/// Our Staff
Co-Director
Kelly is a graduate of UCLA School of Law where she specialized in Critical Race Studies, Public Interest Law and Policy, and Business Law and Policy.
Co-Director
Pastor Tyrone was born and raised in New Orleans Ninth Ward, in the Desire Housing Development. When he returned home he was committed to “saving the community [he] destroyed.” Today he serves as the Senior Pastor of the Next Generation of the Original Morning Star Full Gospel Baptist Church (NGOMS).
Director of Economic Empowerment
As Director of Economic Empowerment, Chad leads the RisingFoundations Small Business Incubator, administers the Pay-it-Forward Communal Loan Fund, and develops new initiatives aimed at providing greater financial security for our clients.
Intake Specialist
Smitty is an Intake Specialist at The First 72+, where he is the first point of contact for people returning home from incarceration.
Wrongful Conviction
Project Coordinator
After being wrongfully convicted of second degree murder in 1987Doug self-educated himself in the law and won his release from prison in 2001.
Re-entry Case Manager
Troy works as a re-entry case manager in the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court's Reentry Workforce Development Program.
Re-Entry Coach
Wayne is a Re-Entry Coach at The First 72+, and helps supports others as they make the transition from prison back into society.
Director of Client Services
Kisha joined our team as the Office Manager in February of 2019 after years of volunteering, and transitioned to Director of Client Services in April of 2020. She facilitates the steady re-entry of First 72+ clients back into society.
Re-Entry Coach
Eric believes in second chances and that everyone can do better in life. He is grateful to help others on their paths to work to improve themselves.
Support Services Coordinator
As an Americorps VISTA member, Chasity supports to First 72 + by way of expanding, streamlining, and redeveloping client services through trainings, fund development, collaborations, and more.
Office Manager / Program Administrator
Emma is this year’s Avodah Service Corps Fellow and works as The First 72+’s Office Manager and Programs Administrator, answering the office phone and assisting clients as they navigate the beginning of their journey with us.
Re-Entry Case Social Worker
MK serves as a re-entry case manager in the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court's Reentry Workforce Development Program.
Program Coordinator
Juliana joined the First 72 family in September of 2019, and coordinates the Public Benefits clinic, volunteers, communications, and community partnerships.
Assistant to the Co-Director
Tasha Smith is the Special Assistant to the Co-Director Tyrone Smith. She works to ensure that the
Co-Director's schedule runs smoothly.
Re-Entry Coach / Parole Advocate
As a Re-Entry Coach/Parole Advocate, Earl helps our people with wrap around services and speaks on their behalf at their Parole Hearings.
Housing Program Coordinator
Troy Rhodes is the Housing Program Coordinator at the First 72 Plus. After serving 16 years in prison, Troy's passion for Re-entry work comes as a direct response to combat mass incarceration in the State of Louisiana.
/// In Memoriam
Original Peer Mentor
Donald Muse was one of our original peer mentors. He served as a peer mentor up until his death in November of 2019. We keep his bio on our website to celebrate his service.