Mayor-Elect Helena Moreno Announces City Attorney Search Committee Co-Chairs
Mayor-elect Helena Moreno today announced the formation of the City Attorney Search Committee, to be co-chaired by Sharonda Williams and Jennifer Greene- two accomplished legal and civic leaders with deep roots in New Orleans and distinguished records of service.
“The City Attorney is one of the most consequential positions in city government. This leader must combine impeccable legal skill with integrity, fairness, and public trust,” said Mayor-elect Helena Moreno. “I’m grateful to Sharonda and Jenny for leading this critical search to identify the best and brightest legal minds to serve our city.”
The City Attorney serves as the chief legal officer of the City of New Orleans, advising the Mayor, City Council, and departments on all legal matters; overseeing litigation, contracts, and public records; and ensuring that city operations comply with local, state, and federal law.
“Mayor-elect Moreno is committed to an administration that reflects the diversity, strength, and lived experience of New Orleans,” said Cedric Richmond, Co-Chair of New Direction New Orleans, who is overseeing this and other committees. “The next City Attorney must understand our city’s complexities, from its neighborhoods to its history, and be ready to serve with both competence and compassion.”
Sharonda Williams said, “Having served as City Attorney, I understand how vital this position is to ensuring government acts with both integrity and accountability. The City Attorney sets the tone for how City Hall serves its residents- fairly, efficiently, and in compliance with the law. It’s an honor to help find the person who will lead that charge.”
The committee will conduct a comprehensive search, leveraging professional networks and best practices in candidate evaluation to ensure transparency, fairness, and excellence.
Jennifer Greene said, “We’re running a thoughtful and inclusive search to identify exceptional legal talent. We’re looking for someone with sound judgment, ethical leadership, and a deep commitment to public service. Our goal is to ensure that on day one, the next City Attorney is ready to hit the ground running, handle complex legal matters, protect the city’s interests, and support the administration’s efforts to deliver results for residents.”
City Attorney Search Committee Co-Chairs
Sharonda Williams
Sharonda Williams serves as Vice-President, General Counsel, and Director of Government Affairs at Loyola University New Orleans. She previously served as City Attorney for the City of New Orleans from 2013 to 2015, leading the city’s work on major consent decrees with the U.S. Department of Justice and resolving long-standing firefighter pension and back-pay litigation. Williams has more than two decades of legal and civic leadership experience, including service as Chair of the Regional Transit Authority, Vice-Chair of Urban League of Louisiana, and Chair of Louisiana Appleseed. A graduate of Xavier University and Loyola University School of Law, Williams is a member of the Port of New Orleans Board.
Jennifer Greene
Jennifer Greene is an accomplished trial attorney and community leader. She has spent her career advocating for justice and serving her community through civic and nonprofit engagement. Greene is a Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s ("AAJ") Women’s Trial Lawyer Caucus, Past Chair of the Louisiana Association for Justice's Women's Trial Lawyer Caucus, and served on the Board of Governors for both organizations. Greene also sits on AAJ's Public Education, Public Affairs, FAIR and Trial Lawyers Care committees. She is a co-founder of Emerge Louisiana, the local affiliate of Emerge America, which trains Democratic women to run effective campaigns for public office. In addition, she serves on the National College of Advocacy Board of Trustees, Komen New Orleans Honorary Board, the Dress for Success New Orleans Advisory Board, as a Historic District Landmark Commissioner for the City of New Orleans and served on District Attorney Jason Williams' Transition Team. A graduate of Rhodes College and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law, Greene is licensed to practice in Louisiana, Arkansas, and before the Supreme Court of the United States.
To Apply
Interested candidates can view the job description and apply at newdirectionnola.com/jobs.
About New Direction New Orleans
New Direction New Orleans is the official transition initiative of Mayor-elect Helena Moreno. The effort is focused on building an administration that delivers efficient, transparent, and accountable city government for every resident. Through public engagement, policy development, and recruitment of top talent, New Direction New Orleans is laying the groundwork for an administration committed to creating a city that works — one that’s safer, more affordable, and full of opportunity for all. Learn more at NewDirectionNOLA.com.