Dealing with Difficult Trust Clients
Dealing with Difficult Trust Clients
A panel discussion between Estate Attorneys and Trust Administrators dealing with difficult clients with diplomacy, consistency and a calm approach to conflict.
NOEPC Luncheon Title Sponsor: Beacon Pointe Private Wealth Advisors
Cheryl Braud
Cheryl is a banking professional with a career spanning over 29 years, 24 of which have been dedicated to trust administration, personal trust, and trust operations. She joined Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Co. in 2005 and has since made significant contributions to the organization.
As part of her role, Cheryl holds responsibility for the administration of Personal trust relationships and actively engages in Personal Trust business development. She is passionate about helping clients maintain their desired quality of life, as permitted by the Trust Document. Cheryl specializes in working with personal trust clients facing unique circumstances, including special needs children or adults, individuals struggling with addiction who require assistance managing finances, and elderly clients in need of household oversight and bill payment. Through her work, Cheryl finds fulfillment in enhancing people's living situations, providing them with security, comfort, and happiness.
Cheryl's expertise and dedication have not gone unnoticed. She is a graduate of the Southern Trust School, further enhancing her knowledge and skill set in the field. In 2019, Cheryl was for the Money Makers Award, a recognition by City Business that celebrates professionals for their financial achievements and community impact. City Business published an article highlighting Cheryl's exceptional service and the positive influence she has had on individuals within the community. Moreover, Cheryl was also named the Top Retail Business Partner for Trust in both 2018 and 2019.
Cheryl remains deeply involved in the New Orleans community as well. She actively serves on the St. Mary Magdalen Finance Board and Fair Committee. Additionally, Cheryl is a member of the Kenner Business Association and the New Orleans Estate Planning Council. Currently, she serves as the chair for fundraising efforts in Krewes for Karnival's First Responders. Cheryl has also participated in the Krewe of King Arthur and the Mystic Order of Phoenix.
In her free time, Cheryl takes pleasure in attending events such as Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras, and Saints Games. She enjoys antiquing and opportunities to entertain friends and family. She also likes a good beach vacation.
Suzanne Hebert
Suzanne is an experienced professional with over 25 years of experience in personal trust administration. She joined Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Co. in 2007, bringing her extensive expertise to the organization.
Suzanne is responsible for administering personal trust client relationships, as well as managing Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Her attention to detail and in-depth knowledge of trust administration ensure that clients' needs are met with the utmost care and professionalism.
Suzanne's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. Additionally, she received her degree from the Cannon Trust School, furthering her knowledge in personal trust management.
As a New Orleans native, Suzanne is committed to her local community. She served as an Executive Board member of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School at Divine Mercy Parish and participated as a member of the Parents Coordination Committee for Brother Martin High School as well as the Archbishop Chapelle Parents Club. Suzanne received the Volunteer of the Year Award from St Elizabeth Ann Seton School Parent Association in 2018. She is currently a member of the finance council for Divine Mercy Parish. Additionally, she is a member of the New Orleans Estate Planning Council.
Presently, Suzanne also serves on the executive board as treasurer of the Kenner Business Association and on the executive board as treasurer of the New Orleans Saints Cheerleader Alumni Association. Both organizations raise money and facilitate volunteer opportunities in the New Orleans community.
Suzanne is an avid LSU and Saints fan. She enjoys reading, photography, puzzles, the beach, and especially her time with family and friends.
Laura Walker Punkett
Laura Walker Plunkett is a Shareholder with Baker Donelson. Prior to moving to Louisiana, she practiced in McLean, Virginia with McGuireWoods. She concentrates her practice in the counseling of owners of privately-held businesses and high net worth individuals in their estate, tax and business succession planning and philanthropic endeavors, including organizing and operating private foundations and family offices, plus succession administration, including high-stakes fiduciary litigation. She also regularly advises the founders and/or boards of nonprofits on how to organize, structure, and operate in compliance with the requirements to retain their tax exempt status.
Ms. Plunkett graduated with distinction in 1997 from the Emory University School of Law and was a member of the Moot Court Society. She earned an advanced legal degree in taxation from the New York University School of Law in 1999. She received her undergraduate degree in 1993 from Emory University. She is admitted to practice law in Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, and Louisiana. She is an Estate Planning and Administration Specialist and a Tax Law Specialist, certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, and she has been awarded the designation of ACCREDITED ESTATE PLANNER® by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. Ms. Plunkett is a Fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel; is one of only two lawyers ranked by Chambers and Partners in Band 1 (the top band) of professional legal advisors to high net worth individuals in the State of Louisiana, and was named the Best Lawyers Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law 2026 "Lawyer of the Year" in New Orleans.
