Leadership & Team
“Project Lazarus is more than a mission. It’s a community. As a person living with HIV, I intend for this organization to continue serving the most vulnerable in our region affected by HIV/AIDS. Project Lazarus started at the very beginning of the AIDS epidemic, and I intend for us to see the work through, to end HIV in New Orleans.”
Ian Bicko
Executive Director
Ian Bicko serves as Executive Director of Project Lazarus, bringing a people-centered, mission-driven approach to leadership rooted in compassion, collaboration, and equity. Since stepping into the role in December 2024, Ian has guided the organization through a period of renewed energy and outreach, honoring its 40-year legacy while advancing a modern, housing-first model of care for people living with HIV in Greater New Orleans.
A Pennsylvania native, Ian found his professional calling in nonprofit service and HIV/AIDS advocacy, building deep relationships across the regional care network. His work has consistently focused on strengthening community partnerships, expanding access to resources, and ensuring that individuals facing housing instability, poverty, mental health challenges, and substance use are met with dignity and holistic support. Under his leadership, Project Lazarus continues to collaborate closely with healthcare providers, pharmacies, and social service agencies to deliver integrated, person-centered care.
Ian is known for his approachable leadership style and deep presence within the Project Lazarus community — often connecting with residents and staff as part of his daily routine. He believes that meaningful impact begins with listening and that people should never be reduced to statistics. His leadership emphasizes advocacy, education, and systems-level collaboration, aligning Project Lazarus with broader efforts to end HIV, including New Orleans’ participation as a Fast-Track City.
Guided by the belief that stable housing is foundational to health and healing, Ian champions programs that allow individuals to focus on wellness, independence, and quality of life. His work reflects a steadfast commitment to finishing the work begun in 1985—ensuring that Project Lazarus remains a trusted refuge, resource, and voice for communities most impacted by HIV.
Syd Goodman
Operations Director
Syd Goodman brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience to Project Lazarus, with a background spanning Texas, California, and Wisconsin. As Operations Director, Syd oversees financial management, technology systems, and organizational operations, while ensuring compliance and reporting for state and federal grants. A longtime advocate for disenfranchised communities and an active member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Syd approaches their work with equity, precision, and care.
Chantel Hunter, PLPC
Programs Director
Chantel Hunter serves as Programs Director at Project Lazarus, where she leads and supervises the clinical team and oversees all clinical programming. With more than 18 years of experience as a mental health professional and client advocate, Chantel specializes in medical and housing case management and health education. Her work is rooted in a holistic, compassionate approach that balances accountability and support to help residents achieve stability and individual goals.
Lluvia Peveto
Development Manager
Lluvia Peveto is a development and marketing professional with experience across nonprofit, corporate, legal, and creative sectors. A former journalist and native Texan, she has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through sponsorships, memberships, and grants, and her award-winning copywriting has brought national and international attention to diverse organizations. At Project Lazarus, Lluvia leads fundraising and communications efforts that advance the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Fatima Makama
Case Manager
Fatima Makama holds a B.S. in Public Health from the University at Buffalo, with academic training in English and Biological Sciences. Her professional experience spans clinical and nonprofit settings, with a focus on immigrant health, reproductive justice, and community advocacy. At Project Lazarus, Fatima supports residents in navigating complex health and social service systems, helping them access essential resources through referrals for permanent housing and other supportive services. She also collaborates closely with the Programs Director to develop and implement wellness programs and ensure accurate and timely documentation. Additionally, Fatima contributes to a quality improvement project aimed at improving health outcomes and continuity of care for residents.
Hope Davis
Case Manager and Resident Care Coordinator
Hope Davis serves as Case Manager and Resident Care Coordinator, overseeing the daily personal care and housing needs of Project Lazarus residents. Her role includes medication management, staff supervision and training, coordination of nutrition services, and ensuring the smooth operation of residential facilities. Hope’s work is grounded in consistency, attentiveness, and a deep commitment to resident well-being.
Carol Oliver
Facilities Manager
Carol Oliver manages and maintains Project Lazarus’s historic campus, ensuring that facilities are safe, functional, and welcoming. As Facilities Manager, she oversees maintenance and repairs and brings special care to the organization’s grounds as a Master Gardener. Carol’s stewardship of the buildings and gardens helps preserve the peaceful, healing environment that defines Project Lazarus.
Shirley Knight
Direct Support Professional & Nutritionist
Ms. Shirley has served as a Direct Support Professional & Nutritionist at Project Lazarus for over 10 years. She ensures that residents at Project Lazarus receive 3 home-cooked meals each day, seven days a week. She approaches her role with compassion and support. It’s common to see Ms. Shirley sitting with residents at the kitchen table, laughing with other staff members, or sheltering in place with residents during an emergency.
Direct Support Professionals
Alysea Colar
Tiffani Davis
Jasmin French
Aundrea Gonzaque
Jada Lee
Nykia McCray
Albert Payne
Ahmad Taylor
Shontel Victor