FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 14, 2023

Media Contact:
Valerie Huntley
504.338.8566
vhuntley@nolaba.org

NEW ORLEANS, LA – April 14, 2023 – New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA), a public-private partnership which is the official economic development organization for the City of New Orleans, today announced the launch of a nationwide search for its next Chief Executive Officer. 

The former CEO, Norman E. Barnum, IV, tendered his resignation effective April 1, 2023. During Mr. Barnum’s tenure, NOLABA continued its mission focusing on growing the New Orleans economy through inclusive and holistic economic development. For example, NOLABA leveraged a $3 million City investment to generate $13 million in matching dollars from other sectors, utilized a $400,000 investment from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to create a Community Economic Development Fund and awarded $500,000 in federal funds by the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) for the State of Louisiana to provide debt capital for local businesses owned by persons of color.

NOLABA’s Board of Directors is engaging a national search firm to begin the search for a new Chief Executive Officer. Until a new permanent Chief Executive Officer is named, the Board of Directors will appoint an interim Chief Executive Officer. 

“The Board is proud to be a part of the work that NOLABA is doing to make the City of New Orleans a place where all people are financially secure and prosperous through growth, opportunity, and eliminating economic disparity. For the new Chief Executive Officer, we hope to find an experienced individual who will provide the vision and leadership needed to help move the organization forward and achieve our goals, as well as work with the amazingly talented NOLABA staff to continue their great work. We are taking this search very seriously and we are excited to work with our advisors to find the right person for the job,” said Gilbert Montaño, NOLABA Board Chair and Chief Administrative Officer for the City of New Orleans.

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About New Orleans Business Alliance
One of fewer than 80 Accredited Economic Development Organizations worldwide, the New Orleans Business Alliance is the official public-private partnership created to increase economic gains for the city of New Orleans. Through a direct partnership with the City of New Orleans and strong connectivity with the business community, the New Orleans Business Alliance works to ensure the economic security of all New Orleanians by diversifying the local economy, developing local talent, and expanding entrepreneurial opportunity. Through an inclusive economic development strategy, we will create a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Learn more at www.nolaba.org.