Audubon Nature Institute

Michael Sawaya, President, Chief Executive Officerd & L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership, Audubon Nature Institute

Michael J. Sawaya began his tenure as President – Chief Executive Officer and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership at Audubon Nature Institute in January 2025. With over four decades in the hospitality industry, he brings extensive leadership experience to Audubon’s mission of conservation and education.

Previously, Sawaya led the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center as CEO from 2018-2024, earning recognition as Biz New Orleans’ “CEO of the Year” in 2024. His career also includes 15 years as Executive Director of the Convention and Sports Facilities Department for the City of San Antonio, where he oversaw major civic operations and served as Interim Aviation Director for San Antonio International Airport.Under his leadership, Audubon Nature Institute continues to build upon its legacy of inspiring environmental stewardship and enhancing guest experiences across its attractions.

Mr. Sawaya presented a brief history on Audubon Nature Institute; Audubon Park Commission was created by State Act in 1914, Audubon Zoo opened in 1916, Non-profit “Friends of the Zoo was formed in 1972, APC became Audubon Commission in 1996, FOTZ later became the Audubon Nature Institute Board, Audubon Aquarium opened in 1990, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, and Audubon Louisiana Nature Center added in mid to late 90s,nAdubon Insectarium opened in 2008, consolidated into the Aquarium in 2023 and today, the “Riverfront for All” project is transforming the city’s landscape by linking miles of contiguous park space along the Mississippi River.

The Riverfront for All project is a $30M redevelopment with contributions from City of New Orleans, ENMCC., Audubon Nature Institute, & New Orleans & Co. It will be a 2.25-mile park from Crescent Park to Spanish Plaza – Audubon only operates Goldring/Woldenberg Park. It was inspired by Chicago’s Millennium Park and New York’s High Line. The Riverfront project will have public green space, cultural pavilions, a small stage, shaded walkways, restrooms, and kitchen able to serve food and beverages. It will also have 121 trees planted and over 20,000 plants added, a marsh-themed playground with wooden animals for children to play on, a misting water feature, soft lighting, swings, plenty of benches and seating.

Please click here to view Michael’s full presentation

Membership

If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Jacquie Bonano, membership chair at membership@gnoea.com.

Thank You & Announcements

Q3 dues reminder

Member referral program has been extended to the end of 2026! Refer a member and once they join you will receive one quarter of waived dues.

Member Thank You’s and Announcements

Jason Hernandez, Crescent Title thanked Jesse Hoppes, Leaaf Environmental for some title work.

Jesse Hoppes, Leaaf Environmental thanked Richard Juge, RE/MAX for some environemtal work.

Nick Wall, KTE Analytics presented Jason Hernandez, Cresecent Title with a Past President certificate of appreciation.

 

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

July 21- No meeting

July 28- Dr. Savoie, Loyola Buisness School

August 4- Gordon Wadge, YMCA

August 11- No meeting

August 18- Breakfast Social @ St. Roche

August 25- No meeting

 

Check the website for updates and bulletins that include upcoming events. Meeting events are on the calendar. Speaker suggestions: contact Program Chairman, Faysal Tay at ftay@thebookkeeper.com