After a nationwide search, Audubon Nature Institute’s Board of Directors has selected a new President and Chief Executive Officer to lead the New Orleans-based nonprofit.
Michael J. Sawaya has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Audubon Nature Institute. Sawaya was chosen out of a field of nearly 500 applicants to replace Ron Forman, who has served as Audubon’s President and CEO for 53 years and leaves a tremendous legacy for the 10-facility organization dedicated to celebrating, protecting, and connecting guests to the wonders of nature.
Sawaya comes to Audubon from the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (ENMCC) where he served as President/CEO and oversaw operations at the sixth largest convention center in the country. He has extensive experience in creating public/private partnerships, governmental relations, and in all levels of the hospitality industry. Among his many successes while at the Convention Center, Sawaya headed the strategic development of The River District, a multi-million dollar project to turn 48-acres of Convention Center-owned land into a mixed-use retail/residential development, creation of a first-ever Capital Improvement program for the Convention Center, and creation of a new department to focus on Sustainability.
Prior to arriving in New Orleans six years ago, Sawaya spent 15 years serving as Executive Director of the City of San Antonio’s Convention and Sports Facilities Department, where he oversaw theaters, sports complexes, and hospitality venues, as well as serving as an Interim Aviation Director responsible for the San Antonio International Airport. He oversaw the largest capital improvement project in the city’s history – a major expansion to that city’s Convention Center. Prior to that project, he was instrumental in the construction of the thousand room Grand Hyatt Hotel along the famed San Antonio Riverwalk. Directly adjacent to the Convention Center, it was completed in 2008.
“I am thrilled for this new opportunity to lead one of the nation’s most respected organizations. 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,” said Sawaya.
Leslie Gottesegen, Vice President of the Audubon Board, said the process was lengthy but worth it. “The unanimous selection of Michael Sawaya for this key position at Audubon was extremely deliberate and thorough. 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.”
A Board-led search committee made the recommendation for the Board to hire Sawaya. In his role as President and CEO, Sawaya will be an employee of the Audubon Nature Institute Board of Directors.
Walt Leger, President and CEO of New Orleans and Company said the selection of Sawaya for Audubon utilizes his existing strengths. “Michael understands the importance of tourism in our community, and his experience in asset management and economic development will help New Orleans and Audubon Nature Institute remain successful. His vision for The River District at the Convention Center is a natural tie with the Riverfront for All project Audubon Nature Institute is executing at the Governor Nicholls and Esplanade Avenue wharves. He understands the vital connection the city has with its riverfront, and we look forward to seeing the completion of these key projects.”
Sawaya is already deeply involved in the community including serving as Co-Chairman of the Super Bowl 2025 Facilities Committee, the Board of Directors for New Orleans and Company, the Greater New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, and New Orleans Museum of Art. He was 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.
“Michael is recognized as a leader within our community. The Audubon Board of Directors has every confidence in the selection of Michael for this position. He is recognized as a leader from his work at the Convention Center and previously in San Antonio. He brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to this important position for Audubon and the community,” said Dr. Willard Dumas, Chairman of the Audubon Nature Institute Board of Directors. “Audubon Nature Institute is a unique organization with tremendous impact on our city, state, and region. Just as we celebrate Ron Forman’s success over the past 53 years, we believe Michael is the leader we need to shepherd Audubon to the future and develop new ways to share the wonders of nature.”
Sawaya will officially take his new position as President and CEO on January 1, 2025. Forman will continue to support Audubon’s efforts and will serve as President Emeritus.
During Forman’s 53-year career with Audubon, he took a run-down, city-owned zoo and turned it into a world-class family of nature-themed parks and attractions. With Forman at the helm, Audubon experienced dynamic growth, expanding a collection that now includes Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Audubon Park, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Aquarium Rescue, and the recently launched Riverfront for All project to convert the Governor Nicholls and Esplanade Avenue wharves into publicly-accessible green space.
