On April 9, The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy (OCE)  appointed Frederick “Wood” Delahoussaye as its new director, following a year marked by major cultural and economic milestones in New Orleans. The announcement was made during the agency’s first quarterly press conference of the year, where city officials spotlighted the growing role of culture in local economic recovery and development.

Delahoussaye, a multidisciplinary artist and community leader, steps into the role after serving as the agency’s deputy director since June 2024. His promotion comes at a time when city leadership is reaffirming its commitment to New Orleans’ creative industries, especially in the wake of high-profile events such as Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras 2025, both credited with injecting significant revenue into the city’s economy.

Before joining the public sector, Delahoussaye was Chief Creative Officer at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center, a nonprofit known for uplifting African Diaspora heritage through arts, education, and community engagement. A native New Orleanian, his career spans curatorial work, arts administration, and civic leadership, positioning him as a well-known figure in the city’s cultural landscape.

Delahoussaye’s résumé includes service on a number of regional and national boards, including the Hurricane Katrina 20th Anniversary Advisory Commission, the National Advisory Board of Imagining America, and the Board of Directors for the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA). He also brings experience in cultural policy through his work with Grantmakers in the Arts and Tulane University’s community-engaged scholarship program.

In addition to his administrative experience, Delahoussaye is recognized for his creative contributions, including performances and collaborations with KM Dance Project, Junebug Productions, and Ashé Cultural Arts Center. His accolades include the Asante Foundation’s Cultural Ambassador Award for Performance Art and the National Performance Network’s Mentorship and Leadership Award.

With the city investing heavily in cultural infrastructure and event-driven tourism, Delahoussaye’s appointment signals a continued focus on leveraging the creative economy for inclusive growth. His leadership is expected to play a central role in shaping strategies that support artists, performers, and cultural entrepreneurs across New Orleans.