MICHELLE M. WOODFORK

Michelle Woodfork is a proven leader, crime-fighter, and trailblazer with more than 33 years in law enforcement. A proud New Orleanian and lifelong resident of New Orleans East, she has dedicated her career to making the city safer through innovative policing, strategic reforms, and a deep commitment to public service.

In 2022, Woodfork made history as the first female Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department, leading the force through a pivotal era of transformation. Under her leadership, violent crime dropped by 25%, murders declined by 23%, and carjackings plummeted by 45%. She prioritized recruitment and retention, hiring 104 new police recruits—three times more than the previous year—along with 107 civilian professionals, revitalizing the department’s ranks. She also launched community engagement initiatives like the Junior Citizens Academy for youth mentorship and a summer basketball league, strengthening relationships between officers and the community.

Woodfork also played a critical role in NOPD’s federal consent decree compliance, implementing policies and reforms that pushed the department closer to its goal of full compliance. Her tenure left a lasting impact, modernizing the department’s approach to policing while restoring trust and accountability.



After retiring from NOPD in 2024, Woodfork took on a new challenge, accepting an appointment as Director of Forensics and Intelligence for the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. In this role, she leads the Open Source Intelligence Task Force, revolutionizing the way law enforcement and prosecutors collaborate by leveraging forensic analysis and intelligence data to strengthen cases from arrest to indictment to trial.

A graduate of St. Mary’s Academy and Southern University at New Orleans, Woodfork holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Criminal Justice and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She has earned numerous commendations throughout her career, including the Purple Heart Letter Award in 2017. Michelle is a proud mother to her son Nick.

With an unwavering commitment to justice, Michelle Woodfork continues to fight for a safer, stronger New Orleans, ensuring that her city’s future is brighter than ever.