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  /// Our Staff

Co-Executive 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).

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Co-Executive Director

Prior to being appointed to serve as Co-Executive Director, Chad served as a Reentry Court Case Manager, and as the Director of Economic Empowerment.

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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.

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Re-Entry Case Manager

Troy works as a Re-Entry Case Manager in the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court's Reentry Workforce Development Program.

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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.

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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.

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Eric Smith

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.

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Assistant to the Co-Director

Tasha Smith is the Special Assistant to the Co-Director. She works to ensure that the Co-Director's schedule runs smoothly, and provides administrative office support.

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Re-Entry Case Manager

Bianca works as a Re-Entry Case Manager in the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court's Reentry Workforce Development Program.

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Re-Entry Coach

Claude's own experience with incarceration motivates him to provide support and guidance to our clients as a First 72+ Re-Entry Coach.

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Client Services Administrator

Meagan facilitates multiple projects around our office, assisting clients, coaches, and ensuring our work is organized and efficient.

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Programs Administrator

 One of our Avodah corps members, Chloe has a passion for social justice and systemic change, and is eager to serve the city of New Orleans.

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Office Manager

Our other Avodah corps member this year, James is excited to jump into direct service and help the First72+ in all its operations.

  /// In Memoriam

Founder

Ben was an original founder of The First 72+, and served as Co-Director until his passing until November of 2020.  We keep his bio on our website to celebrate and memorialize how much Ben means to our organization and community.

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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.

  /// Our Board of Directors

Norris Henderson, an OSI Soros Justice Fellow, is also the Executive Director of Voice of the Ex-Offender (V.O.T.E.). Norris has had tremendous success in his work impacting public policy and public discourse about police accountability, public defense for poor and indigent people, and reforming the notorious Orleans Parish Prison (OPP).

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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. 

Since being released Jack, like the rest of our board, has helped other people returning home, including finishing construction on our first transitional house on Perdido St. and mentoring residents in physical fitness and healthy eating.

The President of B3 Consulting, a political and business consulting group, Blair serves his clients as a political strategist with expertise in grassroots campaign efforts, as well as governmental relations and public affairs. Additionally, Mr. Boutte leads B3 Real Estate, which specializes in residential and commercial real estate development.

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