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Staff
Our passionate staff is dedicated to exposing people to the magic, history, and power of Louisiana’s wetlands, where imagination and optimism thrive despite great challenges. With a deep commitment to collaboration, we believe that everyone has a role to play in conserving these vital ecosystems and preserving the rich history and culture of Southeast Louisiana for generations to come.
Christina Lehew
Executive Director
Christina Lehew, Common Ground Relief’s Co-Director of Administration, previously worked alongside the organization for 2 ½ years with close partner and neighbor, CSED of the Lower 9th Ward. There she established and facilitated several programs with a focus on collaborative partnerships.
Board of Directors
Common Ground Relief selects its Board members based on their interest, experience, and commitment to the issues and values set forth in Common Ground Relief’s mission. Common Ground Relief’s Board members represent the diversity of the communities that it serves.
Nicholas Karel
President
Nick began working with Common Ground Relief in 2006 and founded a student service group at Marquette University that brought thousands of volunteers to Common Ground Relief and other area nonprofits and continues today. Nick served as Common Ground Relief’s Volunteer Coordinator from 2009 to 2011. As Director of Bars and Restaurants for the NOPSI Hotel, Nick has extensive experience in hospitality management and brings his leadership skills to the Common Ground Relief team as board president.
James Stram
Vice-President
James Stram is a Lower Ninth Ward resident and served as the Common Ground Relief Wetlands Program Director from 2011 to 2018. As Wetlands Program Director, James led volunteer plantings and managed Common Ground Relief’s native plant nursery. James graduated from McGill University with a B.Sc. in Environmental Science, majoring in renewable resource management.
Charles Chaisson
Secretary
Freelance Visual Artist & Illustrator: Charles Chaisson was introduced to Common Ground Relief by fellow board member Blaise Pezold and became captivated by the organization's impactful coastal revegetation and community service efforts. His experience volunteering, including a memorable marsh planting, deepened his commitment to environmental stewardship and reinforced his belief in using art and education to inspire and foster empathy for ecosystem preservation.
Rollin Black
Director of Coastal and Habitat Restoration at the Lower Ninth Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development.
Rollin is the Director of Coastal and Habitat Restoration at the Lower Ninth Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development. The CSED rehabilitates regional wetlands, restores the local natural environment, and builds food security. Rollin is a Xavier University graduate, and leverages his broad experience in coastal restoration, property management, and urban marketing and sales development to support the Common Ground Relief team.
Annie Moran
Freelance Fine Artist, Muralist, and Jewelry Designer
Annie Moran creates fine art, wallpaper and jewelry inspired by the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast and a love of New Orleans. Annie Moran is a visual artist and a new member of the Common Ground Relief (CGR) board. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, she believes that true beauty encompasses clean air, healthy crops, and thriving ecosystems. Annie joined CGR to enhance her stewardship of the environment, supporting the organization's vital work in revitalizing coastal Louisiana's ecosystems and communities. In addition to her role with CGR, she contributes to social justice efforts, supports local businesses, and mentors young artists.
Blaise Pezold
Coastal and Environmental Program Manager at the Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation
Blaise Pezold restores ecosystems in St. Bernard Parish and the greater New Orleans area. Blaise is the Coastal and Environmental Program Manager at the Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation. Pezold previously worked at the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, where, as an Agriculture Environmental Specialist III, he designed and implemented numerous coastal projects across southeast Louisiana. He also specializes in community relations to build support for coastal protection. Notably, for the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA), Pezold designed the $29 million Bayou La Loutre Ridge and Marsh restoration project, for which he won two awards for outstanding service in 2016 from the St. Bernard Parish president and council, respectively.