NEW ORLEANS — On Thursday, the Audubon Nature Institute's Board of Directors announced Michael J. Sawaya as the new President and Chief Executive Officer.
According to the ANI, the New Orleans-based nonprofit selected Sawaya, who most recently served the same role for the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, from a field of nearly 500 national applicants to replace Ron Forman, who is retiring at the end of 2024 after 53 years.
“I am thrilled for this new opportunity to lead one of the nation’s most respected organizations," Sawaya said in an Audubon media release. "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.”
The Audubon Nature Institute's portfolio includes Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park.
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Prior to serving at the ENMCC, Sawaya spent 15 years as Executive Director of the City of San Antonio’s Convention and Sports Facilities Department, where he reportedly oversaw theaters, sports complexes, and hospitality venues. Audubon said Sawaya also served as Interim Aviation Director responsible for the San Antonio International Airport.
Michael J. Sawaya highlights
- President/CEO of New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
- Headed strategic development of River District Neighborhood
- Executive Director of the City of San Antonio’s Convention and Sports Facilities Department
- Interim Aviation Director responsible for the San Antonio International Airport
- Co-Chairman of the Superbowl 2025 Facilities Committee
- Board of Directors for New Orleans and Company, the Greater New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, and New Orleans Museum of Art
- Named Biz New Orleans 2023 Chief Executive Officer of the Year and CityBusiness’ “Icon Award” for his economic development leadership.
- Under his leadership, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center was named a “Best Place to Work” 2018-2022 and received the National Top Workplace in 2021
Leslie Gottesegen, Vice President of the Audubon Board issued a statement about the announcement and the hiring process by the board-led search committee.
“The unanimous selection of Michael Sawaya for this key position at Audubon was extremely deliberate and thorough," Leslie Gottesegen said. "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.”
Sawaya will officially take his new position as President and CEO on Jan. 1. Forman will continue to support Audubon’s efforts and will serve as President Emeritus.
[WATCH] President of Audubon Nature Institute is stepping down in 2024
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