Mayor-elect Helena Moreno Announces Transition Committees for New Direction New Orleans
Mayor-elect Helena Moreno today announced the formation of seven major transition policy committees and their leadership teams under New Direction New Orleans, her official transition initiative. The announcement follows the earlier naming of transition co-chairs and the formation of both the Chief Administrative Officer and City Attorney search committees.
The seven committees, reflecting our city’s most pressing issues and priorities, are: (1) Economic Development; (2) Public Safety; (3) Financial and Operational Excellence; (4) Housing and Affordability; (5) Youth and Families; (6) East of the Industrial Canal; and (7) Culture, Film, Music, and the Arts.
The Mayor-elect plans to invite members to join each of the seven committees next week.
“Each policy committee brings together a diverse team of community leaders and subject matter experts who are volunteering their time and talent to prepare my administration to hit the ground running on day one,” said Mayor-elect Moreno. “Their work will help shape policy recommendations, identify top short- and long-term priorities, and ensure our government reflects the people of New Orleans and operates with urgency, transparency, and accountability.”
“You’ll see these committees reflect our city,” said transition Co-chair Cedric Richmond. “It’s a signal of the high-caliber talent and diversity Helena will bring to City Hall.”
Economic Development Committee
Led by Barbara Major and Pete November
The Economic Development Committee will work on strategies to accelerate economic growth, support small and disadvantaged businesses, promote our cultural economy and tourism, spur entrepreneurship and innovation, and ensure inclusive prosperity across all neighborhoods.
Barbara Major is an expert in small and disadvantaged business policy with more than 50 years of experience leading local, national, and international community development efforts.
Pete November serves as the president and chief executive officer of Ochsner Health, Louisiana’s largest not-for-profit health system and private employer.
The Economic Development committee focus areas include Business Retention and Attraction; Small and Emerging Businesses and Supplier Diversity; Workforce Development; Cultural and Creative Economy; Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Regional Cooperation and Transportation; and Tourism and Special Events.
Public Safety Committee
Led by Chief Michael Harrison and Mary Claire Landry
The Public Safety Committee will review and make recommendations across the criminal justice system, including NOPD, Violence Prevention, 911, EMS, Homeland Security, and Fire.
Chief Michael Harrison served nearly three decades with the New Orleans Police Department, ultimately as superintendent, before leading departments in other major U.S. cities.
Mary Claire Landry is a licensed clinical social worker and CEO of the New Orleans Family Justice Center and HOPE Community Health Center.
Financial and Operational Excellence Committee
Led by Vanessa Brown Claiborne, Ann Duplessis, and Michael Hecht
The Financial and Operational Excellence Committee will focus on ensuring a fiscally responsible budget, operational excellence, high-quality city services, transparency and accountability, and climate and sustainability.
Vanessa Brown Claiborne, president and CEO of Chaffe, will oversee the City Budget focus area.
Ann Duplessis, former state senator and senior vice president in the financial services industry, will oversee the City Services focus area.
Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc., will oversee the Infrastructure focus area.
Housing and Affordability Committee
Led by Kevin Ferguson and Councilmember Lesli Harris
The Housing and Affordability Committee will focus on homelessness, housing affordability, and the insurance crisis.
Kevin Ferguson is an advocate for affordable housing and has worked collaboratively to address homelessness in our city. He serves as vice president of external affairs and membership at New Orleans & Company, the city’s official tourism and marketing organization.
Councilmember Lesli Harris is an attorney and community leader committed to justice, housing equity, and the preservation of New Orleans culture.
Youth and Families Committee
Led by Erika Mann and School Board Member Carlos Luis Zervigón
The Youth and Families Committee will focus on health and social services, NORD, and school partnerships.
Erika Mann is CEO of the historic Dryades YMCA and a longtime leader in youth development and education.
School Board Member Carlos Luis Zervigón is a lifelong educator and advocate for students, teachers, and public education.
East of the Industrial Canal Committee
Led by Dr. Takeisha Charles Davis and Clerk of First City Court Donna Glapion
The East of the Industrial Canal Committee will focus on revitalizing neighborhoods East of the Industrial Canal by addressing long-standing disparities in city services, infrastructure, and economic opportunity, among others.
Dr. Takeisha Charles Davis is a New Orleans native and the president and CEO of New Orleans East Hospital.
Clerk of First City Court Donna Glapion is a lifelong resident of New Orleans East, a public servant, and a passionate advocate for children, families, and communities across Louisiana.
Culture, Film, Music, and the Arts Committee
Led by Brandan “BMike” Odums and Terrance Osborne
The Culture, Film, Music, and the Arts Committee will develop strategies to nurture New Orleans’ culture, support local artists, and ensure the arts remain central to the city’s identity and growth.
BMike Odums is a visual artist, filmmaker, and community builder whose large-scale murals and exhibitions have transformed public spaces into monuments of resilience and imagination.
Terrance Osborne is a renowned artist and gallery owner whose official New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival posters are among the most collected works in the world.
The transition previously announced the Chief Administrative Officer Search Committee and City Attorney Search Committee, which are already underway.
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.