Hecht will become CEO Emeritus; Board will seek new President & CEO
NEW ORLEANS — Greater New Orleans, Inc. announced today that President & CEO Michael Hecht will transition to a new role in 2027, moving into the position of CEO Emeritus. In this position, he will continue to support key projects and initiatives for GNO, Inc., while a new CEO assumes daily leadership. Hecht has led GNO, Inc. for 18 years, building it into the foremost economic development and civic organization for the Greater New Orleans region, and one of the top organizations of its kind in the nation.
Working with his extraordinary staff, board, and partners, Hecht has helped GNO, Inc. secure two decades of critical wins for New Orleans, the region, and Louisiana; GNO, Inc. has been repeatedly recognized as one of the top economic development organizations in America. Today, GNO, Inc. enjoys a solid financial position, engaged board leadership, a top-tier staff, and a robust project portfolio. The transition process is designed to ensure this excellence continues, and to set up the current team and the new CEO for continued growth and success.
“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,” said Kim Boyle, Board Chair of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “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.”
The GNO, Inc. Board of Directors will shortly begin the process to find the new President & CEO, who will help guide a strong organization and a resurgent region through the next chapter of growth.
“Leading GNO, Inc. has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Hecht. “My new Emeritus position will ensure organizational continuity and efficacy, and allow the GNO Inc. team to remain focused on its mission of ‘A thriving economy, and an excellent quality of life, for everyone.’ I am forever grateful and deeply indebted to the GNO, Inc. staff, board, investors, and partners who have made our success possible.”
During his tenure at GNO, Inc., Hecht has received broad recognition, including CEO of the Year, Distinguished Citizen of the Year, and “One of 10 People Making a Difference in the South.” Perhaps most importantly, he built GNO, Inc. into a diverse, effective organization trusted by business, political, and civic leaders throughout the region and state, across political, socioeconomic, and geographic lines. Next year, Hecht will launch an economic development and government relations consulting firm.
“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,” said Aimee Quirk, Incoming Board Chair of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “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.”