OUR TEAM…

Team HOPE is dedicated to making the mission of HOPE Ministries happen: “Prevent homelessness. Promote self-sufficiency and dignity.”

Read the bios below to find out more about who makes HOPE a loud voice for advocacy in the Baton Rouge area.

  • PRESIDENT & CEO

    Effective January 1, 2025, David assumed the role of President and CEO of HOPE Ministries, bringing over 30 years of combined ministry, business, and nonprofit leadership experience.

    A native of Baker, Louisiana, and a graduate of Baker High School, David holds degrees in Computer Programming and Bible/Ministry. Ordained as a minister in 1993, he has dedicated decades to full- and part-time ministry. His service includes leading the largest youth ministry in his denomination, serving on the statewide Youth and Christian Education Board, and holding both Interim and Senior Pastor positions. Through his leadership in international and local missions programs, David has witnessed the effects of poverty firsthand—an experience that fuels his passion for HOPE’s mission to Prevent Homelessness and Promote Self-Sufficiency and Dignity.

    David’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to the business world, where he successfully owned and operated a teacher’s supply store and distribution warehouse for 14 years. His firsthand experience managing people and balancing ethical business practices with bottom-line priorities informs his approach to working with corporate leaders and encouraging HOPE’s clients to achieve self-sufficiency.

    In 2013, David served as Community Resource Consultant for the State of Louisiana for the United Methodist Publishing House, leading a team of consultants and completing advanced training in consultative sales and coaching. His region earned “Market of the Year” honors for two consecutive years. David also directed the Christian Outreach Transitional Services (COTES) program, managing day-to-day operations for initiatives serving homeless, recovery, and prison reentry populations.

    David joined HOPE Ministries in 2017 as a Workforce Training and Development Consultant for The Way to Work (TWTW) program. His leadership as Director of TWTW drove significant growth in the program’s capacity and impact, including the launch of new initiatives like Reaching Individual Success through Education (RISE), offering certifications in high-demand fields. David’s focus on business development has also expanded TWTW’s social enterprise, creating sustainable income opportunities to support HOPE’s mission.

    David’s journey with HOPE continued as Chief Operating Officer for four years before stepping into the President and CEO role. His dedication to fostering dignity and self-sufficiency in others reflects his lifelong commitment to serving those in need.

    Outside of work, David is a teacher at heart and an avid gardener, camper, and cook. He serves on several advisory boards and remains active in his community. David and his wife are proud parents to three children and four grandchildren.

  • VICE PRESIDENT OF VOLUNTEERS AND FOOD PROGRAMS

    Cristy Davidson grew up in Lafayette, LA and graduated from LSU with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Cristy worked as a loan officer and processor of mortgages for many years, and decided to remain at home with her daughter, Zoe, for six years. As Zoe started school, Cristy began working in the nonprofit field as a development manager. She worked for a new local charter school establishing an annual gala and organizing various school related community events including White Light Night in Mid-City and the Grand Opening for the Dyslexia Resource Center. Cristy’s organizational skills and experience working with volunteers made her a perfect fit for HOPE. She began in May 2017 as the Volunteer and Program Supervisor overseeing all the operations of the Client Choice Food Pantry, holiday events and volunteers. Not only does she love working with all the volunteers and clients at HOPE but she is thrilled to work with such a talented and compassionate group of colleagues. Cristy, her husband, Craig, and Zoe are members of First United Methodist Church where Cristy served on the Children’s Council and was involved with Vacation Bible School. She is currently a member of the Brock UMC Women's Circle and she and her daughter are members of National Charity League.

  • OPERATIONS AND COMPLIANCE MANAGER

    Nicci Egan is an Operations and Compliance Manager with more than 10 years of experience helping healthcare and nonprofit organizations operate more efficiently and effectively. Throughout her career, she has served as Regional Director of Operations for a home healthcare company in Western Colorado and as Operations Director for a nonprofit hospice organization. She has led teams, improved processes, and helped organizations maintain compliance while continuing to grow and adapt. Her passion for helping people help themselves has shaped her approach to community-focused, people-first leadership.

    Nicci’s focus is on creating systems that work better—whether through process improvement, staff and volunteer training, or strengthening day-to-day operations. She has also spent many years working closely with Boards of Directors, both in support roles and as a board member herself, giving her a strong understanding of governance and strategic planning.

    She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology with Economics. Outside of work, Nicci enjoys creative pursuits including music, watercolor painting, live theatre, card design, and writing a novel.

    Originally from England, Nicci also spent several years living in France before spending more than 36 years in Colorado. Recently, she relocated to Zachary, Louisiana, and has loved exploring everything the area has to offer. The world is an amazing place to discover—and now, you could say it’s not just her oyster, it’s her bayou-ster.

  • MANAGER OF THE WAY TO WORK

    Denise Hursey grew up in Central, LA and graduated from Parkview Baptist High School. She graduated from LSU with a dual major in psychology and sociology, and went to work for the Louisiana Hospital Association for 11 years. Denise worked her way up from administrative assistant to quality analyst. While there, she received her Master's in Business Administration and is an alumnus of the Greater Baton Rouge Leadership class of 2008. After leaving the hospital association, Denise worked at Our Lady of the Lake RMC as a quality analyst. After working at OLOL, she completed the LANO Community Leaders program. She then worked for Capital Area United Way, where she found her passion for non-profit work.

    Denise has always had a desire to help others. At Hope, Denise has found a way to put her skills to work as manager of The Way to Work team.

    A member of First United Methodist Church, Denise has served on the Children’s Council and taught first grade Sunday School, and has volunteered for many other events. She and her husband of almost 20 years, Andy, and children Sammy and Amelia are active members in their church, Sunday school and Bible Study classes. She enjoys reading, baking, volunteer work, and road trips with her family.

  • CAREER DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

    Lisa grew up in Lettsworth, LA, and graduated from Avoyelles High School. After high school, she attended Louisiana Technical College and earned a degree in Office Systems Technology. Her career began at a therapy facility as a regional coordinator. She was passionate about seeing residents improve to the point of returning home to their families. Her position required a lot of travel that led to time away from her family. After ten years, Lisa chose to take a step back to be there for her two active children. This led to more travel, but to ballparks and cheer practice. During this time, Lisa was a part-time office manager for a company, improving their efficiency and handling much of their human resource and financial logistics.

    Lisa began her career at HOPE ministries to spread kindness by giving back to the community and serving those in need. She believes that kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.

    Lisa and her two children are active members of Christ the King Catholic Church. In her spare time, She enjoys being outside, chasing sunsets, listening to music, and being with family and friends.

  • INTAKE COORDINATOR

    Elizabeth Parrish is a military “brat” that grew up in Kentucky and Tennessee. She has an Associate Degree in Medical Office and a Certificate of Pharmacology. With these accomplishments, she was given the opportunity to work in many areas.

    She began her career as a secretary in the construction industry. Moving to Virginia in 1983, she became the Administrative Assistant to the Commander of the Navy Exchange where she also managed the sporting goods department and was Lead Cashier. After 10 years she moved back to Tennessee where she worked at The Parrish Care Home.

    In 1995, while working at UT, she went into business for herself creating ETC., a secretarial service for small businesses that did not have a support staff. She and her husband became volunteers for St. Jude. It became a passion and the nonprofit world became a new vision. She went to work for Mid-South Food Bank, a nonprofit, and it was there she found her calling. She enjoyed working with the volunteers, attending fundraisers and food drives. Being able to help someone with basic needs, whether it be food, clothing or shelter, she is committed to the cause.

    Widowed, she moved to Zachary in 2014. She spent the next 4 years settling into her new homestead. She is a member of Redwood Baptist Church where she sits on the Deaconess Board as the Secretary, and is the Treasurer of the Sunday School. In July 2018 she was hired to work at HOPE. She truly enjoys her job and it’s mission. Her co-workers are compassionate, God fearing people. Working with them is truly a joy.

  • CAREER DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

    Bernell Smith is from Brusly, LA where he graduated from Brusly High School. He received a degree in Ministry from Louisiana College. Bernell is an ordained minister and has served in both associate and youth pastor positions. He has over sixteen years of experience in the trucking industry, including running his own small business as an owner-operator. Bernell has experience in many outreach ministries including homeless outreach and as part of the Baptist Retreat Center advisory board. He loves counseling and teaching the Bible as well as life and career development skills. Bernell and his wife have been married since 2004. They have three boys who are very active in sports and a dog, Trinity, who is active in getting everything she wants.

  • PROGRAM SUPPORT AND SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

    Sam Wagner was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He received a degree in General Business from LSU. Before LSU, he attended Catholic High School where he sang in the choir and played on the Ultimate Frisbee Team. While at Catholic High, Sam won two state championships in Ultimate Frisbee that led to National Tournament visits. Sam started as a volunteer and, after working the Test Kitchen grand opening in May of 2021, he fell in love with HOPE. Sam always wanted to work for a non-profit and hopes to one day run one. Sam enjoys listening to different kinds of music and he likes collecting Vinyls. When not at work, Sam likes to hang out with friends, go fishing, and build wristwatches. He attributes his passion for serving others to his strong faith and the many life lessons he has learned. Sam believes that having a great attitude is the first step to being happy and successful.

  • DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING

    Sarah Brazil was born and raised in Louisiana. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of New Orleans. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and nonprofit development, Sarah joined HOPE Ministries in 2025 as Director of Development and Marketing. She is passionate about storytelling, strategic fundraising, and helping people build lives filled with dignity and purpose. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys painting, exploring nature trails, and spending time with her pets. Her faith plays a central role in her life and motivates her to serve others with compassion and creativity. Sarah believes that authenticity, humor, and heart are essential ingredients for meaningful impact.

  • FRONT DESK

    Fannie Herbert is a proud Baton Rouge native with a love for community and family. Outside of work, she enjoys attending church, cheering at football games, and traveling. Her favorite pastimes include reading, listening to gospel music, and relaxing with games and puzzles. A fun fact about Fannie is that she treasures every moment spent with her grandchildren, who bring her the greatest joy.


  • OFFICE ASSISTANT

    Cassie Landry serves as an Office Assistant, bringing organization and a warm, welcoming presence to the team. Originally from Morgan City, Louisiana, Cassie has a love for creativity and expression that shines both at work and in her personal life. Outside the office, she enjoys reading, writing, painting, and cooking. She especially loves spending time with friends and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. A fun fact about Cassie is that she has lived in five different states and even spent time in another country, giving her a unique perspective and appreciation for new experiences.

  • MANAGER OF GRANTS AND CONTRACTS

    A Baton Rouge native, Weston Schild joined the HOPE Ministries team in 2025, bringing over a decade of expertise in nonprofit management and strategic leadership. Weston holds a Bachelor of Arts from Centenary College of Louisiana and a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University, an academic foundation that informs his deep commitment to social justice and the inherent dignity of every individual.

    As Manager of Grants and Contracts, Weston focuses on the intersection of innovation and community transformation. He is driven by the challenge of securing the resources necessary to build a more equitable Baton Rouge. Outside of his professional life, Weston is a lifelong learner who enjoys amateur astronomy, exploring local trails, and spending quality time with his family. Whether he is navigating complex grant landscapes or studying the stars, Weston is motivated by a desire to understand the world and improve the community he calls home.


  • CAREER DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

    Josh is from Baton Rouge, LA where he graduated from Central High School. He received a degree in Emergency Allied Health from FRANU in 2004. He is nationally registered as an EMT-Paramedic. He has over 25 years of experience working with patients and families in pre-hospital and hospital settings. Josh became an Ordained Minister in 2025 and has served in a volunteer capacity as a youth camp cabin leader, a youth pastor and has traveled abroad as a missionary. Josh enjoys discipling young adult men and outreach ministry. He also enjoys coaching his son’s basketball team.

    Josh has been married since 2005, and he and his wife have 2 daughters and a son.

  • FINANCIAL COACHING SUPPORT

    Paula, a native of Brusly, Louisiana, is a retired State of Louisiana employee with 40 years of service in retirement benefits. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning.

    She is an active member of Westside Community Church, where she has served in Disaster Relief, Homeless Outreach, and Children and Youth Ministries, and currently serves as Church Clerk. Inspired by the work of HOPE Ministries/Way to Work, Paula also volunteers by conducting mock interviews to help prepare students for employment.

    With both professional and community outreach experience, Paula brings compassion and practical insight to her role supporting individuals in crisis. She is a proud mother of three and grandmother of eight.


  • PANTRY COORDINATOR

    Carol King is an entrepreneur, problem-solver, and dedicated community servant who has spent her life helping others. A lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Carol graduated from Belaire High School in 1984 before continuing her education at Baton Rouge Vocational Technical College, where she studied barber styling. In 1985, she received her license from the Louisiana State Board and later opened her own barber and beauty salon, which she successfully owned and operated for more than 16 years.

    Driven by her passion for connecting with and serving people, Carol expanded her professional experience into sales and marketing by earning a certification from the Louisiana Retail Merchandise Academy. She later joined her husband in the food industry, where together they owned and operated a restaurant and catering business for more than 26 years. Through their work, they provided healthy, professionally prepared meals to local communities while building strong relationships through service and hospitality.

    Carol also serves as a Ministry of Helps Leader at Oasis Christian Church in Baton Rouge under the leadership of Bishop Charles Wallace and First Lady Gladys Wallace. Her heart for service extends throughout the community, including volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul homeless shelter and partnering with outreach organizations across Baton Rouge and surrounding areas.

    Because of her deep compassion for others and her lifelong commitment to serving the community, Carol is a natural fit for HOPE Ministries, where she supports the mission of preventing homelessness and promoting self-sufficiency and dignity through food assistance and workforce development programs.

    Outside of her work and ministry, Carol enjoys spending quality time with her husband of 32 years, along with their children and grandchildren.

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