Michael Hecht

President & CEO
Greater New Orleans, Inc

Michael Hecht is President & CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc., the economic development organization for Southeast Louisiana. Under his leadership, GNO, Inc. has attracted 120+ companies, generating $40B in investment and 20,000 jobs, and has been named a top economic development group in America. Ahead of Super Bowl LIX, Michael was appointed by Governor Jeff Landry to oversee local infrastructure improvements and business attraction activities and was later appointed to oversee successful implementation of the $2 billion Louisiana International Terminal in St. Bernard Parish. He previously led Louisiana’s Katrina Small Business Recovery Program and New York City’s post-9/11 small business efforts. A former entrepreneur and consultant, Michael holds degrees from Stanford and Yale. He lives in New Orleans with his wife, Marlene, and sons, Dexter and Kaj.

Presentation(s):

• FRI-C01: 20 Years Later: Spatial, Economic, and Civic Lessons Learned Since Katrina

  Friday, October 10, 2025
  2:00 PM - 3:15 PM CT