ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT
HOSPITALITY/TOURISM
HOSPITALITY/TOURISM
STEPHEN WATSON
MEG BAIRD
DOTTIE BELLETTO
President and CEO The National WWII Museum
President and Owner NOLA DMC
Founder and CEO NOCCI
A nationally recognized nonprofit leader, Watson is currently overseeing the final phases of a $400 million museum expansion. A Scotland native and grandson of a WWII Royal Air Force pilot, he joined the museum in 2002 and launched a membership campaign that today includes 160,000 members — among the largest of any museum in the country.
In 2016, this New Orleans native founded a destination management company specializing in events, excursions, team building, social responsibility programs, entertainment and logistics. In 2021, she was added to the Forbes Next 1000 entrepreneurs list. She gives her time to the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation and BYOBikes. “I love showcasing the city that I love,” she said.
Belletto founded NOCCI in 1987 and has grown it into one of the city’s busiest destination management companies. For three decades, she’s helped produce events like the Bayou Classic, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience and the city’s “Embrace the Culture” program. She’s also working on the 9th Ward Stadium campaign.
Education: Nicholls State University (BA and MBA) On the Horizon: The Priddy Family Foundation Freedom Theater will be on the top floor of the new, three-story Liberation Pavilion. First Job: “My first job was picking raspberries and strawberries in the summer.” Advice: “Stay humble and stay focused.” Go-to Restaurant: Clancy’s
Education: Louisiana State University (BA) Go-to Restaurant: La Crêpe Nanou Hidden Gem: Bar Marilou Nonprofit Cause: “NOLA DMC offered private tours of Mardi Gras house floats to benefit the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, which supported the state’s hospitality workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Education: University of New Orleans Nonprofit Cause: Urban League and the Hospitality Industry Advice: “Never give up.” Heroes: Our military men and women who give their lives to keep America safe Hobby/Passion: Travel Hidden Gem: Station 6
HOSPITALITY/TOURISM
HOSPITALITY/TOURISM
HOSPITALITY/TOURISM
STEVE CAPUTO
MALI CAROW
JIM COOK
Manager Hotel Monteleone
General Manager Four Seasons New Orleans Hotel and Residences
General Manager Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
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Caputo began his hospitality career at Hyatt Hotels in Chicago. In 1993, he moved to New Orleans, where he has spent the last 29 years at the historic Hotel Monteleone — operated by the Monteleone family since 1886. Caputo oversees all hotel operations, more than 500 associates and has overseen several multi-million-dollar renovations.
In 2000, this Minneapolis native began working at the Four Seasons in Chicago and has since honed her skills at the hotelier’s locations across the globe. Known for her energy and enthusiasm for hospitality, Carow aims to “teach employees more personal ways to curate once-in-a-lifetime experiences and ensure special recognition for each individual guest.”
The Massachusetts native fell in love with “the people, culture and the vibrancy of New Orleans” when he first visited the city in 2012. Since that same year, Cook has led all aspects of business at the Sheraton on Canal Street. He has also been actively engaged in a variety of civic groups, and is the former chair of the Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association.
N EW O RLE AN S 5 00
HOSPITALITY
Education: Eastern Illinois University (BA) Nonprofit Cause: LASPCA Go-to Restaurant: Gautreau’s Restaurant Hidden Gem: Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France On the Horizon: “The completion of a multi-million dollar renovation of Hotel Monteleone” Hobby/Passion: Fishing Best Fest: Jazz Fest
Education: George Washington University (MPP), Miami University (BA) Advice: “Don’t try to change the island; let the island change you.” Hidden Gem: Bene Handbags Hobby/Passion: Running Nonprofit Cause: Breast cancer Hero: “My husband, Memo”
Education: Johnson & Wales College (BS) Advice: “If you believe others are trying to do their best you will listen better to their perspective and learn along the way.” Hidden Gem: Bourrée on Carrollton Avenue On the Horizon: “We are in the design phase for a renovation that will change the way our guests interact with our public spaces.”
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