GNO, Inc. Sunday Night Highlight – Michael Moving to Emeritus 💫
Good evening, everyone. Before we get to the news of the day, a hearty Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! Being a father is an extraordinary privilege. ☺️
Today’s highlight is personal in nature, so thanks for indulging me. In short, I will be moving to a new role with GNO, Inc. next year.
Following the honor and pleasure of 18 years as President & CEO, I will become CEO Emeritus in 2027. In this new role, I will remain a formal part of the GNO, Inc. team, but will focus my time specifically on supporting long-term projects like building the new port, driving public safety and youth investment, and fixing national homeowners’ insurance. This transition to Emeritus will ensure organizational continuity and allow a new CEO and the incomparable GNO Inc. team to focus daily on our mission of “A thriving economy, and an excellent quality of life, for everyone.”
The GNO, Inc. Board has started the process of seeking the new CEO for GNO, Inc. This person will take charge of an organization with a solid financial position, engaged board leadership, a top-tier staff, and a robust project portfolio. Moreover, the new CEO will arrive at a moment of unprecedented economic opportunity for the region and the state. I look forward to supporting the new CEO to ensure the success and continued efficacy and impact of GNO, Inc.
It is difficult to adequately express the pride and gratitude I feel about my nearly two decades with GNO, Inc. We have secured many critical wins for New Orleans, the region, and Louisiana, and fought through many tough challenges; we have provided optimism and action when they were needed most; GNO, Inc. has been repeatedly recognized as one of the top economic development organizations in America. You can read more about our work here.
GNO, Inc.’s Board Chair, Kim Boyle, says, “GNO, Inc. under Michael has become an indispensable leader in our community and throughout the State of Louisiana. Michael excels in delivering substantial and concrete results, even through challenging times. His commitment to economic development and prosperity, for all citizens throughout Louisiana, has inspired an optimistic vision of our collective future. GNO, Inc. is grateful that Michael has committed to this new role where he will continue his remarkable contributions, and while we will miss Michael as CEO, we are extremely confident that GNO, Inc. will continue to lead with energy and excellence.”
Leading GNO, Inc. has been an honor of a lifetime. I have been blessed with an incomparable staff, board, and community, who have made my work at GNO, Inc. so consistently rewarding, meaningful – and fun. Next year, I will also be launching an economic development consulting firm, which I hope will help drive even more opportunity for our region.
Aimee Quirk, Incoming Board Chair of GNO, Inc., summarizes: “GNO, Inc. is entering an exciting new chapter, built on the incredible foundation Michael and his talented team have laid, and we thank him for his exceptional service to our region. With Michael’s continued leadership in his new role, we’re excited to welcome a dynamic new President and CEO who will build on this momentum and drive our next era of growth.”
Finally, thanks to all of you – our legions of friends, investors, and stakeholders – who give us the inspiration, direction, and support that make our work possible. A thousand thanks!!
Of course, the Sunday Night Highlights will continue! 😎
