The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) has promoted longtime security leader Karen Burrows to Assistant Director of Campus Security. In this new role, Burrows will oversee campus-wide security operations, supervise security personnel, direct specialized training and implement strategies that advance the Convention Center’s commitment to safety, vigilance and hospitality.
A dedicated member of the NOENMCC team for more than two decades, Burrows has held multiple leadership positions within the Campus Security Department, including Senior Supervisor, Public Safety Shift Supervisor and Public Safety Officer. Burrows was also among the essential staff who remained on-site during Hurricane Katrina, a testament to her unwavering commitment. She is the department’s trusted advisor for policy, training and field operations, known for her quick response, incident management and mentorship of team members.
“Karen has been an indispensable leader within our security team for many years,” said Andrew Palumbo, Director of Security at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. “Her proven leadership, institutional knowledge and deep commitment to the safety of our guests and staff make her the ideal choice to help guide our security operations at this critical time.”
Burrows brings a wealth of certifications and advanced training to her new role, including Certified Institutional Protection Specialist credentials, Sensory Inclusive Training and certification in Bombing Prevention Awareness. She also completed Global Security Exchange training in 2024, further cultivating her skills, knowledge and confidence to eliminate any potential threat.
“I am honored to take on this role and continue serving a place that has been such an important part of my life and career,” said Burrows. “The safety of our campus community, visitors and employees will always be my top priority, and I look forward to advancing a system of watchfulness and preparedness at the Convention Center.”
Burrows’ promotion reflects the Convention Center’s commitment to preserving one of New Orleans’ most important institutions. Under her leadership, the Campus Security team will continue to remain a safe, welcoming and resilient hub for the community and the hundreds of thousands of visitors it serves each year.
About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC)
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.
###