Ryan Haynie didn’t set out to become a champion for second chances.
But somewhere between lobbying for justice causes and realizing that human beings, himself included, can stumble in life, he found himself drawn to a cause that fundamentally shifted how he sees the world and his role in it.
“I’ve made mistakes. We all have,” said Haynie, who has served on Parole Project’s board of directors since 2019. “Even when I was young, I made a bunch. I’ll make more. But being able to help folks who deserve a second chance, that’s an impactful cause. I didn’t realize how rewarding it would be until I met the individuals we’ve touched.”
A Lafayette native and LSU alum, Haynie is a managing partner and lobbyist at Haynie and Associates, a family-run firm where his dad and sister also work. His wife also works for the family business as part of the Haynie Family Foundation, a grant-making nonprofit that donates upwards of $300,000 annually to local organizations.
Philanthropy has always been a priority in Haynie’s life, with board service on organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Louisiana, the Red Cross of Louisiana, City Year, and Youth Legislature. But it was a suggestion from Liz Mangham, a former Parole Project board member who nudged him toward the organization — a move that would prove transformative.
“It’s been deeply rewarding to witness the lives we’ve helped,” Haynie said.
His journey into criminal justice advocacy began about 10 years ago when he started working for clients in the policy space. He saw firsthand the challenges of reentry, the gaps in housing and employment, and the need for a more compassionate, community-minded approach to public safety.
That’s where Parole Project stood out. “They’ve taken a smart approach and one that’s safety-oriented and rooted in trust,” he said. “It’s about building relationships, lining up housing and jobs in advance, and giving folks the confidence to reenter society with purpose.”
For Haynie, the magic of the work done by Parole Project begins at parole hearings. “That’s my favorite event. Watching those hearings, seeing someone’s story unfold, that’s where you feel the impact. The other stuff is fun, but that’s where the transformation begins.”
He’s especially passionate about workforce development, seeing it as a keystone for Parole Project’s future. “We’ve got to build the pipeline,” he said. “Training inside the gates, tying individuals back to jobs in their communities. There’s so much opportunity in manufacturing and other sectors. If we can bring even half of that work ethic to the table, we’ll see real change.”
Outside of work and volunteering, Haynie and his wife are in a busy season, raising two children. He said that his six-year-old son loves dressing up in sports coats, and his 11-year-old daughter is a cheerleader and summer camp enthusiast.
Raising his kids while doing work that matters has given him a profound sense of fulfillment. It’s taught him that success isn’t just about titles or accolades — it’s about living with integrity and compassion, something his children can look up to. “It’s changed how I perceive the world,” he said, “And it’s something I feel good about supporting.”
