Michelle Woodfork, who has been elected as the next sheriff of Orleans Parish, has announced the formation of her Transition Team as she prepares to take charge of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO). The announcement marks the beginning of a new phase in leadership for the office, with a strong focus on accountability, transparency, and improved public safety.
A special ceremony is scheduled for March 10 at Southern University at New Orleans. The event will highlight Woodfork’s vision for the future of OPSO under the theme “A New Era of Accountability.” During the ceremony, she will present her strategic framework that aims to guide the department in the coming years.
Michelle Woodfork Wins Sheriff Election
Michelle Woodfork secured victory in the October 2025 election, defeating current Sheriff Susan Hutson. She received 53% of the total votes, which allowed her to win the election without the need for a runoff.
Her win reflects strong public support for her leadership approach and her long career in law enforcement.
33 Years of Law Enforcement Experience
Woodfork brings more than three decades of experience in public safety and law enforcement. Over the years, she has built a reputation for focusing on reform, strong leadership, and community trust.
In 2022, she made history when she became the first female Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). She took over the position after the retirement of Police Chief Shaun Ferguson.
During her time leading the NOPD, the city saw noticeable improvements in crime statistics, including:
- 25% decline in violent crime
- 23% reduction in murders
- 45% decrease in carjackings
These results helped strengthen her reputation as a leader focused on delivering measurable outcomes.
Role After Retirement from NOPD
After retiring from the police department in 2024, Woodfork continued her public service career. She joined the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office as the Director of Forensics and Intelligence.
In that role, she worked closely with investigators and prosecutors to support criminal investigations and improve the use of forensic evidence.
Theme: “A New Era of Accountability”
Woodfork’s leadership plan for OPSO focuses on building a modern and efficient system. Her transition team is currently working on a forward-looking strategy that highlights several key priorities.
These priorities include:
- Operational excellence
- Fiscal responsibility
- Workforce development and recruitment
- Transparency and public trust
- Meaningful and sustainable reform
According to Woodfork, these areas will help strengthen the sheriff’s office while ensuring better service for the community.
Members of the Transition Team
To support this transformation, Woodfork has brought together a group of experienced professionals with expertise in different areas such as finance, public safety, and leadership.
Her transition team includes:
- Ayame Dinkler
- Sean M. Bruno, CPA
- Stephen Gelé
- Chief Murphy J. Paul Jr. (Retired)
This team will help develop strategies and systems that prepare the sheriff’s office for a smooth leadership transition.
Woodfork’s Vision for Orleans Parish
Woodfork said the voters of Orleans Parish made it clear that they want leadership that produces real results, ensures accountability, and builds trust within the community.
She explained that the transition is not only about changing leadership but also about building better systems that are transparent, financially responsible, and focused on public safety.
Woodfork also shared that her team is already working on plans so that the sheriff’s office can begin operating efficiently from the very first day of her leadership.
