NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission today announced two finalists for the position of Chief Executive Officer:
Patrice A. Bell is a senior executive with experience across public agencies, higher education, transportation, community engagement and crisis leadership. She currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer of Louisiana Gateway Port and previously held senior leadership roles at Xavier University of Louisiana and with the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority/Transdev.
Corey K. Wilson is a parks and recreation executive, attorney and former Superintendent of the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC). His background includes executive responsibility for public recreation operations, facilities, capital projects, budgeting, workforce management and community partnerships in a large parish-wide system.
The finalists were selected following a national search and a multi-stage review process informed by input from NORD staff, community members, partners and other stakeholders. The search process sought candidates whose experience and leadership aligned with the Commission’s priorities for NORD, including executive leadership, facilities and operations, fiscal stewardship, recreation and youth programming, community engagement, communication and public-sector governance.
“The Commission appreciates the time and thought that went into this search process and the participation of staff, community members and stakeholders,” said Kyle Walker, Chair of the NORD Commission. “The finalists bring different experiences and perspectives to the role, and the upcoming interviews and public forum will provide additional opportunities to learn more about their backgrounds, leadership approaches and vision for NORD.”
The NORD Commission will conduct finalist interviews on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at New Orleans City Hall. Following the interviews, each finalist will participate in a community forum providing residents and stakeholders an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates.
Finalist Schedule
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
8:30 a.m. – Noon Finalist Interviews New Orleans City Hall
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Community Finalists Forum New Orleans City Council Chamber, City Hall
Each finalist will participate in a 30-minute session consisting of a 10-minute introduction and presentation, followed by a 20-minute public question-and-answer session. Each question and response will be limited to four minutes total, with one minute for the question and three minutes for the finalist’s response.
The forum will also include an opportunity for public comment.
Additional information regarding the forum and opportunities for public participation will be available at www.nordc.org.
The Commission will reconvene on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. to consider the finalists and make a final determination regarding the next Chief Executive Officer.
The next CEO will serve under the direction of the NORD Commission and will be responsible for leading the employees, programs, facilities and operations of NORD; overseeing organizational strategy and administration; ensuring the effective operation and maintenance of recreation facilities; managing financial and organizational resources; developing partnerships with community and governmental organizations; and providing effective information and support to the Commission.
The mission of the NORD Commission is to advance the physical, mental and social well-being of New Orleanians by providing safe and welcoming environments for recreational, athletic and cultural experiences. The Commission is charged with planning, supervising and conducting a comprehensive and coordinated program of cultural and physical recreation; promoting cooperative planning with public and private entities concerned with recreation; and managing, maintaining and operating recreational facilities owned or operated by the City of New Orleans.