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Chief instigator of Chefs Brigade, Troy once led a quiet life near the New Orleans Lakefront. A maritime journalist and author of four regional cookbooks, as well as his postponed manuscript on the maritime history of the Gulf Coast, he’s now dedicated to Chefs Brigade. Troy also currently serves on the Coastal Advisory Council for the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, and he has served on the board of directors of two other non-profits, including as the vice president of the Friends of West End.
Darnell thrives on two words: efficiency and effectiveness.
He is passionate about supporting the vision of driven leaders, executing across project plans and developing systems to ensure goal attainment. Darnell currently serves as the General Manager of Goalsetter, a fin-tech company designed to bring financial education and smart spending, saving & investing to families and students across the country.
Kelly is a Director in the New Orleans office of Longwell Riess, where she concentrates in the areas of real estate, affordable housing and taxation. She has represented developers and investors in a wide variety of projects including hotels, apartment complexes, office buildings, residential condominiums and retail commercial space. Kelly has been selected for inclusion to the Best Lawyers in America list for the years 2005-2022 (Woodward White, Inc.) for Real Estate Law.
Chef Gary Netter is the culinary proprietor of Next To Eat Food Services and has been appointed Culinary Ambassador for the city of New Orleans by Mayor LaToya Cantrell to promote cultural diversity, equity, inclusion, health & wellness. His goal is to empower existing businesses, create new business opportunities for the disenfranchised, food manufacturing, food insecurities, and build innovative instructional spaces for teaching and learning.
Joe Riccobono is a fourth-generation New Orleans restaurateur. Upon graduating from Tulane University he spent a decade in consulting before returning to New Orleans and the family business. He is the owner of Sala NOLA, newest of the Riccobono family of restaurants including Peppermill, Cafe Navarre, and Riccobono's Panola Street Cafe. Along with his role in Chefs Brigade, Joe also serves on the Board of Commissioners for the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and as a board member of the Metairie Business Development District.
A native of France, Jacques Soulas moved to New Orleans in 1980 and began his hospitality career as a server at Café Du Monde, followed by work at the Hilton and Fairmont Hotels. In 1986, he and a partner opened Cafe Degas, an award winning French bistro on Esplanade Avenue.
Jacques serves as a leading member of the Faubourg St. John Merchant's Association, and he has also served with the Alliance Française and the French-American Chamber of Commerce. In 2006, he was honored as Chevalier de L'ordre du Mérite Agricole by the French Government for his efforts in reopening after Hurricane Katrina.
Melanie A. Talia is the Chief Executive Officer of the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation. She directs the Foundation in its ongoing role as a principal fiduciary agent, negotiator and advisor to all members of the criminal justice system in Orleans Parish. Prior to joining the NOPJF, Melanie was an Assistant District Attorney in Orleans Parish for 17 years where she prosecuted capital cases and other violent crimes.