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The Audubon Nature Institute has a new president and CEO, and he’s a familiar local leader. From Downtown to Uptown New Orleans, Michael J. Sawaya is changing leadership positions.
The former president/CEO of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will become the President/CEO of the Audubon Nature Institute. The nonprofit’s board of directors announced the unanimous selection of Sawaya to the leadership position on Thursday.
“I am thrilled for this new opportunity to lead one of the nation’s most respected organizations,” said Sawaya. “From conservation work to our popular attractions, Audubon has a place in the hearts of so many around the country and I am honored to follow in the footsteps of the man who made this amazing organization a reality.”
A Board-led search committee made the recommendation for the Board to hire Sawaya. In his role as President and CEO, Sawaya will be an employee of the Audubon Nature Institute Board of Directors. Sawaya will officially take his new position as President and CEO on January 1, 2025. Forman will continue to support Audubon’s efforts and will serve as President Emeritus.
“Michael is recognized as a leader within our community. The Audubon Board of Directors has every confidence in the selection of Michael for this position,” said Dr. Willard Dumas, Board Chair of the Audubon Nature Institute. “He is recognized as a leader from his work at the Convention Center and previously in San Antonio. He brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to this important position for Audubon and the community.
The national search of nearly 500 applicants selected Sawaya to replace Ron Forman, who has served as Audubon’s President and CEO for 53 years.
“The unanimous selection of Michael Sawaya for this key position at Audubon was extremely deliberate and thorough,” said Leslie Gottesegen, Audubon Board VP. “We spent hundreds of hours reviewing applications and interviews. While applicants came from all across the country, all of those who applied knew and respected Audubon Nature Institute and what it stands for. Although nearly 500 people applied, Michael’s passion and vision make him the best person for this challenging job.”
The Audubon Nature Institute includes a 10-facility portfolio of the Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Audubon Park, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Aquarium Rescue, and the Riverfront for All project to convert the Governor Nicholls and Esplanade Avenue wharves into publicly-accessible green space.
“Audubon Nature Institute is a unique organization with tremendous impact on our city, state, and region,” said Dumas. “Just as we celebrate Ron Forman’s success over the past 53 years, we believe Michael is the leader we need to shepherd Audubon to the future and develop new ways to share the wonders of nature.”
At the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Sawaya oversaw operations for the sixth largest convention center in the country. Prior to arriving in New Orleans six years ago, Sawaya spent 15 years serving as executive director of the City of San Antonio’s Convention and Sports Facilities Department. Sawaya has extensive experience in creating public/private partnerships, governmental relations, and in all levels of the hospitality industry.
Among his successes while at the Convention Center, Sawaya led the strategic development of The River District, a multi-million-dollar project to turn 48-acres of Convention Center-owned land into a mixed-use retail/residential development. He also created the first-ever Capital Improvement program for the Convention Center, and a department to focus on sustainability.
Sawaya serves as co-chair of the Superbowl 2025 Facilities Committee, the Board of Directors for New Orleans and Company, the Greater New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, and New Orleans Museum of Art.
“Michael understands the importance of tourism in our community, and his experience in asset management and economic development will help New Orleans and Audubon Nature Institute remain successful,” said Walt Leger, President and CEO of New Orleans and Company. “His vision for The River District at the Convention Center is a natural tie with the Riverfront for All project Audubon Nature Institute is executing at the Governor Nicholls and Esplanade Avenue wharves. He understands the vital connection the city has with its riverfront, and we look forward to seeing the completion of these key projects.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
