admin Effective leadership is more than authority; it is collaboration, vision, and integrity. Few embody this philosophy better than Walt Leger III, the President and CEO of New Orleans & Company, the city’s official destination marketing and sales organization. Walt believes leadership is defined not only by what one does but by how one does it, through empathy, courage, and the ability to unite people under a shared purpose.
With his roots deeply tied to Louisiana, Walt has consistently worked to make New Orleans a better place to live, work, and visit. His approach emphasizes collective progress and the transformative power of community-driven leadership.
“True leadership is about collaboration, bringing people together to achieve more than they could alone.”
– Walt Leger III
From Parish Roots to Public Service
Born and raised in St. Bernard Parish, Walt grew up with a strong sense of civic responsibility instilled by his parents, Walter and Cathy Leger. Even as a child, he exhibited a passion for leadership his first “campaign” was a mock debate in first grade, where he ran as Walter Mondale. Though he lost that debate, it sparked a lifelong dedication to public service.
After excelling academically at Jesuit High School and Louisiana State University, Walt earned his law degree from Tulane Law School, where he demonstrated early leadership as the Business Editor of the Tulane Maritime Law Journal and Editor-in-Chief of the Tulane Environmental Law Newsletter.
His legal career began as an Assistant District Attorney in New Orleans, prosecuting violent offenders and narcotics traffickers. Witnessing firsthand the city’s struggles following Hurricane Katrina only deepened his resolve to help rebuild and strengthen his community.
An Influential Voice in Louisiana’s Legislature
In 2007, Walt transitioned from law to politics, winning a seat in the Louisiana Legislature. His leadership was quickly recognized, and by 2012, he became the youngest Speaker Pro Tempore in Louisiana’s history, a position he held unanimously for two consecutive terms.
During his twelve years in the Legislature, Walt focused on creating a safer, smarter, and more sustainable Louisiana. His priorities included early childhood education, criminal justice reform, economic development, healthcare, and coastal restoration.
He was instrumental in landmark initiatives like the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund, the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund, and the Criminal Justice Reinvestment Program. Walt’s pragmatic, data-driven approach enabled him to form coalitions across political divides an increasingly rare skill in today’s world.
Steering New Orleans & Company Toward a Global Vision
In 2019, Walt joined New Orleans & Company as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, later stepping into the role of President and CEO in 2023. Under his leadership, the organization continues to play a pivotal role in revitalizing the city’s tourism industry, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At 44, Walt became the youngest CEO in the organization’s history and one of the few destination marketing leaders born and raised in the community they serve. His tenure reflects his belief that New Orleans is not just a destination but a living story, an experience built on authenticity, culture, and people.
He envisions the city as a premier global host for trade shows, conventions, cultural festivals, and major sporting events. To support this vision, Walt advocates for continuous investment in local infrastructure, such as the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and the $450 million renovation of the Caesars Superdome.
Innovation at the Heart of Hospitality
Walt’s forward-thinking mindset has transformed how New Orleans connects with the world. Under his leadership, New Orleans & Company became the first destination marketing organization to use Virtual Reality (VR) in its Plus One advertising campaign, giving audiences an immersive invitation to “join the world’s best dinner party.”
The organization also launched Built to Host, a citywide collaborative marketing effort that aligns every sales professional, from the convention center to hotels, under a unified message promoting New Orleans as the ultimate meeting and event destination.
Additionally, initiatives like NOLAxNOLA, an annual celebration of the city’s musical heritage, highlight Walt’s commitment to celebrating creativity while driving tourism and economic growth.
A Leader of Persistence and Purpose
For Walt, success is built on three essential pillars: humility, persistence, and determination. These values, he believes, can guide anyone regardless of circumstance toward meaningful achievement. His philosophy is rooted in resilience: challenges are not roadblocks but opportunities to learn, adapt, and evolve.
This mindset carries into his personal life as well. A devoted husband and father, Walt often discusses his work with his wife, Danielle, and their daughters, Cate and Caroline, integrating family values into his professional purpose. For him, leadership means striving for excellence not just for oneself but for the community that one serves.
“By making New Orleans a better place to live and work, its status as a world-class destination will only continue to grow.”
– Walt Leger III
Building a Future That Inspires
As the global travel landscape evolves, Walt is determined to position New Orleans at its forefront. He continues to build partnerships across sectors and advocate for inclusive, sustainable development.
Guided by Mark Twain’s timeless words, “Travel is fatal to bigotry, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness” Walt views tourism as a bridge to understanding, compassion, and unity. His mission is to make every visit to New Orleans not just memorable but transformative, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich culture and indomitable spirit.
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