Zack Rosenburg, CEO and Co-Founder zack@stbernardproject.org
Zack has been a criminal defense attorney in Washington, DC for the past three years. Prior to his defense work, he founded Linking Communities for Educational Success (LINK), a non-profit organization that provides tutoring, mentoring and after school education and enrichment services to at-risk junior high school students in Washington, DC. Before law school he was the development director of Families Foreward, a low-income housing and job training program in Washington, DC. Zack was raised in Belmont, Massachusetts.
Liz McCartney, Director of Development and Co-Founder liz@stbernardproject.org
Prior to starting the St. Bernard Project, Liz was the Executive Director of a community-based nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C, which provided technology-based after school and summer programs for young people attending DC public schools. Previously, she taught ESL and middle school. Liz also served as a Peace Corps member in Lesotho. She is a graduate of Boston College and received a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from George Washington University. Liz was born and raised in Washington, DC where she cultivated her love of playing scrabble, traveling, and eating blue crabs with lots of Old Bay seasoning.
Jim MacQueen, Director of Construction jim.macqueen@stbernardproject.org
Jim comes to SBP from Orange Beach, AL by way of 18 separate US states and Saudi Arabia, where he accumalted 40+ years of construction experience. His hobbies include anything involved with water, fishing, he is a licensed merchant marine master, building furniture, reading and volunteering with the humane society and coastal conservation association. Jim came here to use his professional experience to help both the staff and the Greater New Orleans community.
"You will do a better job than I."
Human Resources/AmeriCorps Program Management
Ashley Sloan, HR Manager/AmeriCorps Program Manager ashley.slaon@stbernardproject.org
Ashley Sloan transferred to the St Bernard Project from United Way of the Greater New Orleans Area, while simultaneously running Live St. Bernard, a volunteer house. Prior to United Way, Ashley served as a team leader for AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. Previously, she worked in advertising in Kansas City. Ashley graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in journalism and emphasis in English.
Development Team
Kevin Albrecht, Development Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA kevin.albrecht@stbernardproject.org
Kevin is from Richmond, Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia in 2008. He was introduced to the St. Bernard Project in spring 2009 as a member of his NCCC team from Denver. He returned to the project as a VISTA volunteer in September because he loved the work and the people so much… the food around New Orleans helped too.
Kate Schuman, Development Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA kate.schuman@stbernardproject.org
A native of Wisconsin, Kate graduated from the University of Missouri Journalism School with a minor in German. She spent a year in Europe during college and held internships as a reporter in Madison, Wis., Little Rock, Ark., and London. After 10 months in AmeriCorps NCCC, where she served at a food bank, completed brush clearance for wildfire survivors, built houses with Habitat for Humanity and tutored inner-city high school students, as well as a stint at the St. Bernard Project, Kate was most enamored by SBP's mission and efficiency in rebuilding this amazing city and decided to return to coordinate development.
Matt Haines, Government Liaison / Development Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA matt.haines@stbernardproject.org
Matt is from Brooklyn, NY, graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Trombone Performance and is three-quarters of the way through a master's degree in Nonprofit Management at Milano, the New School for Management and Urban Policy. He is currently a Rockefeller Foundation Scholar, taking classes in New Orleans toward a certificate in Community Redevelopment through the University of Pennsylvania. Matt loves New Orleans because it is a place attracting incredible and motivated problem solvers from across the city, across the State, and across the country. In Matt's storied past, he was once the Falafel-Eating Champion of New York City. One day he hopes to reclaim that title for his new city.
Catherine Lyons, Development Coordinator, AmeriCorps State catherine.lyons@stbernardproject.org
Catherine is from Elk Grove, CA and attended USC LA where she recieved degrees in print journalism and international relations. Prior to joining the team at SBP she worked in the editorial department of the LA Times and as a tutor and writing coach at Sci Academy charter school in NOLA. Currently in her spare time Catherine writes about New Orleans cuisine for Zester Daily.
In her own words: "I first heard about SBP right before I moved down and was so impressed and moved by what the project was doing. I'm so glad that it worked out that I could be a part of the team."
A proud Texan, Amanda comes to SBP mere weeks after graduating from Duke University in May 2010. Armed with a B.A. in Political Science, certificate in Ethics and minor in Literature, she is happy to be back in New Orleans working with the project and adjusting to life in the so-called real world. She hopes to learn how to dive as well as to visit every continent by the time she is 30.
Han Nguyen, Graphic Designer / Photographer, AmeriCorps VISTA han.nguyen@stbernardproject.org
Han, a native New Englander, graduated from Juniata College in 2007 with a B.S. in Chemistry. After graduation, Han worked as a organic chemistry lab instructor and a chemical research jockey until he met his fate in a free-will horoscope, which prompted him to "make a big change in his life." After ignoring the philosophical contradiction of 'fate' and 'free will' in a horoscope, Han soon relocated to New Orleans where he has been volunteering, sharing his wisdom and superb math skills with many mentees and tutees through non-profits such as the Urban League and New Orleans Outreach.
Justine first visited New Orleans as an NCCC member, she fell in love with the city and knew she had to come back. Finding the project, she has put off finishing her degree at the University of Massachusetts-Boston and her once expected career as an elementary school educator to work in the field. First on the specialty crew and now as a construction manager. Justine is an avid fan of Clone High as well as JFK Jr.
Dave Chung, Electrical Team Leader dave.chung@stbernardproject.org
Dave came down from the great white north (aka Canada). He grew up in Ottawa, Ontraio, Canada. Dave was a golf touring professional for 5 years. After retiring his sticks, Dave came to da parish in August 2006 and spent 4 months gutting homes before joining the SBP team. The need was great and the people of the parish felt like family, so he stayed and stayed and stayed. He is now looking to make the New Orleans area his home as he continues his work at SBP.
Johnnie McDaniel, Senior Site Supervisor johnnie.mcdaniel@stbernardproject.org
Johnnie has been volunteering with the St. Bernard Project for the past three years, and it has been an awesome experience. Not only has he had the opportunity to refurbish houses, he has also been privileged to meet a plethora of interesting and fun volunteers. While at work, he enjoys singing along to Shania Twain and installing bi-fold doors. His other interests include fed-ex deliveries, watermelon, ice cream, and long walks along the bayou. In the future, he hopes to tour Japan as a karaoke singer specializing in zydeco. In order to pay for the passage to Japan, he plans to be a cook on a crab fishing vessel. Johnnie also enjoys helping old ladies cross the street, as well as the color blue.
Paul Napolitano, Senior Site Supervisor, AmeriCorps State paul.naploitano@stbernardproject.org
Before coming to St. Bernard Project to give back and help a part of the country that has shaped his life, Paul attended Brandeis University, completed his M.A. in Comparative European History. In addition to giving back, Paul choose St. Bernard project to help right the wrongs in the wake of both Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.
Site Supervisors
Aaron Palmer, Site Supervisor, AmeriCorps State aaron.palmer@stbernardproject.org
Bridget Hatfield, Site Supervisor, AmeriCorps State bridget.hatfield@stbernardproject.org
Bridget hails from Falls Church, Va and prior to coming to SBP she was nannying for a family with 6 kids. She is a graduate of Queens University of Charlotte where she was a member of Phi Mu and majored in Education. She can make an awesome tie dye t-shirt.
"These families deserve to have a home and healthy living conditions. SBP is bringing people home and I wanted to do my part."
Heidi Miles, Site Supervisor, AmeriCorps State heidi.miles@stbernardproject.org
Heidi is a recent graduate from UC Irvine and calls Brentwood, CA home. Heidi came to SBP through one of our repeat volunteer partners, Rock Harbor Church. After volunteering over the summer she decided to make the commitment to come down full-time. Heidi is a dual citizen of the US and Norway and has had the pleasure of meeting the King and Queen of Norway.
Kim Benty, Site Supervisor, AmeriCorps State kim.benty@stbernardproject.org
Kim hails from Batavia, NY and has been working as a freelance Sign Language interpreter since 2002. She also worked at the New York State School for the Blind for 10 years. She is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology. Kim finds herself at SBP after tking volunteer trips down starting in August of 2007. Now she has decided to become a more permanent fixture and work for us year-round
Christian Coltharp-Parr, Site Supervisor, AmeriCorps State christian.coltharp-parr@stbernardproject.org
Christain calls Baton Rouge, LA home and is a graduate of Florida State University. Just previous to working for SBP he was livng in California. Christian came to SBP in order to do something meaningful to help the people devistated by Katrina.
Phoenix DeVos, Site Supervisor, AmeriCorps State phoenix.devos@stbernardproject.org
Phoenix is from Grand Rapids, MI. Prior to serving with SBP she was a member of the AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region Campus. For Phoenix SBP was a perfect fit as an outlet for meaningful service. After being a member of the NCCC she didn't want her service to end.
Travis Abram, Site Supervisor, AmeriCorps State travis.abram@stbernardproject.org
Travis is originally from Hayden, ID and spent the last 10 months as a member of the AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region Campus. Travis is a graduate of the University of Idaho. Travis' team spent 2 months working with SBP after which he felt like this was something he could sink his teeth into. He is excellent at juggling both sharp and flaming objects and has watched all 153 episodes of The Gilmore Girls.
Specialty Team
Robert Redman, Specialty Carpenter, AmeriCorps State robert.redman@stbernardproject.org
Robert came to SBP because he was looking to take some time off from work to “help a group of great people do great work.” He is originally from Marshall, Michigan and attended Western Michigan University. He was very involved in Marshall with the Jaycees, Optimist Club, Exchange club, United Way, and many more organizations. Robert has given blood 77 times, and loves to round up loose carts at the supermarket.
Dave Holt, Plumber dave.holt@stbernardproject.org
Dave came to project because he knew that New Orleans had to be rebuilt. Completely enamored with the culture and diversity of the city, Dave is always ready to recommend a restaurant or site in New Orleans. Before moving to the city, Dave lived in Lancaster, PA where he worked as a pianist. The self-proclaimed oldest member of the St. Bernard Project team, he has never shown it.
Mike McNamara, Electrician michael.mcnamara@stbernardproject.org
Mike moved to New Orleans from Brooklyn, NY but was born and raised in Rochester, NY. Before coming to SBP he worked as an environmental educator and biology teacher. He is a graduate of Ithaca College and has a Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Mike first became involved with the project as a volunteer and liked it so much he decided to stick around for a while. His favorite activities include running, golf, rocking climbing and immersing himself in the great music, food and culture of New Orleans.
Doug Gucciardi, Plumber, AmeriCorps State doug.gucciardi@stbernardproject.org
Doug is from Hoffman Estates, IL and a proud member of The Boy Scouts of America. Prior to coming to SBP he was a member of AmeriCorps NCCC's Atlantic Region campus. He was drawn to work here because fo the people, both at SBP and in the community.
Training Team
Shannon Harknett, Construction Supervision Trainer, AmeriCorps State shannon.harknett@stbernardproject.org
Before coming to St. Bernard Project through the AmeriCorps State program, Shannon studied Actuarial Science at the University of Connecticut. She has worked with Community Outreach Programs and Alternative Breaks, both of which give people the opportunity to volunteer. Shannon chose the SBP because of the multiple disaster relief trips she took during her collegiate years that inspired her to make a lasting difference in the community.
Supply Team
Chris Conley, Head Runner, AmeriCorps State chris.conley@stbernardproject.org
Chris was born at a young age in the booming metropolis of Columbia, SC. A recent graduate from Clemson University, he considers New Orleans a calling. He has been participating in and leading mission trips to the area ever since the storms hit in 2005, even spending a couple of summers in the area during his college career. Chris is "stoked beyond all recognition" at the opportunity to serve the New Orleans natives, the volunteers, and his fellow employees at SBP.
If you buy him a stuffed birthday cake snowball from Sugar Shack (that pink building in Meraux, on the right hand side of Judge Perez heading away from the warehouse) he will love you forever.
James Herman, SBP Warehouse Manager/Auxiliary Project Manager/Shark, AmeriCorps State james.herman@stbernardproject.org
James is from Chicago, IL and attended Southern Illinois University. James is a proud member of The Boy Scouts of America. Prior to joining SBP James was a camp couselor, blacksmith, artist, construction worker and Batman? He is a talented Fire Ax Thrower.
Volunteer Services
Sister Judy, Volunteer Coordinator, AmeriCorps State judith.zynda@stbernardproject.org
Sister Judy is from Detroit, MI and most recently Seattle, WA where she was the director for a retreat center for 5 years. She has previously worked as a parish music director and teacher in MI, FL, LA, TX and OH. She is a member of the Adrian Dominican Sisters and has been an actor, director and/or crew member for more than 70 plays."I lived in New Orleans from '91 - '98 and couldn't wait to come back. I wanted to be a part of the recovery effort and SBP does this exceptionally well. Besides, Zack asked me!"
Lindsay, Volunteer Coordinator, AmeriCorps State lindsay@stbernardproject.org
Lindsay is from Wilbraham, MA and has most recently been teaching high school chemistry. She is a graduate of both Mount Holyoke College and Simmons College. She has been involved in volunteering in some way since high school and is happy to continue her service here at SBP. After a couple of visits to New Orleans over the past year she decided she wanted to come back and get involved in the community. She loves to travel!
Client Services
Kathleen Warner, Client Services Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA kathleen.warner@stbernardproject.org
Kathleen met the St. Bernard Project at its beginning. Kathleen and a friend of hers met Zack and Liz in the fall of 2006, right at the infancy of SBP. Kathleen was amazed by the motivation and determination of Zack and Liz at that time. She was a student at Loyola University, forming “Shrockin’ in St. Bernard Parish, a part of the Loyola University Community Action Program. Being from Panama City, FL, Kathleen has grown to love the city and the St. Bernard Parish. While she loves the time she spends during the year in NOLA, she also loves to travel and adventure outdoors. Last year she hiked the Inca trail.
Sister Frances Duos, CSJ, Client Development Coordinator, AmeriCorps State frances.duos@stbernardproject.org
Sister Frances is a graduate of both Dominican College and Loyola University. She entered the Sisters of St Joseph in New Orleans for education and training in 1964. She simply believes in the work SBP is doing.
Lisa Martin, Client Services Coordinator lisa.martin@stbernardproject.org
Lisa hails from Cincinnati, OH and prior to working for SBP she was finishing up her psychology degree at Ohio University. Lisa is a fan of outdoor children's games including, but not limited to, ghost in the graveyard.
"The two trips I had volunteering with SBP had a big impact on my life and after that I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of."
Mariposa is from Ferndale, MI and is an internationally ceritfied yoga instructor. She is a graduate of Kalamazoo College and previous to her service with SBP she was backpacking aroun New Zealand. She has traveled quite a bit having studied abroad in Senegal, West Africa for 8 months and worked in a notional park in Ireland. She was a competitive swimmer for 14 years and is named after the Mariposa Folk Festival in Toronto. She decided to come work for SBP in order to help rebuild the New Orleans area and to gain experience working with a non-profit.
Joseph Holbrook, Client Services Coordinator joseph.holbrook@stbernardproject.org
Joe is from Owensboro, KY and a graduate of Colorado College with a degree in history. Prior to coming to SBP he was a member of the AmeriCorps NCCC and prior to that a coffee salesman. Joe came to SBP because he was "very impressed with the organization and mission of the project, and saw it as a great opportunity to be part of a movement, help people, and gain professional experience all at the same time."
Les Sharfenstein, Client Liaison les.sharfenstein@stbernardproject.org
Les first came to St. Bernard Project as a client, but would later also decide to work for the cause. A retired teacher, Les has received degrees from Southwestern Louisiana College, Tulane University, and University of Southern Mississippi. An active member of the St. Bernard Parish community, Les is a member of the Rotary Club, Retired Teacher’s Association and Grace Baptist Church. Les decided to work for the project in order to help others the same way that he was helped.
Mental Health and Wellness Center
Joycelyn Heintz-Gray, Mental Health and Wellness Center Manager joycelyn.heintz@stbernardproject.org
Joycelyn first came to the project as a client and has stayed ever since. A graduate of Nunez Community College, Joycelyn is a St. Bernard native. Before working with SBP, Joycelyn worked for the Battered Women’s Shelter, Entergy, and was a deaconess for Philadelphia ministries. Joycelyn decided to work with St. Bernard Project because she was so happy with how they helped her and her community. She hopes to one day start a non-profit of her own, assisting single mothers into transitional housing.
Program Services
Cassie Phillips, Office Coordinator, Americorps State cassie.phillips@stbernardproject.org
After wandering the country and serving with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, Cassie moved from Detroit, Michigan to the Orleans area to serve her AmeriCorps State term with the St. Bernard Project. She chose this area because of the wonderful tight-knit community and abundance of culture in the area. At one point in her life Cassie decided to drive cross country by herself just because she felt like it.
Ari Walton, Construction Program Coordinator, AmeriCorps State ari.walton@stbernardproject.org
Ari is from Oak Islan, NC and came to work with the project originally as a member of the AmeriCorps NCCC. Prior to working for SBP Ari was a member of the NCCC and a waitress. She has what she calls a "beeferoni battle scar," ask her about it. "The confidence I have in SBP's efort to preserve this area in an ethical manner is great and I am honored to now be a part of this movement."
Candace Mitchell, Grant Compliance Coordinator, AmeriCorps State candace.mitchell@stbernardproject.org
Candace hometown is Honolulu, HI and she is a graduate of University of Hawai - West O'ahu. Prior to SBP she was attending school, working at Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange and volunteering with the Junior League of Hawaii. Candace attended a missionary school in Korea when in the 1st grade and has 5 siblings. She came to work at SBP due to our "reputation in the community and being known for simply getting things done."
