Jessie Schott Haynes

Jessie Haynes is the Managing Director of The Helis Foundation.  A seasoned philanthropy practitioner, she manages every aspect of the Foundation, both operationally and programmatically.  Under her direction, the Foundation presents nationally-regarded, accessible, culturally-relevant programming such as Art for All: The Helis Foundation Free Days; the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation; and Unframed, the first multi-mural exhibition of large scale artwork in Downtown New Orleans.  In addition to its general fund, The Helis Foundation makes grants to sustain operations, to acquire significant art works for public view, and to present major exhibitions at cultural institutions across Metropolitan New Orleans.

Jessie received her B.A. from Newcomb College of Tulane University, majoring in English and Art History, and her J.D. from Loyola University College of Law.  After serving as a judicial law clerk, practicing law in the private sector, and directing programs on the staff of a statewide public policy organization, she joined The Helis Foundation in 2014. 

In addition to her work through The Helis Foundation, Jessie currently serves on the Boards of the Preservation Resource Center, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Arts Council New Orleans, and the Bureau of Governmental Research. 

Jessie received Gambit Weekly’s “40 Under 40” honor in 2017, was a CityBusiness Women of the Year in 2017 and one of New Orleans Magazine’s “People to Watch” in 2015 and Adore Magazine’s “Most Influential New Orleanians” in 2020.  She lives in the Black Pearl neighborhood of New Orleans with her husband, Beau Haynes, a healthcare attorney at Phelps Dunbar, two young sons, Miller and Geo, and Scottish Fold kitten, Pickles.