Teresa D. Thompson, RPL, CPE, is the Deputy Executive Director of the Orleans Parish Communication District (OPCD), the consolidated 9-1-1/3-1-1 emergency communications center serving the City of New Orleans. With 24 years of continuous service in public safety communications as of October 2025, Teresa began her career in 2001 with the New Orleans Police Department, where she served for fifteen years before transitioning to OPCD in 2016 following the city’s consolidation of police, fire, and EMS communications. At OPCD, Teresa has advanced through multiple leadership roles, leading major initiatives in training, compliance, and accreditation. She currently serves as President of the Louisiana NENA Chapter and holds the Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) and Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) designations—both awarded by APCO International. She is also pursuing her Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification. Widely recognized for her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to professional development, Teresa continues to champion innovation and excellence within the public safety community, inspiring the next generation of emergency communications leaders.