David Billings is part of the C.O.S.T. team that helps coordinate the follow-up work the Institute does in cities like Flint and Greensboro. Known to be willing to keep long hours and a low profile, he has been on staff for two years and a lifetime before that. He is married to Margery Freeman, a resource trainer with the People’s Institute, and is the father of three children, Stella, Nathan and Noah.
email: davidb@thepeoplesinstitute.org

Ronald Chisom is in many ways the “lifeblood” of the Institute. He embodies its culture or its “way of life”. Ron has been the Executive Director of the People’s Institute since the death of co-founder Jim Dunn. A long time organizer, Ron brings gifts to the administrative arena that one can not learn in graduate school. He has led the Institute through a time of incredible growth and productivity.

email: chisom@thepeoplesinstitute.org

Diana Dunn is the Co-Administrative Director of the Institute as well as a CORE trainer. She is the widow of co-founder Jim Dunn and the mother of their daughter, Myisha and also of Demian Robinson. Diana is the Institute’s grant writer and also a part of the COST and RAE teams. She has been a part of the Institute since her days at HUMAN. Diana is a member of the Usher Board at Bethany United Methodist Church and a member of its Disciple Bible class.

email: diana@thepeoplesinstitute.org

Tiphanie Eugene is the Co-Administrative Director of the People’s Institute. She is the daughter of co-founder Ron Chisom and Jerri Chisom, wife of Cory and the mother of Jessica and C.J.. Brought in to bring a semblance of order and calm to an often hectic work environment, Tiphanie is a stabilizing force who brings years of experience in administration in the school system of New Orleans to her position. Tiphanie is a member of Bethany United Methodist Church where she serves on the Usher, Family, Igniting Team and Platinum Praise Liturgical Dance Ministries. She currently chairs the Children’s Ministry.

email: tiphanie@thepeoplesinstitute.org

James Hayes is a sort of “permanent volunteer” for the People’s Institute. It is a testimony to the humble nature of this man, that whether it is driving the van or taking folk on one of his famous all-night Treme tours, he does so with grace and verve. Jim has always been there for the Institute, even though it has often been “after hours”. A noted choirist, Jim has sung with some of the great gospel groups of New Orleans.

Bridget Lehane is a part-time administrative staff member who is currently spearheading The Institute’s newsletter. She is also an organizer with European Dissent, and is the current editor of its publication, The Journey. Bridget is also the Project Coordinator for the Mental Health Steering Committee. She has extensive background in non-profit fundraising and creative writing.

email: bridget@thepeoplesinstitute.org

David Thomas or “Big D” as he is called, is the most popular person at the People’s Institute–on payday! As the Institute’s accountant, his job is full of challenges. David is, in fact, one of the most popular people at the Institute, as he combines the ability to keep everything in order with a wonderful personality. He is a lifelong resident of New Orleans.
email: bigd@thepeoplesinstitute.org

Mary Welsh is the Office Manager of the Institute. For almost as many years as the Institute has existed, Mary has been that first voice that the outside world hears when they call us. She is a mother figure to some and a friend to all. Mary loves good food, good music, and time to relax. She is the “Worthy Matron” of her local chapter of Eastern Star. She is the mother of one son, Arthur and one grandson, A.J..

Gail Wilson usually comes to work when the rest of the People’s Institute staff is gone. This might account for all that she gets done. Working part-time amid her more permanent duties with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, Gail is a part of the People’s Institute’s accounting department.

Angela Winfrey has been in and around the People’s Institute for years as a community organizer and outspoken activist. A self-described People’s Institute “junkie”, Angie is now trying to bring those organizing skills to the task of handling the travel and training logistics of the Institute. This she accomplishes with much energy and humor. Angie is the mother of Malaikia and Brandon and is also a trainer-in-training with the People’s Institute.

email: angie@thepeoplesinstitute.org