in 1948, Jerry received an Associate in Arts degree from Pratt Community Junior College, a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in psychology from Pittsburgh State University, a Master of Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology, and a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. As a logistics officer in the United States Army Transportation Corps, Jerry is a former Ranger, Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Helicopter Test Pilot, and Company Commander. Jerry holds a private pilot certificate with a high performance rating for fixed wing aircraft and a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating for rotary wing aircraft.

Jerry currently serves as:

  • President of Bryan And Strange, Inc.
  • Executive Director of Bryan's Electrical LLC - Land based Oil & Gas drilling maintenance service
  • Licensed Property & Casualty, and Life and Health Agent
  • Business and Personal Financial Consultant
  • Income Tax Preparer
  • Board of Director for Louisiana Family Forum
  • Past Board of Director and Treasurer for BeauCARE, Inc.,
  • A United Way Organization providing recreation, education, and Headstart services
  • Past President and Board of Director of the DeRidder Lions Club
  • Past Chairman and President on Board of Directors of the Workforce Investment Board for Beauregard, Vernon, and Allen Parishes and Chairman of the Performance Standards Committee.
  • Member of the Academy of Management.

Email: jbryan@bryanandstrange.com


Click on the pdf file below to access Dr. Bryan's Doctorial Research titled: Team Development Social Networking and its Impact upon Spiritual Leadership.


HERBERT E. STRANGE, Co-Founder

Herb Strange was born in DeRidder, Louisiana in 1941. Herb is a 1963 graduate from Louisiana State University with a degree in Business Administration and Accounting. Herb is a past president and honorary member of Rotary Club of DeRidder. Herb and his wife Lanora have been married since 1975. They have six children. Although "officially" retired, Herb an on-call consultant for Bryan and Strange Companies.

Email: hstrange@suddenlink.net


MELISSA A. BRYAN, (CPA) Certified Public AccountantMELISSA A. BRYAN, (CPA) Certified Public Accountant, Secretary/Treasurer

Melissa has been with Bryan And Strange Companies since 1990. Melissa is married to Jerry Bryan and they have two children. Melissa attended Louisiana State University and graduated in 1990 with a BS in accounting. In 1998, Melissa was issued a CPA certificate by the State Board of CPAs of Louisiana. Melissa is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants.

Melissa currently serves as:

· Member & past president of the DeRidder Business and Professional Women and a member of First United Pentecostal Church

Email: mbryan@bryanandstrange.com


MICHAEL R. COURNOYER, Cetera Advisor Networks

Mike joined the Bryan and Strange Companies in 1995. He received a BBA in Finance & Economics, Summa Cum Laude, from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas.

· Mike is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

· Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)

· Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)

Member of the Financial Planning Association

· Member of First Baptist Church, Merryville, LA, and Gideons International.

· Mike is married to the former Mandi Stark, and they have four children.

Email: mcournoyer@bryanandstrange.com


Office, Accounting, and Insurance Staff Members


LESA RUSSELL, De Quincy Office Manager

Lisa is a lifetime resident of De Quincy, LA. Lisa joined Bryan and Strange, Inc. in January 2001. Lisa is versed in both tax matters and all aspects of the Bryan Strange Smith Insurance Agency. Lisa holds a lifetime commission as a Notary Public, and is manager of the Bryan and Strange, Inc. De Quincy, LA office.

Email: lesabaggettrussell@communicomm.com


SAMANTHA STRACENER, Office Manager

Email: kbailey@bryanandstrange.com


DEBBIE KENDALL, Payroll Department

Email: dkendall@bryanandstrange.com