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Samantha de Castro

I currently serve as the Deputy CAO for St. Charles Parish, overseeing Communications, Human Resources and Economic Development. From 2020-2023 I served as the Director of Communications on the Parish President's Executive Staff. In 2019, I was the PIO for Jefferson Parish, and previously held communications roles in public traded company and a private equity investment firm.

Lesley Hill

Lesley was named Public Affairs Specialist for the FBI in January 2023. In this role, she is responsible for press releases, organizing press conferences, and managing the Field Office's three social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, and X. That includes creating special graphics and videos for the various platforms. Before accepting this assignment, Lesley worked for the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office for twelve years and worked in New Orleans media (WDSU, WGNO) from 1984 until 1999.

Barry Landry

As Director of Communications for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, I lead strategic communications across multiple offices within the department managing media and public engagement, and oversee crisis communications. I have been a member of the U.S. Travel Association Communications Committee, the Brand USA Communications Advisory Council, and a graduate of the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy.

Laura McKnight

As the PIO for the New Orleans Office of Inspector General, I manage our social media platforms, write and distribute press releases and reports, engage with news outlets, and coordinate Citizens Academy as well as other outreach events. I have more than 20 years of experience in local print and broadcast journalism and experience as an educator, having taught English and Communications courses at Tulane University and the University of New Orleans. I continue to work as a freelance writer.

Emily Oliver

As Public Outreach and Communications Director for the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, I manage communications strategy and public engagement. My role includes media relations, social media development, copywriting, and speechwriting, along with serving as liaison with other city departments and partner organizations. I also coordinate public events and am leading the creation of a new, user-friendly website to expand access, strengthen engagement, and highlight community impact.

Jimmy Orum

In my current role I oversee all aspects of NOHD's social media strategy. I also have social media experience from my roles at the University of West Florida and the Alabama State Port Authority. At UWF I oversaw the social media strategic direction for more than 30 departments, programs or initiatives for the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs. I have a graduate-level certificate in social media management for government from Georgetown University.

Mallory Sharp

As Public Information Director for LASERS since 2022, I lead digital and print communications reaching members, agencies, and stakeholders. The Public Information team produces websites, newsletters, email campaigns, publications, social media, and video content. I oversee member and agency outreach events, media relations, branding, and special projects. Previously, I served for over 10 years as a Public Information Officer for LASERS.

Dominique Washington

Digital Media Manager for the City of Shreveport, Louisiana
Develop and implement marketing strategies for the city's social media accounts.
Create content and graphics for City Departments (Community Development, Fair Share, Public Works, Shreveport Police, Fire, Etc)
Analyzing the short and long-term impacts of a media campaign.
Mentor a team of cross-functional digital marketing strategists.

Kourtney Williams

I serve as Deputy Press Secretary for the Mayor of New Orleans, where I created City News, a digital magazine sharing stories of city employees and the Mayor. Previously, I worked as a TV news reporter covering breaking news, building skills in storytelling, media, and public engagement that I now apply in government communications. I also served as Communication Chair for the Mayor’s Katrina 20 Summit, a citywide commemoration marking 20 years since Hurricane Katrina.

Brennan Matherne

As Public Information Officer of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office since 2011, I handle news releases and media relations, and I administer our six social media profiles, website, and mobile app. I also spent 6+ years at Lafourche Parish Government, where we launched social media back in 2008. I am a past president of the National Information Officers Association (2017-2018) and have also presented multiple times on government use of social media at the local, state and national levels.