Michael J. Sawaya is Chief Executive Officer and L. Ronald Forman Chair in Conservation Leadership at Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, LA. Mr. Sawaya is the former CEO of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, a position he held from 2018-2024. A 46-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Mr. Sawaya came to New Orleans in 2018 from San Antonio, TX, where he served as Executive Director of the Convention and Sports Facilities Department for the City of San Antonio for 15 years. Additionally, he served as Interim Aviation Department Director for the San Antonio International Airport.
Mr. Sawaya has been in his current role since January 2025. He succeeds L. Ronald Forman, President Emeritus of Audubon, who is currently serving as President of the Audubon Nature Institute Foundation, a 501(c)3 support organization whose mission is to manage and increase the Audubon Nature Institute endowment while it provides additional operating revenues for Audubon’s facilities.
Mr. Sawaya is currently a Board Member of New Orleans & Company and United Way of Southeast Louisiana. In 2024, he was honored as “CEO of the Year” by Biz New Orleans magazine, received an ICON Award by New Orleans CityBusiness, and a spot on New Orleans CityBusiness’ prestigious Power 50 list.
Rotary Connects, our project to promote New Orleans non-profit organizations that do good work for our local community, is off and running! Thanks to many members of our Club, several nominations of non-profits were made and the Voting Subcommittee, after a thorough and exhaustive review of every name submitted, have selected three non-profits for consideration. The next step is that these three non-profit names will be submitted to the Board at its next meeting. Thereafter, the recommendation will come back to the Club for a vote. Stay tuned. We will keep you posted on our progress.
The Program Committee is seeking members who are interested in helping coordinate speakers for our upcoming meetings. This is a great opportunity to get involved, share ideas, and help shape the engaging programs our club is known for.
We’re also seeking input from all members on the types of speakers and topics you’d like to see in the months ahead. Your suggestions are valued and appreciated!
The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and Rotarians recite it at club meetings: Of the things we think, say or do:
If you would like to be featured in our member spotlight, please upload your photo and complete your bio in our member directory. You can access the directory here . When complete, just send an email to alanc@ldcv.com and let me know you’d like to be added to the rotation.
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