Sherie Thomas

Sherie Thomas is a relentless advocate, visionary leader, and dynamic force for equity and justice. With nearly two decades of experience in building, managing, and securing funding for mission-driven programs, she has built a powerful career at the intersection of advocacy, strategy, and community empowerment.
Sherie currently serves as the Executive Director of the Justice & Accountability Center of Louisiana (JAC), where she first joined in 2021 as Director of Outreach & Engagement. In her leadership role, she has transformed the organization’s statewide visibility, programming, and impact—applying her unique blend of business strategy and community-driven insight to create real systems change.

Under her direction, JAC has accomplished several historic milestones. Sherie has been instrumental in the development of the largest nationally impacted solitary survivors council in the country, giving voice and power to individuals most affected by extreme prison conditions and pushing forward systemic reform to end long-term solitary confinement. Her advocacy played a central role in advancing the New Endings and Opportunities legislation, a groundbreaking expungement technology bill that modernizes and simplifies the record-clearing process, removing longstanding barriers to opportunity for thousands of Louisianans. She was also a driving force behind the passage of the Fair Chance Baton Rouge ordinance, a major win in the fight for equitable hiring practices and second chances.

Sherie’s leadership extends well beyond her role at JAC. She is an influential figure in social justice reform across the United States, serving as the Medical Task Force Chair of the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Reform Coalition. Her voice and vision have shaped policies and practices through roles including Expert Advisor the for Medical RFP Committees, Member of the East Baton Rouge Jail and Detention Taskforce, and Member of the statewide Safe Alternatives to Segregation Task Force. She also previously served as a Commissioner on the North Baton Rouge Blue Ribbon Commission, where she championed economic and community development initiatives.

With a degree in Business System Analysis, Sherie combines practical problem-solving with strategic foresight, allowing her to navigate complex policy landscapes while remaining grounded in the needs of directly impacted communities. Whether she’s advocating in a legislative chamber, organizing a statewide summit, or consulting on justice-centered tech tools, Sherie brings a rare combination of empathy, tenacity, and executive skill.

Sherie Thomas is not only a changemaker—she is a builder. She builds businesses, non-profits, and coalitions, clearing paths to justice, and uplifting communities long overlooked by traditional systems. Through her leadership at JAC, she continues to forge bold solutions that center human dignity and unlock opportunity for all.