The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center’s governing body, the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority (the Authority), recently announced the appointment of Jerry Reyes to its Board of Commissioners. A longtime hospitality leader with deep ties to the New Orleans hospitality industry, Reyes brings decades of operational, workforce and community leadership experience to the board.
Reyes currently serves as Vice President of Operations for Highgate Hotels in New Orleans, where he oversees operations across both branded and independent hotel properties. He joined Highgate in 2021 after serving as General Manager of The Westin New Orleans, where he led day-to-day operations and long-term strategic initiatives for the property.
A seasoned hospitality professional with more than 25 years of industry experience, Reyes helped lead a $30 million revitalization of The Westin New Orleans, which included renovations to all 462 guestrooms and suites, architectural upgrades and a comprehensive interior redesign.
Reyes previously served as President of the Authority, where he helped guide priorities supporting the region’s hospitality and tourism economy.
“Jerry’s operational leadership and deep understanding of New Orleans’ hospitality and tourism economy make him a strong addition, and we are proud to welcome him back,” said Russ Allen, president of the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority. “His experience working across major hotel brands and local properties, combined with his strong community involvement, will support the Convention Center’s ongoing efforts to drive economic impact and workforce opportunity across the region.”
Reyes is a graduate of the University of New Orleans and holds an MBA from the university’s Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Program. He has also served as an assistant professor at the University of New Orleans, helping prepare the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Beyond his professional role, Reyes is deeply engaged in the New Orleans community and tourism industry. He currently serves as president of the Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association and is actively involved with various regional organizations, including New Orleans & Company and French Quarter Festivals Inc.
In supporting 5,885 jobs and contributing a combined $80.7 billion in state and local taxes, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is a valuable resource for the Greater New Orleans region. The Authority remains focused on strengthening the local economy through world-class event hosting, industry partnerships and community engagement.
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 $93.2 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 $93.2 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening.
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