Mayor-Elect Helena Moreno Names Leadership of “New Direction New Orleans” Transition Effort
Mayor-Elect Helena Moreno today announced the co-chairs of her transition effort, New Direction New Orleans: former White House Senior Advisor Cedric Richmond, Former Judge Desirée Charbonnet, Emily Arata, and Ryan Berger
“We’re hitting the ground running with a transition team that reflects the best of New Orleans- experienced, diverse, and deeply committed to our city’s future,” said Mayor-Elect Helena Moreno. “I chose these four co-chairs because they bring expertise, integrity, and a shared belief in building a government that truly works for everyone. Together, we’ll develop the plans and assemble the team needed to deliver real results from day one; and we’ll do it hand-in-hand with the people of this city through a robust, inclusive public engagement process.”
Moreno’s transition builds on the momentum of her campaign, which centered on creating a city government that works with urgency, coordination, and accountability. In the days ahead, she will announce a variety of transition committees focused on key priorities such as economic development and public safety. Reflecting the coordination she plans to bring to City Hall departments, these committees will work closely together to identify top talent, develop actionable policies, and engage residents across the city to help shape solutions.
Leading this effort are four co-chairs who bring deep experience in public service, law, business, and civic leadership:
Emily Arata
With more than 25 years of experience in public service and community engagement, Emily Arata serves as System Vice President at Ochsner Health, where she leads strategy to improve community health through civic partnerships and policy engagement. She previously served as Deputy Mayor of External Affairs for the City of New Orleans and held senior roles in state and federal government, including Deputy Chief of Staff to the Lieutenant Governor and Communications Director on Capitol Hill. She serves on numerous civic boards and is widely recognized for her dedication to public service and community advancement.
Ryan Berger
Ryan Berger is an Executive Principal of The Berger Company, a real estate investment and development company headquartered in the French Quarter. The Berger Company has established an arrayed portfolio of retail, hospitality, parking, and real estate debt holdings in New Orleans and select markets nationally. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Ryan is deeply committed to serving the New Orleans community. He serves or has served on the Boards of New Orleans & Company, French Quarter Festivals Inc, Isidore Newman School, WYES, and the NOCCA Foundation, and has had leadership roles with and is a proud supporter of the Vieux Carré Commission Foundation, the Audubon Nature Institute, Junior Achievement, Early Partners, and Son of a Saint.
Desirée Charbonnet
Desirée Charbonnet, a partner at Charbonnet Law Firm, has been a practicing attorney since 1996 and is known for her advocacy for victims of negligence and clergy abuse. She previously served as Chief Judge of the New Orleans Municipal Court, where she earned national recognition for her leadership in cases involving domestic violence and human trafficking. Charbonnet’s lifelong commitment to justice and civic service extends beyond the courtroom through her board service with the Louisiana SPCA and her deep engagement in the New Orleans community.
Cedric L. Richmond
Cedric L. Richmond brings decades of leadership at the highest levels of government, law, and public engagement. A New Orleans native, Richmond served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Louisiana’s Second Congressional District, where he chaired the Congressional Black Caucus and served on the Ways and Means, Homeland Security, Small Business, and Judiciary Committees. After Congress, he was appointed Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, later serving as a senior advisor to the Democratic National Committee. Richmond is the founder of Richmond Consulting, LLC, and a lifelong advocate for equity, opportunity, and effective governance. He holds a B.A. from Morehouse College and a J.D. from Tulane University School of Law.
Renee Lapeyrolerie
Renee Lapeyrolerie, who served as Moreno’s campaign manager, will lead New Direction New Orleans as the transition’s executive director. Lapeyrolerie brings decades of public service and strategic management experience. She has led numerous consequential campaigns across the state, including two presidential campaigns, and served as the Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party. Her leadership extends to prominent roles at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and, just prior to Moreno’s campaign, the Sewerage and Water Board. Lapeyrolerie’s dedication to public service is also reflected in her tenure on the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors and the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District. Currently, she serves on the Preservation Hall Foundation Board. A proud Loyola University alumna, her career exemplifies a lifelong commitment to community development and service.
Transitioning from Vision to Reality, Policy to Administration
Moreno’s campaign for mayor centered on moving New Orleans in a new direction. Throughout the race, she released detailed policy plans to address public safety, economic growth, and city services, along with specific initiatives to revitalize underserved areas, like New Orleans East, reinvigorate NORD, and strengthen small and Black-owned businesses.
The transition will build upon those plans while having a rigorous community engagement process to refine and prioritize early actions. Moreno’s first 100 days will focus on overhauling city government so that it works more efficiently and delivers “Super Bowl-level” coordination and service to every neighborhood, every day. Plans include restructuring key departments, like Safety and Permits, and establishing an Infrastructure Operations Center to coordinate drainage, water, and roadwork citywide, ensuring projects stay on time and on budget.
Her administration will raise the bar for city leadership, emphasizing expertise, professionalism, accountability, and execution.
The launch of New Direction New Orleans marks the first step in transforming Moreno’s campaign vision into action and in delivering the consistent, high-quality city services New Orleanians deserve year-round.
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.