Bishop Morris K. Thompson Jr. ~ Chair
Bishop Morris K. Thompson Jr. is the eleventh bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. A native of Mississippi, Bishop Thompson comes to Louisiana via Kentucky where he served as Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Lexington. He studied at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, University of the South, and Lexington Theological Seminary. The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana welcomed Bishop Thompson as pastor and mentor to clergy and lay people alike in May of 2010.
The Very Reverend David Allard duPlantier ~ Vice Chair
The Very Reverend David Allard duPlantier has served Christ Church Cathedral since 2002 as the 13th Dean and 27th Rector. Dean duPlantier devotes his time to the Executive Board of the Diocese of Louisiana, the Jeremiah interfaith ministry, the conference of North American Cathedral Deans, the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes, the Diocesan Rebuilding Committee, the Spafford Children’s Center and Anglican ministry in the Middle East. He is a graduate of Miami University and The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church.
Christopher Beary, Esq. ~ Treasurer
Chris Beary is an attorney and certified public accountant. Mr. Beary practices law including business law, commercial litigation, commercial transactions, bankruptcy, healthcare, legal malpractice and accountants’ malpractice, successions, and estate planning. He is a former Senior Warden of Christ Church Cathedral. Mr. Beary is a member of the American Bar Association, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Louisiana State Society of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Beary graduated from the University of New Orleans and Tulane University Law School.
Pastor Emmanuel Smith, Jr.
Dr. Emanuel Smith, Jr. serves as pastor of the Israelite Baptist Church in Central City. Dr. Smith is the President and CEO of the Liberty City Community Development Corporation and is a former professor and alumnus of Union Baptist Theological Seminary. He also attended the University of New Orleans and Mississippi Valley State College.
Pastor Smith has been involved in efforts to reduce crime in Central City and is an active leader in launching community programs for area residents.
Julie George, Esq.
Julie Livaudais George works as an attorney in New Orleans. She is active on the board of many local community, cultural, and healthcare organizations. Ms. George has presided over the Junior League of New Orleans, the Board of Trustees of Country Day School, and the women of Trinity Church. She is a Stanford University and Tulane Law School graduate. In 2007, Ms. George was named a top New Orleans lawyer by New Orleans Magazine and she received the Leadership in Law award from New Orleans City Business.
The Reverend Susan Gaumer
Mother Susan Gaumer is an ordained Episcopal Priest and is the current Ecumenical Officer for the Diocese of Louisiana. She serves as rector at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in New Orleans and on the Standing Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations for the Episcopal Church. While at Sewanee, she received the Woods Leadership Award.
Prior to ordination, Mother Gaumer served as a school Chaplain at St. Martin’s School in Metairie and on the Bishop’s staff as the coordinator of Christian Education. Mother Gaumer is a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College, John Hopkins University, the School of Theology, and the University of the South.
Superintendent John E. Pierre
Supt. Pierre serves as Pastor of Living Witness Church of God in Christ, and District Superintendent of “Lighting the Way District”, of Louisiana East Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ International. He also serves as Jurisdictional Executive Secretary.
Supt. Pierre is a Vietnam veteran, attended Delgado Junior College, Southern University at New Orleans, St. Mary’s Dominican College, Union Baptist Theological Seminary, and holds a Bachelor of Theology degree from the University of Dorchester.
Supt. Pierre participates in the leadership of many community organizations. He serves as Chairman of Oretha Castle Haley Merchants and Business Association, Chaplain on the Board of Central City Economic Opportunity Corporation, Central City Renaissance Alliance, and New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, as well as other boards and committees.
Ellen Ball
Ellen Ball is the treasurer of the Mobile Loaves and Fishes ministry and a former vestry member and Senior Warden of Trinity Episcopal Church. Ms. Ball has been a member on the New Orleans Summer Bridge Advisory Committee, St. George’s Episcopal School, Isidore Newman School and the Junior League of New Orleans community boards. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ms. Ball is a consultant in land management.
Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Stewart is a graduate of Tulane University, where he received Bachelor of Science in Management degrees in Business Management and Marketing. He currently works as a Recertification Advisor for the Federal Emergency Management Agency in New Orleans. Jonathan is also a proud homeowner of a new Jericho Road home.
Sgt. Yolanda Jenkins
Sergeant Yolanda Jenkins is a police officer for the New Orleans Sixth District Police Department in Central City. She is dedicated to providing safety and security to all residents of New Orleans and is committed to the rebuilding and revitalization of the Central City community.
Abagail Nelson
Abagail Nelson is the Senior Vice President for Programs at Episcopal Relief & Development. She has worked throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the United States and with the worldwide Church, responding to disasters, alleviating hunger, fighting disease and reducing exposure to risk. Abagail earned an MSc from the London School of Economics and BA cum laude from Harvard College. The daughter of an Episcopal priest, Abagail lives in New York with her husband where they are active members of the Episcopal Church.
