NEW ORLEANS - - June 13, 2023 - - The Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana, which works to eliminate obstacles to opportunity for people harmed by the systemic racism and economic impacts of the criminal legal system, is delighted to announce that after a comprehensive search, Sherie Thomas will take over the role of executive director leading the organization whose mission is to help people recover from the criminal legal system through policy advocacy, public education, and legal representation.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, Thomas will provide bold vision and new energy as well as supervisory oversight for a dynamic team of legal advocates, community organizers, and attorneys who work with clients and lawmakers to ensure that individuals have the appropriate services in the post-conviction phase of the criminal legal system. She will oversee strategic vision development, diversify funding sources, and leverage new opportunities.
Thomas
Sherie Thomas brings nearly 20 years of experience as an executive officer and business strategist to the Justice & Accountability Center of Louisiana where she has been the Director of Outreach & Engagement since February 2021. As the Director of Outreach and Engagement, she successfully established the largest nationally impacted solitary council, passed the New Endings and Opportunities (formerly Clean Slate) expungement technology bill, as well as passed the Fair Chance Baton Rouge ordinance and more.
Thomas’ social justice work also includes serving as the Medical Task Force Chair of the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Reform Coalition, Expert Advisor to the East Baton Rouge Parish Medical RFP Advisory Committee, and Commissioner of the North Baton Rouge Blue Ribbon Commission.
Thomas holds an undergraduate degree in Business System Analysis and lives in Donaldsonville with her partner Harold, son Maurice, and fur baby Eli.
“It is with great pride I look forward to this new era of leadership at the Justice & Accountability Center of Louisiana,” said Reverend Alexis Anderson, Executive Director of PREACH and Justice & Accountability Center of Louisiana’s Board Member. “It has been my pleasure to have worked with Sherie Thomas as a warrior in this battle for due process for a long time and I believe the state of Louisiana will be better for the work being accomplished by this team at the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana.”
Over the last ten years, the Justice & Accountability Center of Louisiana has grown into a thriving organization committed to not only providing quality direct services but also fighting through legislative advocacy for bold change alongside people impacted by Louisiana’s criminal legal system. Since 2017, the staff and budget have doubled, and JAC is poised to significantly expand its work throughout the state over the next decade.
