Cook is recognized on Power List: Tourism & Hospitality and honored as a Most Admired
C-Suite Executive.
New Orleans CityBusiness has recognized New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) President and CEO Jim Cook in two 2026 honors, naming him to the Power List: Tourism & Hospitality and as a Most Admired C-Suite Executive.
The Power List highlights leaders shaping the region’s tourism and hospitality industry, while the Most Admired C-Suite Executives program recognizes top corporate leaders for excellence in management, leadership and organizational impact.
Cook, who was appointed president and CEO in 2025, brings decades of hospitality leadership to the role. This recognition reflects his leadership during a period of significant investment and growth at the Convention Center and across New Orleans’ tourism economy.
“Jim’s leadership continues to move the Convention Center and our industry forward,” said Russ Allen, President of the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority. “His experience and collaborative approach are helping advance projects that will strengthen New Orleans’ position as a leading destination for major events.”
Under Cook’s leadership, the Convention Center is advancing its Capital Improvement Plan, a long-term investment to modernize the campus, enhance the guest experience and support future growth. He is also overseeing development of the adjacent 1,000-room Omni New Orleans, a key project that will expand the city’s ability to attract and host large-scale conventions while driving economic impact for the region. In addition, he is helping advance the broader riverfront redevelopment through River District Neighborhood Investors, supporting long-term growth and connectivity in the surrounding area.
Cook has built a career focused on operational leadership and strategic growth. Prior to joining the Convention Center, he served as general manager of the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel and held leadership roles with Marriott International, managing large-scale renovations, brand transitions and community-focused initiatives.
“These recognitions reflect the work happening across our entire team and the strength of our partnerships,” said Cook. “We are focused on delivering projects that support the future of this industry and create lasting benefits for New Orleans.”
The Convention Center generates significant economic impact for Louisiana, hosting nearly 100 events annually and supporting jobs across the state. With major projects underway and bookings extending years into the future, the facility continues to play a central role in the region’s hospitality industry.
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 $93.2 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening.