New Orleans Recreation Commission Named Two CEO Finalists
The city has selected two candidates to lead its recreation agency following a nationwide executive search.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People
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The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission has identified Patrice A. Bell and Corey K. Wilson as the final two contenders for its Chief Executive Officer position. These candidates were selected following a national search for the organization's new leadership.
Why it matters
The appointment will determine the future direction of the department, which manages local public recreation and development programs. The upcoming selection process aims to ensure transparency and community involvement in the hiring of this key municipal official.
The finalists include two candidates selected from a nationwide search. The upcoming community forum will feature a 30-minute session for each candidate, split into a 10-minute presentation and a 20-minute public question-and-answer period.
The players
Patrice A. Bell
Patrice A. Bell is the current Chief Administrative Officer of the Louisiana Gateway Port.
Corey K. Wilson
Corey K. Wilson is an attorney and the former Superintendent of the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge.
New Orleans Recreation Development Commission
This is the municipal agency responsible for overseeing and managing public recreation and development programs in New Orleans.
The details
Patrice A. Bell currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Louisiana Gateway Port, while Corey K. Wilson is an attorney and former Superintendent of the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge. Both candidates will participate in a public forum and interview process at New Orleans City Hall to finalize the selection.
Timeline
Thursday, October 1, 2026: The commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. to make the final selection.
October 7, 2026: A community forum and interviews will be held at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
Market Landscape
This hiring process mirrors the procedural transparency requirements established by the 2024 New Orleans municipal executive hiring guidelines. By utilizing a national search, the commission is attempting to secure specialized administrative talent to oversee the city's complex recreational infrastructure.
Residents can engage directly with the future of local recreation by attending the public forum and question-and-answer session on October 7. The final decision made by the commission will impact how the department prioritizes public facility management and local program funding.
The takeaway
Selecting an executive for the recreation commission involves balancing administrative experience with public accountability. Community members can influence this process by participating in the upcoming public forum.
What happens next
The commission will hold a meeting to determine the final selection on Thursday, October 1, 2026, followed by a public community forum on October 7, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local leadership updates in the New Orleans People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WDSU News.
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