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.

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.

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.

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.

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.