The Honorable Oliver M. Thomas, Jr. was elected in 2021 to serve as Councilmember of District “E” - Orleans Parish. As the citizens voice of District “E”, Councilmember Thomas relies heavily on his experiences as a servant leader, to evaluate the needs of every resident, seamlessly integrating resources, and diligently performing his duties with his constituents’ priorities clearly at the forefront of his office's agenda.

Oliver, affectionately known as “OT”, is a native of New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward, a historic community located within the district he now serves. The son of a laborer and telephone operator, his life has been rooted in hard work, constituent relations, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others.

Early in life, “OT” established a proven track record of effective and efficient leadership. While attending Joseph S. Clark Senior High School in New Orleans, he dominated the athletics arena as a true student athlete, earning him a scholarship. Upon graduating from Joseph S. Clark, he went on to receive a bachelor's degree in Business Studies from the College of Santa Fe, a liberal arts institution in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Continuing his studies, Oliver attended the Aspen Institute, in our nation’s capital, satisfying his thirst for knowledge while bolstering his aptitude for critical thinking concepts. Additionally, Councilmember Thomas successfully completed the Kennedy School Executive Program for state and local leaders at the prestigious Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Working for several years as an account executive, “OT’s” love of home was the reason for his return to New Orleans. Immediately upon his return to his native city, using the skills developed throughout the years and a passion to give back, Oliver became known as a servant of the people, beginning his political career as a member of the Black Organization for Leadership Development, “B.O.L.D.”, a political organization improving the community through the political process. A protégé of longtime City Councilmember and B.O.L.D. leader, Jim Singleton, he was appointed as a legislative aide serving under then. Councilmember Singleton, in 1986. “OT” would also hold positions as the Capital Projects Manager for the City's Downtown Development District, and as a property manager within the private sector. Ripened to ascend to higher levels in politics, Oliver M. Thomas, Jr. later succeeded Jim Singleton in 1994 to become the next New Orleans City Councilmember for District “B”, kicking off years of dedication to public service.

Committees

• Budget, Audit, and Board of Review Committee
• Climate Change and Sustainability Committee
• Criminal Justice Committee (Chair)
• Economic Development and Special Development Projects Committee
• New Orleans City Council
• Orleans Parish Board of Review
• Public Works, Sanitation and Environment Committee (Chair)
• Quality of Life Committee
• Utility, Cable, Telecommunications and Technology Committee

Staff

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