NORD Commission

As your Mayor, Helena Moreno is dedicated to delivering more accountable, more transparent, and more effective city services. She’s working with urgency 24/7 to build the city you deserve, a growing, dynamic city where basic services finally work and all communities thrive.

Prior to her election in the 2025 primary, Helena served as your City Council President, waging courageous fights on behalf of the people of New Orleans to win a better future for everyone. She's always been a solutions-oriented public servant who is dedicated to accountability and demanding a city that is responsive and works for everyone.

Since her first Council election in 2017, Helena has built a reputation as a tireless advocate on behalf of the people of New Orleans. She’s led the fight for a safer, more affordable and increasingly equitable city. In 2021, the people of New Orleans overwhelmingly endorsed her re-election: Helena won 85% of the vote and won every voting precinct in New Orleans.

Helena presses the government to think outside the box for solutions. Going about things the same will never lead to different results. As Council President and as a former State Legislator, she’s won victories to broaden economic opportunity and knock down barriers for small businesses, increase safety and reform our criminal justice system, promote gender equality, lead on climate action and a cleaner environment, and protect and uplift the most vulnerable in our society.

Among her victories for working people include restoring millions in violence interruption funding, massively expanding summer job opportunities, requiring equity and set-asides in City contracting, raising wages and instituting paid leave for all City employees, promoting fair drug policy by decriminalizing cannabis, authoring laws to shield victims of sexual assault, reducing incarceration by preventing unnecessary arrests, restricting weapons from domestic abusers, transforming New Orleans into a renewable energy trailblazer, and pushing to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure both above and below our streets.

Helena began her career in New Orleans as an award-winning investigative reporter for NBC affiliate, WDSU-TV. She was part of a team awarded an Emmy for outstanding coverage during Hurricane Katrina. Too often, however, her reports turned up problems in the political system. In 2008, she decided to not just report, but do something about it. Setting aside her promising broadcast career, she entered public service.

In May of 2010, she was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives. As the voice of District 93, she served as an advocate for a richly diverse area that includes neighborhoods such as Treme, the Garden District, Central City, St. Roch, the French Quarter, Mid City and the Central Business District.

As a Legislator, Helena was honored as a champion for women by numerous organizations. Her work to fight domestic violence in Louisiana is even featured in the award-winning documentary film called Five Awake.

Helena has also been recognized for her past work in criminal justice reform, public safety, drug policy, health care, early childhood education and care for the elderly.

Helena Moreno was born in Xalapa, Mexico and lived there until she was eight years old when her father Felix moved the family to the United States in search of better opportunities. Spanish was Helena’s first language which made school in the U.S. challenging for her early on due to language barriers. Her mother Nancy pushed Helena to do extra reading and writing in English after school - of which Helena was no fan - but this caught her up to speed quickly in her studies. Helena remains fluent in Spanish and has family living throughout Mexico.

Upon her election to the New Orleans City Council, she has worked to support and uplift the Latino population in New Orleans, which has historically been ignored and underrepresented.

Helena holds a degree in Journalism from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She lives uptown with her husband Chris Meeks.

Kyle Walker currently serves as Director of Administration and Disaster Claims for Property and Facilities at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, where she leads the administrative response to federally declared disasters, manages state insurance claims, and directs departmental financial, personnel and contracting functions. She also serves as Staff Senate Secretary and previously held the role of Assistant Director of Purchasing.

Her nonprofit leadership includes serving as Secretary-Treasurer of the Hollygrove-Dixon Neighborhood Association and Treasurer-Secretary of the New Orleans School Facility Finance Foundation, which provides financing to renovate public schools. She has also served as Secretary of the Newman Parent Association, Vice President of the University City, Missouri Library Board of Trustees, and as a volunteer with Washington University’s Alumni and Parents Admissions Program and the College Admissions Project’s Young Leadership Council.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with dual majors in Marketing and Organization & Human Resources from Washington University in St. Louis, where she was a John B Irvin Scholar, and a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University in Shreveport.

Kyle Walker is honored to serve on the NORD Commission and is committed to advancing high-quality programming and access across all facilities. She is married with two sons and a member of Celebration Church.

Ernest Price Jr. is a lifelong New Orleans resident with a strong record of community engagement. He has served on the Board of Directors of the New Orleans Recreation Development Foundation (NORD Foundation) since June 2017 and has held the roles of Board Chair and Commissioner on the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission since June 2019. He joined the Board of Directors for Educare New Orleans in September 2019 and served as Vice Chairman until the board’s dissolution in April 2025, when its responsibilities transitioned to Clover New Orleans, Inc. Ernest currently serves on the Board of Directors for Clover New Orleans, Inc.

Ernest holds a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MBA, both from Louisiana State University.

Professionally, Ernest is a Senior Manager in Entergy Corporation’s Incident Response department, where he ensures effective business continuity planning and coordinated, safe response to incidents impacting customers and the communities Entergy serves. He began his career at Entergy as a summer intern in 2004 and has previously worked in Risk & Insurance Management, Organizational Health & Diversity, Financial Planning, and Corporate Development.

Ernest and his spouse, Crystal Marks-Price of Lafayette, LA, own five McDonald’s franchises, including two in the New Orleans metropolitan area. They are the proud parents of their 8-year-old son, Caiden, who actively participates in NORD athletics, including baseball, soccer, and basketball.

Hattie Collins is a New Orleans–based interior designer and community advocate dedicated to strengthening the city’s cultural and recreational landscape. She currently serves on the boards of the Audubon Institute and YAYA Arts Center and has chaired major fundraising events for organizations including the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, and YAYA Arts Center. Through her volunteer work, Hattie supports initiatives that expand access to education, the arts, youth development, and public spaces across the city. She brings a collaborative, service-driven perspective to the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, with a focus on creating safe, inclusive environments where all residents can thrive.

Michael L. Farley is the CEO of HBI Construction Group, Inc., where he brings extensive experience in governmental, institutional, and historical restoration projects. He also serves as Assistant Director of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council.

His long-standing work with the Mardi Gras Indian Council, along with his active involvement in community organizations, gives him a deep understanding of the needs of the district he represents and the city as a whole. Farley also serves as a deacon at New Zion Baptist Church

Jamar McKneely is the chief executive officer of InspireNOLA Charter Schools, a charter management organization that educates more than 5,000 students in seven New Orleans schools: Alice Harte, Edna Karr High School, Eleanor McMain Secondary School, Andrew Wilson, Dwight Eisenhower, McDonogh 35, and Capdau STEAM. In 2013, Jamar cofounded InspireNOLA Charter Schools to transform an educational movement in New Orleans. InspireNOLA is the highest-performing open-admission charter network in New Orleans. One of the pillar attributes of InspireNOLA Charter Schools is the focus on community outreach programs to encourage students socially and emotionally to reach their full potential.

Jamar was principal of Alice Harte (K-8) after serving for seven years as a teacher and assistant principal at Edna Karr (9-12). Prior to becoming an educator, he worked as a budget analyst for two nonprofit organizations. Jamar’s educational philosophy is derived from Marian Wright Edelman’s significant quote: “The question is not whether we can afford to invest in every child; it is whether we can afford not to.” Jamar earned both a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in educational administration from Southern University in Baton Rouge.

Kevin Kimbrough is a Master Barber, youth advocate, and coach based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Known for precision, professionalism, and steady leadership, he has built a respected presence both behind the chair and within the community.

Beyond grooming, Kevin uses his platform to mentor young men, promote discipline, and create structured opportunities through sports, reading, and leadership development. He emphasizes literacy, accountability, and personal growth as foundations for long-term success.

Rooted in service and guided by purpose, Kevin is committed to strengthening families and empowering the next generation across New Orleans.

Daphney Young is a proud honors graduate of Dillard University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Secondary Education. She later completed her Master of Education in Secondary Education at Xavier University of Louisiana. Over the course of her career, Daphney has served as an educator with Orleans Parish Schools, Operations Manager at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, and Human Resources Manager with the Recovery School District. She currently serves as a Senior Program Specialist with AARP Louisiana, where she champions the needs and voices of adults 50+, leading volunteer engagement, advocacy initiatives, and community outreach efforts that empower older adults to live safely, independently, and with dignity.

A lifelong servant leader, Daphney is the co-founder of Le Sanctuary, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering literacy, leadership, and self-confidence in youth and adults. Through its book club and scholarship initiatives, the organization has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to young women entering college while promoting reading proficiency, character development, and responsible decision-making. Daphney remains deeply engaged in civic and faith-based service, mentoring young adults, supporting her alma mater, and actively serving through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Inducted into the HBCU Alumni Hall of Fame in 2025 and honored by Coca-Cola’s Salute to Sisterhood Awards, she lives by the belief: “I am an ordinary person serving extraordinary individuals—it’s the GOD in me!”

Tonya Boyd-Cannon, a vocal musician who radiates an unmistakable confidence and passion. As an artist who has truly dedicated her essence to the art form, she puts "vibe" front and center rather than confining herself to genre limitations. Drawn from a deep desire to give to and heal others through music, Tonya's distinctive sound ebbs and flows effortlessly, moving from the most heart-wrenching ballads to jazz, funk, soul, gospel, R&B, blues, reggae, and everything in between. 

Born in Jackson, with upbringings in Greenville, Mississippi, later moving to the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans, Louisiana, Tonya’s "multi-cultural" musical journey began at a very young age. Growing up as the daughter of a pastor and soul-singing parents, her childhood was wrapped in a profound dual legacy of faith and deep musical expression. This unique upbringing infused her work with a rare, soulful authenticity and heartfelt lyricism. A multi-instrumentalist who plays piano, organ, drums, and saxophone, her versatile contralto voice allows her to explore smooth, sultry melodies alongside powerful, emotive performances.  Tonya's illustrious professional career began in 1999 as a background vocalist for New Orleans’ own, and legendary R&B singer Jean Knight. Stepping into her own as a solo artist, she released her debut project “Precious,” dedicated to her late grandmother, Itinerant Elder Barbara Precious Boyd.  In 2005, she faced immense personal adversity when she and her family were displaced and suffered the total loss of their home during Hurricane Katrina. Out of that struggle came her powerful 2006 album “Rise My Child,” dedicated to survivors of the storm and of life.  Over the years, Tonya's captivating artistry has earned significant praise from media and critics alike across numerous singles, EPs, full-length albums, and collaborations. In 2010, she was crowned the winner of Budweiser's "Battle for the Crown" contest.  She went on to gain widespread national recognition as a spectacular top finalist on Season 8 of NBC’s hit show 

"The Voice", where her mesmerizing performances and genuine artistry endeared her to judges and viewers alike.  A prominent fixture on global and regional stages, Tonya's electrifying live performances have left a musical presence on hearts, minds, and souls from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the Essence Music Festival to Colombia’s international Mompox Jazz Festival. She has also shared stages with legendary artists such as Maze ft. Frankie Beverly, Cassandra Wilson, Eve, and Danny Glover, exploring themes of love, resilience, and empowerment drawn directly from her own life experiences. Believing that music’s most powerful feature lies in its capacity to heal, Tonya actively pushes the envelope for soul music while dedicating herself to teaching vocal music. Today, Tonya continues down her chosen path of revitalizing people by pouring her knowledge back into her  students and community. She balances her time on stage with her vital work as an Adjunct Professor at Tulane University and as a vocal teacher with the Heritage School of Music through the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. Her leadership extends to multiple boards, including the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, the Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard Merchants & Business Association, and the Recording Academy (Memphis Chapter). 

Furthermore, she is the visionary founder of the Rise My Child Foundation, an organization rooted in the core belief of teaching the WHOLE child through the ARTS. Through education, mentorship, and performance, Tonya continues to use her gift for storytelling and soulful melodies to bring vitality, healing, and happiness to listeners and future generations around the world.