Our Team
JAC's mission and goals are accomplished by full time staff, contract attorneys, volunteers, and collaborations with partners like Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and First 72+. Read more about our staff below.
Sarah Whittington
Advocacy Director
Sarah is JAC’s full-time staff attorney focused on reducing the collateral consequences of criminal records and assisting clients re-entering our communities from incarceration. She represents clients in resolving traffic matters, obtaining driver's licenses, and expunging criminal records.
Laura Reeds
Legal Director
Laura leads a dedicated team of staff attorneys, paralegals, contractors and volunteers in providing legal advice and direct representation to people with criminal records. Through legal clinics, educational initiatives and strategic litigation, Laura directs the Legal Department in furthering JAC's mission to help people recover from the criminal legal system.
Sherie Thomas
Outreach & Community Engagement Director
Sherie leads JAC's engagement and outreach activities for criminal records, survivors of solitary confinement, pro bono attorneys, volunteers, law students, community organizations, allies, coalitions, and partners. She works with JAC staff, contractors, and partners to carry out advocacy campaigns, primarily through coalition management, relationship building, and facilitating the engagement of impacted communities in envisioning and implementing systemic change.
Annette Hollowell
Transition Co-Manager
Annette is the Principal of The Verbena Group, serves as Transition Co-Manager leading on staff, grant, and business operations management. In 2021, she led JAC in re-envisioning our mission statement. Her background in organizational health and strategic planning is essential to shepherding JAC through this change.
Lavonzell Nicholson
Transition Co-Manager
Lavonzell is the owner of EIH Consulting, serves as Transition Co-Manager directing the ED search and hiring process. Over the past three years, she has aided the Louisiana Stop Solitary Coalition's development and conducted JAC staff and board retreats. With over 20 years experience developing businesses, nonprofits, people, and projects, Lavonzell is well-suited to lead a fair and open process for leadership change.