Mayor Helena Moreno appointed five new members to the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, which oversees the city’s parks, pools, and recreation centers. The additions bring the commission to its full 13-member complement, responsible for hiring and oversight, as the department addresses staffing and maintenance challenges.
The City Council approved Mayor Moreno’s appointments at its Tuesday meeting, adding Hattie Collins, Jamar McKneely, Kyle Walker, Michael Farley, and Kevin Kimbrough to the NORD Commission. The votes and motions are listed on the council’s public docket, according to the New Orleans City Council. The confirmations followed a recommendation for approval from the Governmental Affairs Committee.
New Commissioners Bring Mix Of Civic And Business Clout
The new board includes leaders from the private sector, education, and local community organizations. Michael Farley is a construction executive associated with HBI Construction Group and is listed as the company’s owner in public vendor directories. Jamar McKneely is CEO of InspireNOLA charter schools. Hattie Collins owns Hattie Sparks Interiors and serves on local cultural boards. Kyle Walker works in property and facilities management at LSU Health Sciences Center. Kevin Kimbrough is a community coach who was recommended for a NORD seat during council hearings. Background information comes from sources such as the SWB DBE directory, reports on local education leaders, the Audubon Nature Institute, the LSU Health property and facilities page, and local coverage of the council hearings.
Budget Boost, But Day-To-Day Problems Linger
Earlier in the budget cycle, the City Council redirected approximately $5 million from the Wisner litigation settlement to the general fund, which officials stated would support NORD and the Health Department during the 2026 budget process, as noted in a City budget bulletin. The transfer is documented in City of New Orleans budget materials. Reporting shows different figures for NORD’s operating authority, with local budget coverage listing about $19.4 million for NORD in the 2026 plan, according to New Orleans CityBusiness.
Audit Questions And The Foundation’s Role
The city inspector general has reported that NORD and its foundation have not submitted the independent audits and sworn financial statements required by the city charter. Investigators also noted delays in seasonal payroll and other governance issues. These concerns are outlined in a public letter from the Office of Inspector General and in coverage by WDSU. Moreno’s transition recommendations assign the new commission responsibilities for improving transparency, addressing maintenance needs, and strengthening the NORD Foundation’s fundraising efforts, including the proposal of a full-time foundation executive director to increase private support.
What’s Next
City and transition officials expect the newly appointed commission to meet in the coming week to begin work on hiring and oversight. The board chair is scheduled to lead a nationwide search for a permanent NORD director. Public records from the City Council show the confirmations and motions that finalized the appointments, as listed in the New Orleans City Council.
