Our Staff

Karl Fasold – Executive Director

OPCD Interim Executive Director Karl FasoldBefore assuming the chief leadership role of the Orleans Parish Communications District, Executive Director Karl Fasold’s work at the OPCD stretched back more than two decades. In his various technology roles since 2004, culminating as OPCD Director of Technology 2023, Karl served under four previous Executive Directors. Among the many major projects he directed, he and his team oversaw the rebuilding of the New Orleans 9-1-1 system following Hurricane

Karl is a recognized leader in the fields of technology and public safety. He is a National Emergency Number Association (NENA) certified Emergency Number Professional (ENP) and was recognized by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officers International (APCO Int’l) as the Information Technologist of the Year in 2008. He currently serves as Chair of the Motorola Solutions Public Safety Applications User Executive Committee, having served on the committee since 2008 and having served twice previously as Chair. Karl is also currently the President of the Motorola Trunked Users Group for Louisiana (MTUG), a user’s group for those using Motorola Radio Systems.

Karl’s ample experience and qualifications in the fields of technology and public safety include his membership with the NOPD Reserve Division since 1983, where he is currently a Captain and Deputy Commander. Karl has been a resident of the City of New Orleans since graduating from Loyola University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science. Happily married since 1995, with two adult daughters, Karl enjoys spending time with his family in the City of New Orleans where he has served for most of his professional career.

Karl says his continuous commitment to lead and serve is driven by his love for the city and its people.

Operational Leadership

  • Gwendolyn Johnson, Interim 9-1-1 Operations Director
  • Neliska Calloway-Hewitt, 9-1-1 Operations Manager, A Nights
  • Nishe Caire, 9-1-1 Operations Manager, B Nights
  • Yolanda Nero-Haynes, 9-1-1 Operations Manager, B Days 
  • Shenita Williams, 3-1-1 Manager

Administrative Leadership

  • Karl Fasold, ENP, Executive Director 
  • (Open position) Deputy Executive Director 
  • Cassandra B. Robert, MBA, Finance Manager 
  • Jay Vise, JD, Public Information Officer (PIO)
  • Danielle Wilson, MCJ, Personnel Manager  
  • Teresa Thompson, Accreditation Manager
  • Simetra Johnson, Training Manager
  • Lauren Duhe, Compliance Manager

Technical Leadership

  • Ryan Eleew, Director of Technology
  • Bill Irwin, Technical Operations Manager
  • Byron Meredith, CAD Manager
  • Kathrine Cargo, GIS Manager