Tracy Tatman joined Parole Project as a full-time employee in July 2025. With a background in the food industry, Tracy not only spends his time transporting clients but is also a liaison for food donations from local restaurants.
He grew up in Eunice, Louisiana where his father owned a slaughterhouse (in addition to two grocery stores in New Orleans) and joined the family business working at both grocery stores and their restaurants in Baton Rouge, where his family moved in 1988. At the stores, he managed the meat department and learned how to cut meat and set up the display case. He also learned how to work in a corporate environment at the Baton Rouge restaurants.
Addiction eventually led Tracy to prison where he spent 15 years, but he used his leadership skills to become a tutor and helped more than 100 men earn their HiSET diplomas. He also taught drug recovery classes and was a leader in the Toastmasters club, a public speaking, leadership organization.
Following his release in 2015, Tracy rebuilt his life, reentered the workforce, and began working as a tool man at Turner Industries before joining Parole Project. Tracy is married, has seven grandchildren, and is an example of how transformation is possible.
Outside of work, he loves spending time with his grandkids, watching a movie or eating at Sammy’s, his favorite restaurant.