Reggie Fullwood is the President and CEO of Operation New Hope (ONH). In this role, he leads our strategic direction and day-to-day operations, driving our mission to rebuild lives through employment readiness, support services, and community reintegration.
With over 25 years of experience in workforce development, reentry services, and community revitalization, ONH has been impactful since being founded in 1999 by Kevin Gay – developing a national reputation as a leader in second chance employment and reentry programming. Reggie has played a pivotal role in the success of the acclaimed Ready4Work program and previously served as the Chief Operations Officer and Program Director.
Under Reggie’s leadership, ONH has expanded its footprint across Florida, with offices in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Space Coast. The organization delivers comprehensive support to returning citizens and underserved populations, helping them reconnect with the workforce, their families, and their communities. He is currently spearheading ONH’s statewide expansion initiative aimed at reducing recidivism and building a skilled, sustainable workforce.
Before joining ONH, Reggie held leadership positions across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He began his career at AT&T and later developed a passion for housing while working at Vestcor, one of Florida’s largest multifamily housing developers. There, he served as a director in the affordable housing division before founding his own development company, successfully building tax-credit funded multifamily and single-family housing in north Jacksonville. He also served as Executive Director of Metro North Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit focused on affordable housing in Jacksonville’s urban core.
Reggie’s public service includes election to the Jacksonville City Council in 1999 and later, the Florida Legislature, where he served for six years. His personal legal challenges and lived experiences have only deepened his commitment to criminal justice reform and the power of second chances. Today, he uses his journey as a platform to inspire others and advocate for those seeking a fresh start.
Reggie received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Political Science from the University of North Florida. He also attended Morehouse College in Atlanta and is a graduate of Leadership Jacksonville and Leadership Florida. Community service is his passion, and he also serves on the board of directors for several organizations including Ability Housing, a nonprofit focused on transforming lives through quality affordable housing and Arize Together, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual exploitation. He also serves on the regional CareerSource of Northeast Florida board.
