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STEPHEN WATSON

President and CEO

The National WWII Museum

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.

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

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

MEG BAIRD

President and Owner

NOLA DMC

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.

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.”

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

DOTTIE BELLETTO

Founder and CEO

NOCCI

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: 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

STEVE CAPUTO

Manager

Hotel Monteleone

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.

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

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

MALI CAROW

General Manager

Four Seasons New Orleans Hotel and Residences

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.”

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”

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

JIM COOK

General Manager

Sheraton New Orleans Hotel

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.

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.”

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

KEVIN FERGUSON

Vice President of External Affairs

New Orleans & Company

Since he joined New Orleans & Company in early 2022, Ferguson has led membership strategies, community partnerships, community engagement and interfacing with cultural entities across the region. From 2010 to 2022, he worked for the New Orleans Pelicans and Saints. He’s active at the Young Leadership Council, GNO Inc., the NextGen Council and other organizations.

Education: Florida State University (BA) Advice: “Figure out what you really want to do and do it. Don’t just take a job.” Hidden Talent: “I call it my useless superpower, but I can guess within 10 minutes of the actual time without looking at my watch or phone.” Fave Book: “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson Fave Jazz Fest Food: Cochon de lait poboy

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

RON FORMAN

President and CEO

Audubon Institute

Forman joined the then-named Audubon Park and Zoological Garden in 1972, led its transformation into an “urban Eden” and is still in charge nearly five decades later, as plans for revitalizing the Audubon Institute’s downtown facilities are underway. Forman is a past president of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and serves on the board of New Orleans & Company.

Education: Louisiana State University (BS) Advice: “Have love and passion in what you do, in both work and play.” Nonprofit Cause: Audubon Nature Institute and the Nature Conservancy Hidden Talent: “Animal whisperer” Go-to Restaurant: Clancy’s Snoball Style: Nectar cream

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

AL GROOS

President and General Manager

Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Groos has worked for more than 40 years in the hospitality industry, 15 years of which has been spent running the Royal Sonesta hotel. During his tenure at the hotel he created Restaurant R’evolution with chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto, and established the Jazz Playhouse, a jazz club in the hotel’s lobby. Groos also started the hotel’s annual “Got Gumbo?” charity event.

Education: Cornell University (BS) Nonprofit Cause: Children’s Hospital of New Orleans Best Best: “It’s hard to beat Jazz Fest; I look forward to it every year.” Hidden Gem: Station 6 Seafood & Oyster Bar Hobby/Passion: “I love music and wine. Lucky for me, New Orleans has plenty of places where I can enjoy both!”

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

CARA LAMBRIGHT

CEO

New Orleans City Park

Lambright started her new leadership role with City Park in 2021. Formerly she served as EVP and COO of Memorial Park Conservancy in Houston, where she produced a nationally recognized master plan, negotiated a 30year operating agreement with the City of Houston, quadrupled the park’s annual operating budget and raised more than $200 million for capital improvements.

Education: London School of Economics (BSc) On the Horizon: “City Park will soon do a search for a landscape architecture firm to craft a longrange plan for the park.” Advice: “When the work that you are doing is important and affects a lot of people, you will likely be criticized. Don’t let this derail you from serving the greater good.”

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

ROBERT LeBLANC

CEO and Creative Director

LeBlanc+Smith

After starting his hospitality career opening nightclubs, LeBlanc created his first restaurant, Sylvain, in October 2010. Its success led him to found Leblanc+Smith in 2014. The company’s boutique hospitality portfolio now includes Barrel Proof Bar, Anna’s, The Will & the Way, and The Chloe, a 14-room hotel on St. Charles Avenue that opened in October 2021.

Education: Loyola University (BA) Go-to Restaurant: La Crêpe Nanou Hidden Gem: Del Fuego Taqueria on Magazine Street Best Fest: French Quarter Festival Nonprofit Cause: “It’s a tie between the American Cancer Society and MiNO” Hero: Hotelier Sean MacPherson

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

WALT LEGER

Executive Vice President and General Counsel

New Orleans & Company

Leger’s legal career began more than 15 years ago, when he served the City of New Orleans as an assistant district attorney. He was also a state representative from 2012 through 2020. While at the state capitol, he was elected to serve as speaker pro tempore twice. Leger currently helps steer the organization charged with promoting New Orleans’ meeting and tourism industry.

Education: Tulane Law School (JD), Louisiana State University (BA) First Job: Concession stand worker at Carolyn Park Playground in Arabi Dream Career: Sportscaster for college football Poboy Pick: Surf and turf at Parkway Who’d Play You in a Movie? A combination of Bradley Cooper and Jonah Hill BIZNEWORLEANS.COM

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

RALPH MAHANA

General Manager

Windsor Court Hotel

One of the most active hoteliers in New Orleans, Mahana began his career in hospitality during his sophomore year at Tulane University. For 15 years, he has been working at what he calls the city’s “grande dame,” the Windsor Court Hotel. In 2018, Mahana achieved a major professional goal when he was promoted to the role of the hotel’s general manager.

Education: Tulane University (BS) Nonprofit Cause: Early Partners Advice: “Be better than you were yesterday.” Go-to Restaurant: Mosca’s Hidden Gem: Yakuza On the Horizon: “The renovation of our James J. Coleman Jr. Presidential Suite, slated for completion this winter”

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

JEFF O’HARA

Owner

PRA New Orleans

Founded in 2002, PRA is a local event company that caters to the corporate meeting and incentive travel sectors. Having managed to carve out a successful niche, this native New Yorker’s company has weathered everything from Hurricane Katrina to the Great Recession and the BP oil spill, and is still going strong — earning numerous awards and honors.

Education: Tulane University (MBA) Florida State University (BS, BA) Go-Restaurant: Brigtsen’s Hobby/Passion: “Anything outdoors” Quotable: “I am excited to see the growth of the investing culture in New Orleans. NOLA Angel Network has seen its investments grow at a tripledigit pace the last several years.”

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

DAVID PISCOLA

General Manager Hilton New Orleans

Piscola started his hospitality career in 1993 at the Hilton in Washington, D.C. He’s been at the helm of the Hilton New Orleans Riverside since 2018, and has successfully guided his team through numerous tropical storms, hurricanes and “many close calls” along the way. He also serves on several hospitality boards in the city and remains active in the community.

Education: Culinary Institute of America (AOS), University of New Haven (BS) Nonprofit Cause: Louisiana Hospitality Foundation Snoball Style: Nectar Fave Parade: “That’s really a tough one. Frankly I love them all. But if I have to chose one it would be Bacchus. It’s a great ride with friends that I have known for decades.”

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

JERRY REYES

Area Managing Director

Highgate

Reyes is responsible for the Westin New Orleans, Moxy New Orleans, the Candler Hotel in Atlanta and the Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah, Ga. After starting his career as a hotel restaurant server, he’s now chairman of the Morial Convention Center Board Authority and a board member of the Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association and French Quarter Festival Inc.

Education: University of New Orleans (MBA) Hidden Gems: Blue Giant and the Rum House On the Horizon: “Highgate is growing rapidly. Most exciting is the transition of 19 properties in Portugal to our management later this year.” Hobby/Passion: “I am a fan of all music but enjoy singing and playing Latin percussion.” Who Do You Admire? Arash Azarbarzin

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

MICHAEL J. SAWAYA

President

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

This hospitality industry veteran came to New Orleans in 2018 after a 15-year stint in San Antonio. Here, Sawaya has taken the reins of an ambitious yet challenging $557 million capital improvement project and a potential mixed-use development with a similar price tag. In 2021, the Convention Center was named a top workplace by local and national observers.

Education: University of Arkansas Hidden Gem: “Café Minh seems to always surprise me in a good way, as does Gautreau’s.” Advice: “Dream big, keep the faith, and keep your ego in check.” Go-to Restaurant: “All of them!” Nonprofit Cause: Catholic Charities Best Fest: Mardi Gras

HOSPITALITY/TOURISM

MICHAEL SMITH

General Manager

Hyatt Regency New Orleans

Smith has spent more than 40 years with Hyatt Hotels. While with Hyatt Regency New Orleans, the hotel has hosted many fundraisers and events for organizations he supports, including the United Negro College Fund, the Human Rights Campaign and the Boy Scouts of America. In 2005, he received recognition for evacuating nearly 4,000 guests and staff ahead of Hurricane Katrina.

Education: Winston-Salem State University (BS) Nonprofit Cause: UNCF Dream Career: Being a chef in a wine region Hidden Talent: Wine connoisseur Fave TV Show: “Lonesome Dove” Highlight of Leadership: “Promoting managers to positions of greater responsibility.” Go-to Restaurant: Costera

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