James T. Hannan Named Chief Strategy Officer for the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

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James T. Hannan Named Chief Strategy Officer for the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

2/17/2025
NEW ORLEANS – The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority (Authority) has announced that James T. (J.T.) Hannan is joining the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) as Chief Strategy Officer. Hannan will oversee the planning, organizing and directing of the Convention Center’s external programs, including the development of a new headquarters hotel, the River District and inter-governmental relations.

James T. Hannan

Hannan has extensive experience in both mixed-use development and governmental affairs. Prior to his most recent position as the Director of the Office of Rural Development in Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry’s administration, Hannan served as the Director of Public and Governmental Affairs at the Bayou District Foundation where he played a vital role in the success of Columbia Parc at the Bayou District; one of the largest mixed income developments in U.S. history.

“Tapping someone as knowledgeable and talented as JT Hannan to be the Convention Center’s new Chief Strategy Officer was a smart move,” said Russ W. Allen, President of the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority. “This is a big job. We needed someone with the right breadth and depth of experience, someone who can build on and accelerate the Convention Center’s success in creating economic growth, jobs and opportunities in New Orleans. JT is that man.”

Hannan’s long career also includes previous roles with University Medical Center New Orleans and the Archdiocese of New Orleans. JT worked extensively on policy areas that included Super Bowl LIX, tax reform and SWBNO for Gov. Landry and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Loyola University-New Orleans and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Louisiana State University. “I am truly honored to join the team at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center as Chief Strategy Officer. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the future of such an iconic venue,” said Hannan. “I look forward to working with our talented team, partners and stakeholders to develop innovative strategies that will enhance the Convention Center’s impact and strengthen New Orleans' position as a leading hub for entertainment and events.”

In supporting 24,500 jobs and contributing an average economic impact of $2.4 billion annually, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center remains a valuable resource to the Greater New Orleans region. With JT Hannan’s contributions, the Convention Center is poised to continue its legacy of success and cement itself as being Built to Host.

About the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority
The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority’s (Authority) exclusive mission is to finance, construct and operate facilities in order to attract and conduct conventions, trade shows and other events that support and expand the economy of both the State of Louisiana and New Orleans Region. The Authority is composed of a 13-member board of commissioners, ten appointed by the Governor of Louisiana, and three appointed by the Mayor of New Orleans. Since 1985, event activity at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has produced $90.1 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening, including $5.7 billion in new tax revenue for state and local governments.

About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
New Orleans is Built to Host! With 1.1 million square feet of prime exhibit space on one level, all under one roof, NOENMCC is tied for the sixth-largest convention center in the United States. NOENMCC is a 2025 EXHIBITOR magazine Centers of Excellence recipient and is consistently named a regional top workplace by The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. A recent LEED Gold certification makes NOENMCC the largest LEED-certified project in Louisiana and the largest convention center project in the U.S. certified under LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance, as well as the first convention center in the world to be awarded initial certification under LEED Gold v4.1 O+M. A leading contributor to the city’s robust tourism economy, NOENMCC event activity has produced $90.1 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening.

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