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MICHAEL GILLETTE, M.D., M.S.P.H
President
Michael Gillette is a physician and classically trained composer who joined the TWTC board in 2017. Previously, Michael worked with the company on sound design and original composition for their productions of The Mutilated and Camino Real. Michael studied music composition at the Hartt School and his interests range from traditional orchestral music to avant-garde fusion. Michael is in on faculty at the Tulane School of Medicine and Co-Director of the Tulane RIGHT Global Health Program. He is a resident of the Historic Lower 9th Ward and is committed to the resiliency and artistic vibrancy of our city.
JEFFREY LAHOSTE
Vice President
Jeffrey LaHoste founded Tectonic Theater Project with Moisés Kaufman. He was nominated for a Best Play Tony Award for 33 Variations and an Emmy Award as a writer of the HBO film adaptation of The Laramie Project. Laramie won the Humanitas Prize, the National Board of Review, and the GLAAD Media Award, and was the opening night selection of the Sundance Film Festival. Jeffrey wrote The Very Extraordinary Mr. Law, which was presented at the Colorado New Play Festival. He teaches Moment Work, Tectonic’s method for devising theater.
ROBERT WALDRUP, J.D.
Treasurer
Robert is an attorney and military veteran. Prior to moving back to New Orleans in 2022, he served as an operational meteorologist and circuit prosecutor in the United States Air Force. In 2016, Robert co-founded the Waldrup-Crosby Endowed Law Scholarship at Tulane Law School, an initiative that provides financial assistance and mentorship to black law students at Tulane. Robert is also a member of the Tulane Law School Dean’s Advisory Board, and the Tulane Law Review Board of Advisory Editors.
ANJALI GILETTE, J.D.
Board Member
Anjali Gillette is the Managing Partner at The Gillette Law Firm. She specializes in representing injured civilian war zone claims pursuant to the federal statute Defense Base Act. She has significant experience and knowledge in the Longshore Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, Jones Act, maritime, and railroad litigation cases. She is an experienced litigator who has been involved in hundreds of cases from inception to appeal. She has participated in numerous mediations, arbitrations, and trials. Having been on the defense side for a number of years, Anjali is familiar with the tactics and strategies used by the other side to now assist her clients in maximizing their recovery. She uses the appropriate level of aggression to ensure that her clients succeed and obtain the best possible outcome in any given situation. Anjali earned her B.A. from the University of Texas in 2001. She earned her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 2004, where she was Editor-in-Chief of the Houston Business and Tax Law Journal.
AUGUSTIN J CORRERO, M.F.A
Secretary
Augustin is the Co-Founding Artistic Director of TWTC.
See his staff bio above.
JAMES F. HOCHADEL, M.S., R.A.C.
Board Member
James Hochadel retired after 40+ years working as a medical researcher in academia, industry, and government; in retirement became a Louisiana Notary Public. He earned a M.S. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Louisville; completed courses and passed the certification exam to earn his Regulatory Affairs Certificate. He was Adjunct Professor at Hood College graduate program
He is co-founder of ReliaGene, Inc. (New Orleans) with Sudhir K. Sinha, Ph.D.; serving on the Board of Directors as Corporate Secretary until sale of the company after 17 years.
As a member of the Positive Influence Board of Directors (assisted HIV/AIDS patients with their medical care in Frederick & Washington, MD counties) lead the annual fundraising event.
He was a member of The Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) Board of Trustees for nine years; served two terms as Board President. The MET has featured eclectic seasons of plays (5-6 plays/season) since 1997 including over fifty original plays. Participated in evaluation and identification of specific goals to be reached over five years to increase the reach, presence and influence of the theatre group. The goals were successfully reached.
JOE AZEGAMI-HYER
Board Member
Joe Azegami-Hyer is a business and financial consultant, Principal at the Parcival Consulting Group. Prior to relocating to New Orleans in 2021, he owned and operated retail and other businesses, served on a number of boards and commissions and was an avid skier and outdoorsman in the Pacific Northwest. He currently serves as Finance Director remotely for two Northwest Theatres, Harlequin Productions and Taproot Theatre Company, in addition to a number of nonprofit and for profit clients. His favorite TWTC production ever? Clothes for a Summer Hotel. He lives in the New Marigny with his husband, Kento Azegami.
JUSTIN DAFFRON, PH.D.
Board Member
Justin Daffron serves as the Chief Development Officer at Covenant House New Orleans where he leads philanthropic initiatives that support empowering youth to transition from homelessness to hope-filled futures. Prior to this role, he held senior leadership positions at Loyola University New Orleans, including Senior Vice President for Strategy, Interim President, and Vice President for Mission & Identity. Throughout his career, Justin has focused on advancing equity and fostering mission-driven organizational growth. Deeply committed to community engagement, Justin has over two decades of experience serving on nonprofit boards. A passionate believer in the arts, he takes great pride in supporting and celebrating New Orleans’ vibrant cultural and artistic heritage.
ELISE JOHNS, Ph.D., LPCS, NCC
Board Member
Elise Johns, Ph.D., LPCS, NCC is an Assistant Professor at University of the Cumberlands. She holds a doctorate in Counselor Education from the University of New Orleans and a master's in Counseling Psychology from Troy University. Dr. Johns has clinical experience in outpatient mental health treatment, grief counseling, crisis intervention, training clinics, and private practice. Dr. Johns has maintained a private practice in New Orleans for the past 8 years. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor Approved Supervisor and a National Certified Counselor. Dr. Johns' research and teaching interests include multicultural competencies, LGBTIQA, spirituality, and ethical competencies of clinicians working with terminally ill clients.
NICK SHACKLEFORD
Board Member
Nick is the Co-Founding Artistic Director of TWTC.
See his staff bio above.
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