Meet Tyrell

Tyrell Morris is a nationally recognized leader in public safety, emergency management, governmental efficiency and civic innovation. A passionate advocate for equity and resilience, Tyrell is running for Mayor of the City of New Orleans with a bold vision to uplift communities, strengthen infrastructure, and create inclusive opportunities for all residents, visitors and the business community.

Born in the inner-city of Philadelphia in 1986, Tyrell’s early life was marked by struggle, but his journey is one of perseverance and purpose. The youngest of three children raised by Delores Lashley, Tyrell’s path changed dramatically when his family moved to Northern Virginia, where he began to thrive academically, socially and civically. His journey through some of the nation’s most competitive arts and academic institutions—including the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC and Ithaca College—laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to public service and leadership.

At just 16, Tyrell was named Deputy Vice-Chairman of Disaster Operations at the American Red Cross National Capital Chapter after leading a critical response during the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, an anthrax attack that cripled the nation’s capital and the DC Sniper attack in 2002. He also championed the national Youth in Emergency Services (YES) program for the American Red Cross.  In the summer of 2005, Tyrell was appointed as a Presidential Intern to the Domestic Disaster Response Unit of the American Red Cross National Headquarters. During this time, Tyrell’s work helped to activate thousands of volunteers in response to Hurricane Katrina. While at Ithaca College, he championed diversity initiatives, co-founded the “Erase the Hate” movement, and became the first African-American to graduate with a B.S. in Arts Management.

Tyrell’s career spans both private and public sectors. From managing multimillion-dollar waterparks by age 23 to earning dual MBAs in Hospitality Management and Public Administration, he has continually broken barriers. As Director of Aquatics for Washington, D.C., Tyrell oversaw 56 public facilities, transforming them into Olympic-qualifying venues and setting a new standard for public recreation.

In 2017, Tyrell brought his talent and passion to New Orleans, and rose to the position of  Executive Director of the Orleans Parish Communication District (OPCD). Under his leadership, New Orleans 911 became an international model of innovation, resilience, and rapid response. Tyrell built the city's 311 system, launched the New Orleans Mobile Crisis Unit and led major infrastructure improvements to strengthen the city’s emergency communications systems. Tyrell also led statewide initiatives and programs and was called to lead deployments to disaster zones including Baldwin County, Alabama, and St. Croix, helping to restore critical emergency services in record time.

He is a Certified Public Safety Executive (CPE), Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE), former President of the Louisiana Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association, and State Coordinator for the Louisiana Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce. Beyond public service, Tyrell is a successful entrepreneur—currently a licensed mortgage officer, realtor and developer with a growing team of employees under eXp Realty and SUCCESS Lending. A dedicated lifelong volunteer in the fire and rescue service since 2004, he continues to serve his community both in and out of uniform. Tyrell worships at Deliverance Temple Church of God in Christ in the ninth ward of New Orleans and has affiliations with the Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO), National Emergency Number Association (NENA), National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA). Tyrell has built his life around service, action, and faith. 

Now, Tyrell is ready to lead New Orleans into a safer, stronger, and more equitable future—one where every resident has a voice, and every community has the support it needs to thrive.