Leadership and Programs Team
Nicole Barnes
Executive Director
Nicole has served as the Executive Director of Jericho Road since March 2012. She has dedicated thirty years to working in affordable housing, community development, and small business development. Before joining Jericho Road, Nicole served as the Local Area Director of the Builders of Hope (BOH) New Orleans office, where she oversaw organizational operations. Prior to BOH, Nicole served at the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) for seventeen years. During her tenure at HANO, she held various senior leadership roles, including Vice President of Homeownership Programs, Deputy Director of Client Services, Director of the HOPE VI Community Supportive Services Program (CSS), Executive Director of the HANO Resident Loan Corporation, and Program Director of Economic Development and Training Programs for Tulane/Xavier National Center for the Urban Community Division of Public Housing.
Nicole also serves as the President of the Board of the Louisiana Association of Affordable Housing Providers (LAAHP) and Vice Chair of the Board of Governors for the Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance (GNOHA). She has been appointed to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Advisory Council to serve as one of two representatives from the State of Louisiana. Nicole holds a B.A. degree in Political Science from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master of Public Administration from Southern University of Baton Rouge.
Nicole has both a passion for serving low-income families and a great understanding of the myriad housing issues that working families encounter. Her extensive experience in both the governmental and non-profit sectors provides a unique perspective and understanding of complex housing policy. Nicole is widely recognized for her passionate advocacy and dedication to addressing the systemic inequities that have stymied asset and generational wealth building in communities of color.
Nicole has served as the Executive Director of Jericho Road since March 2012. She has dedicated thirty years to working in affordable housing, community development, and small business development. Before joining Jericho Road, Nicole served as the Local Area Director of the Builders of Hope (BOH) New Orleans office, where she oversaw organizational operations. Prior to BOH, Nicole served at the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) for seventeen years. During her tenure at HANO, she held various senior leadership roles, including Vice President of Homeownership Programs, Deputy Director of Client Services, Director of the HOPE VI Community Supportive Services Program (CSS), Executive Director of the HANO Resident Loan Corporation, and Program Director of Economic Development and Training Programs for Tulane/Xavier National Center for the Urban Community Division of Public Housing.
Nicole also serves as the President of the Board of the Louisiana Association of Affordable Housing Providers (LAAHP) and Vice Chair of the Board of Governors for the Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance (GNOHA). She has been appointed to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Advisory Council to serve as one of two representatives from the State of Louisiana. Nicole holds a B.A. degree in Political Science from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master of Public Administration from Southern University of Baton Rouge.
Nicole has both a passion for serving low-income families and a great understanding of the myriad housing issues that working families encounter. Her extensive experience in both the governmental and non-profit sectors provides a unique perspective and understanding of complex housing policy. Nicole is widely recognized for her passionate advocacy and dedication to addressing the systemic inequities that have stymied asset and generational wealth building in communities of color.
Traci Simon
Director of Finance and Operations
Traci ensures positive financial outcomes and the long-term financial health of the organization and its overseas operations. With over 25 years of experience in financial management and analysis, Traci brings a wealth of expertise to Jericho Road’s team.
Prior to joining Jericho Road, Traci served as the Finance Director for Project Homecoming, Inc., a community development organization focused on affordable housing development. Before joining Project Homecoming, she held several senior finance and data management roles at Peoples Health and Disneyland. Additionally, Traci was an Asset Manager with Edison Capital, where she managed a portfolio of 40+ affordable, multi-family housing properties.
Traci holds a B.S. degree in Finance from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master of Business Administration in Management and Finance from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Traci ensures positive financial outcomes and the long-term financial health of the organization and its overseas operations. With over 25 years of experience in financial management and analysis, Traci brings a wealth of expertise to Jericho Road’s team.
Prior to joining Jericho Road, Traci served as the Finance Director for Project Homecoming, Inc., a community development organization focused on affordable housing development. Before joining Project Homecoming, she held several senior finance and data management roles at Peoples Health and Disneyland. Additionally, Traci was an Asset Manager with Edison Capital, where she managed a portfolio of 40+ affordable, multi-family housing properties.
Traci holds a B.S. degree in Finance from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master of Business Administration in Management and Finance from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Kim Washington
Director of Asset Management
Kim oversees Jericho Road’s property portfolio, construction projects, and Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program. With over eighteen years of experience in housing and community development, Kim brings a wealth of expertise to her role.
Before joining Jericho Road, Kim served as the Asset Management Director for Associated Neighborhood Development. In this capacity, she played a crucial role in bundling adjudicated and blighted properties in collaboration with the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority and the City of New Orleans. Furthermore, Kim held the position of Non-Profit Senior Loan Reviewer/Underwriter Specialist at ICF International, where she was instrumental in overseeing the redevelopment of affordable rental housing following Hurricane Katrina. Her responsibilities encompassed managing a $40 million grant pool designed to support non-profit small property owners/developers.
In 2006, Kim took on the role of Acting Executive Director of the Xavier Triangle. During her tenure, she oversaw the post-Katrina renovation of the Zion City co-op, a groundbreaking co-operative housing initiative in New Orleans. Notably, she drafted a HUD proposal that secured $2 million in renovation funds for the University. Kim’s dedication to community development is underscored by her experience in marketing and sales at Ford Motor Company.
Currently, Kim serves on the board of directors at the Neighborhood Development Foundation and on the Propeller SVF advisory committee. A graduate of the University of Houston with a B.B.A. in Marketing and earned an MBA in Finance from Howard University. Additionally, she completed the University of New Orleans Community Development Finance Program.
Kim oversees Jericho Road’s property portfolio, construction projects, and Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program. With over eighteen years of experience in housing and community development, Kim brings a wealth of expertise to her role.
Before joining Jericho Road, Kim served as the Asset Management Director for Associated Neighborhood Development. In this capacity, she played a crucial role in bundling adjudicated and blighted properties in collaboration with the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority and the City of New Orleans. Furthermore, Kim held the position of Non-Profit Senior Loan Reviewer/Underwriter Specialist at ICF International, where she was instrumental in overseeing the redevelopment of affordable rental housing following Hurricane Katrina. Her responsibilities encompassed managing a $40 million grant pool designed to support non-profit small property owners/developers.
In 2006, Kim took on the role of Acting Executive Director of the Xavier Triangle. During her tenure, she oversaw the post-Katrina renovation of the Zion City co-op, a groundbreaking co-operative housing initiative in New Orleans. Notably, she drafted a HUD proposal that secured $2 million in renovation funds for the University. Kim’s dedication to community development is underscored by her experience in marketing and sales at Ford Motor Company.
Currently, Kim serves on the board of directors at the Neighborhood Development Foundation and on the Propeller SVF advisory committee. A graduate of the University of Houston with a B.B.A. in Marketing and earned an MBA in Finance from Howard University. Additionally, she completed the University of New Orleans Community Development Finance Program.
Peter Davis
Director of Development and Communications
Peter leads fundraising, communications, and marketing strategy, working to build strategic initiatives and cultivate relationships with individual and corporate philanthropic partners. Additionally, he manages volunteer and internship programs.
Before joining the nonprofit sector, Peter served in various instructional and leadership roles in public and private schools in New Orleans. Throughout the city, he held several senior leadership positions in nonprofits, including Interim Executive Director of the Orleans Public Education Network. Peter also coordinated fundraising campaigns at United Way of Southeast Louisiana.
Peter serves on several community committees and nonprofit boards. He is a graduate of Tulane University and completed graduate studies in Organizational Leadership and Nonprofit Management at Northeastern University. He holds several professional certifications in fundraising, community engagement and organizing, and public policy advocacy.
Peter leads fundraising, communications, and marketing strategy, working to build strategic initiatives and cultivate relationships with individual and corporate philanthropic partners. Additionally, he manages volunteer and internship programs.
Before joining the nonprofit sector, Peter served in various instructional and leadership roles in public and private schools in New Orleans. Throughout the city, he held several senior leadership positions in nonprofits, including Interim Executive Director of the Orleans Public Education Network. Peter also coordinated fundraising campaigns at United Way of Southeast Louisiana.
Peter serves on several community committees and nonprofit boards. He is a graduate of Tulane University and completed graduate studies in Organizational Leadership and Nonprofit Management at Northeastern University. He holds several professional certifications in fundraising, community engagement and organizing, and public policy advocacy.
Rabeetah Hasnain
Program Manager
Rabeetah supports grant development and management across programs, while playing a pivotal role in guiding clients through the homebuying process. She provides financial coaching to ensure clients navigate homebuying finances with confidence and clarity. Additionally, Rabeetah coordinates workshops for both prospective and current homeowners. Prior to joining Jericho Road, she served as a Special Education Teacher and academic administrator in New Orleans charter schools, as well as an English Teacher in Bucaramanga, Colombia.
Rabeetah holds a master’s degree in education from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Appalachian State University.
Rabeetah supports grant development and management across programs, while playing a pivotal role in guiding clients through the homebuying process. She provides financial coaching to ensure clients navigate homebuying finances with confidence and clarity. Additionally, Rabeetah coordinates workshops for both prospective and current homeowners. Prior to joining Jericho Road, she served as a Special Education Teacher and academic administrator in New Orleans charter schools, as well as an English Teacher in Bucaramanga, Colombia.
Rabeetah holds a master’s degree in education from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Appalachian State University.
Michael Robinson
Lead Organizer
Michael leads Jericho Road’s community engagement efforts and serves as a resource and adviser to neighborhood associations and individual residents on issues impacting their quality of life. With over twenty years of experience in community organizing, community engagement, and youth development, Michael brings a wealth of expertise to his role.
Before joining Jericho Road’s team, he served as the Community Development Director for Urban Impact Ministries, a Christian ministry in New Orleans dedicated to transforming the Central City community.
Michael holds a B.S. in Political Science from Xavier University of Louisiana.
Michael leads Jericho Road’s community engagement efforts and serves as a resource and adviser to neighborhood associations and individual residents on issues impacting their quality of life. With over twenty years of experience in community organizing, community engagement, and youth development, Michael brings a wealth of expertise to his role.
Before joining Jericho Road’s team, he served as the Community Development Director for Urban Impact Ministries, a Christian ministry in New Orleans dedicated to transforming the Central City community.
Michael holds a B.S. in Political Science from Xavier University of Louisiana.
Board of Directors
The Very Reverend David Allard duPlantier
Chair
The Very Reverend David Allard duPlantier has served Christ Church Cathedral since 2002 as its 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.
The Very Reverend David Allard duPlantier has served Christ Church Cathedral since 2002 as its 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.
Kathryn Ann Washington
Vice-Chair
Kathryn Ann Washington comes to us from the Entergy Corporation where she serves as an Assistant General Counsel for corporate legal and business affairs.
In this role, Kathryn serves as regulatory compliance counsel for an organization that distributes electricity to more than 2.7 million customers across the Gulf Coast, Texas, and Arkansas. Prior to her time at Entergy, she served as a Senior Associate for a private legal firm in New Orleans which specialized in providing services to telecommunication and utility organizational bodies.
Kathryn earned a dual B.A. in Economics and Asian Studies by way of Amherst College in Massachusetts and a J.D. from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Kathryn Ann Washington comes to us from the Entergy Corporation where she serves as an Assistant General Counsel for corporate legal and business affairs.
In this role, Kathryn serves as regulatory compliance counsel for an organization that distributes electricity to more than 2.7 million customers across the Gulf Coast, Texas, and Arkansas. Prior to her time at Entergy, she served as a Senior Associate for a private legal firm in New Orleans which specialized in providing services to telecommunication and utility organizational bodies.
Kathryn earned a dual B.A. in Economics and Asian Studies by way of Amherst College in Massachusetts and a J.D. from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Charmaine P. Davis
Teasurer
Charmaine Davis serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Advocates for Arts Based Education. Prior to joining the team at Advocates for Arts Based Education, Ms. Davis held the position of Director of Finance and Administration at the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority. During her tenure at NORA, she collaborated with various partner programs, including NSP2, Lot Next Door, and O.C. Haley Corridor Economic Development.
With 15 years of experience as a practicing CPA, Ms. Davis continues to engage in part-time practice. Her expertise encompasses auditing for government and nonprofit services, along with providing tax consulting and accounting services for small businesses.
Ms. Davis initiated her career in 1987, graduating from the University of Notre Dame as an auditor with Price Waterhouse in New Orleans. Following four years of auditing with the international firm, she transitioned to a well-established local minority-owned firm. In this role, she managed the practice’s audit and small business consulting services for five years.
Charmaine Davis serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Advocates for Arts Based Education. Prior to joining the team at Advocates for Arts Based Education, Ms. Davis held the position of Director of Finance and Administration at the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority. During her tenure at NORA, she collaborated with various partner programs, including NSP2, Lot Next Door, and O.C. Haley Corridor Economic Development.
With 15 years of experience as a practicing CPA, Ms. Davis continues to engage in part-time practice. Her expertise encompasses auditing for government and nonprofit services, along with providing tax consulting and accounting services for small businesses.
Ms. Davis initiated her career in 1987, graduating from the University of Notre Dame as an auditor with Price Waterhouse in New Orleans. Following four years of auditing with the international firm, she transitioned to a well-established local minority-owned firm. In this role, she managed the practice’s audit and small business consulting services for five years.
Ivens Robinson
Board Member
Ivens Robinson retired as President of Robinson Lumber Co., a family business which specialized in importing and exporting forest products, at the end of 2013.
Mr. Robinson has lived in Latin America and traveled worldwide with procurement and sales responsibilities, conducting his business in Spanish, Portuguese, and French. He served as President of the International Wood Products Association as well as on the Boards of Alerion Bank, and Premier Bank of Louisiana. He is also a former Executive Committee member for the World Trade Center of New Orleans.
Mr. Robinson earned a B.A. from Harvard College and was educated at Harvard Business School. He is married and has two grown children.
Ivens Robinson retired as President of Robinson Lumber Co., a family business which specialized in importing and exporting forest products, at the end of 2013.
Mr. Robinson has lived in Latin America and traveled worldwide with procurement and sales responsibilities, conducting his business in Spanish, Portuguese, and French. He served as President of the International Wood Products Association as well as on the Boards of Alerion Bank, and Premier Bank of Louisiana. He is also a former Executive Committee member for the World Trade Center of New Orleans.
Mr. Robinson earned a B.A. from Harvard College and was educated at Harvard Business School. He is married and has two grown children.
Ashley Aubrey Harrison
Board Member
Ashley Aubrey Harrison is an Assistant Vice President and the Community Affairs Representative for Whitney Bank in New Orleans
At Whitney, Ms. Harrison develops and manages partnerships with community organizations, government entities, and nonprofits in an effort to foster community development throughout the bank’s 5 state footprint. Prior to her work at Whitney, Ms. Harrison served as the Community Development Manager at ASI Federal Credit Union and oversaw the programming and operations of their nonprofit arm, A Shared Initiative, Inc.
Ms. Harrison earned her B.A. in Social Science from Loyola University New Orleans and an M.B.A. from the University of New Orleans. Ms. Harrison volunteers on a number of boards and committees in the New Orleans area.
Ashley Aubrey Harrison is an Assistant Vice President and the Community Affairs Representative for Whitney Bank in New Orleans
At Whitney, Ms. Harrison develops and manages partnerships with community organizations, government entities, and nonprofits in an effort to foster community development throughout the bank’s 5 state footprint. Prior to her work at Whitney, Ms. Harrison served as the Community Development Manager at ASI Federal Credit Union and oversaw the programming and operations of their nonprofit arm, A Shared Initiative, Inc.
Ms. Harrison earned her B.A. in Social Science from Loyola University New Orleans and an M.B.A. from the University of New Orleans. Ms. Harrison volunteers on a number of boards and committees in the New Orleans area.
Lucas Díaz, Ph.D.
Board Member
Dr. Lucas Diaz is a pre-doctoral fellow in the City, Culture & Community program at Tulane University. Dr. Diaz began his career in the non-profit sector as a professional fundraiser from 2000 to 2007. In 2007, he co-founded Puentes New Orleans, a Latino-serving community development organization. He also served as the Director of the Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office for the City of New Orleans.
Dr. Diaz earned his PhD from Tulane University.
Dr. Lucas Diaz is a pre-doctoral fellow in the City, Culture & Community program at Tulane University. Dr. Diaz began his career in the non-profit sector as a professional fundraiser from 2000 to 2007. In 2007, he co-founded Puentes New Orleans, a Latino-serving community development organization. He also served as the Director of the Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office for the City of New Orleans.
Dr. Diaz earned his PhD from Tulane University.
Adonis C. Expose’
Board Member
Adonis C. Expose’ is the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)/Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Liaison Officer for the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), where he recruits DBE participation in RTA’s contracts, publicizes business opportunities to DBE’s and provide technical assistance needed by contractors in order to achieve their goals.
Prior to his work at RTA, Mr. Expose’ served as the Director of Communications for the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) where he was responsible for disseminating information to the public especially during Hurricane Katrina where he was charged with getting vital information and resources out to public housing residents throughout the country in efforts to bring them back home to New Orleans.
Mr. Expose’ earned a B.A. in Mass Communications from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, LA and a Master’s in Public Administration from Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA
Adonis C. Expose’ is the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)/Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Liaison Officer for the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), where he recruits DBE participation in RTA’s contracts, publicizes business opportunities to DBE’s and provide technical assistance needed by contractors in order to achieve their goals.
Prior to his work at RTA, Mr. Expose’ served as the Director of Communications for the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) where he was responsible for disseminating information to the public especially during Hurricane Katrina where he was charged with getting vital information and resources out to public housing residents throughout the country in efforts to bring them back home to New Orleans.
Mr. Expose’ earned a B.A. in Mass Communications from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, LA and a Master’s in Public Administration from Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA