See Who's Coming

Join us for an engaging luncheon with Michael Hecht and Matt Wolfe of GNO, Inc., as they share insights into the region’s ongoing economic growth and the initiatives driving progress across Southeast Louisiana. Gain perspective on how infrastructure investments, workforce development, and community revitalization efforts are shaping the future of the Greater New Orleans area.

This is a must-attend event for principals, marketers, and business developers in the AEC industry looking to stay informed and connected in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how GNO, Inc. is helping strengthen our region for long-term success.

Michael Hecht, President & CEO

Michael Hecht leads Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.), the regional economic development organization for Southeast Louisiana. Under his guidance, GNO, Inc. has been recognized as both “Economic Development Organization of the Year” and a “Top Ten Economic Development Organization in America,” advancing its mission to build a thriving and inclusive regional economy.

Hecht was appointed by Governor Jeff Landry as State Coordinator for Infrastructure and Economic Development for Super Bowl LIX, overseeing more than 500 projects in preparation for the event, and was recently tasked with leading delivery of the Louisiana International Terminal, a critical statewide infrastructure initiative.

Before joining GNO, Inc., he directed Louisiana’s $250 million Katrina Small Business Recovery Program, and prior to returning home, he ran New York City’s post-9/11 small business program for Mayor Michael Bloomberg. His entrepreneurial background includes co-founding the acclaimed San Francisco restaurant Foreign Cinema, and he began his career as a strategic management consultant across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Hecht holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a bachelor's degree from Yale University. His leadership has earned numerous honors, including New Orleans CEO of the Year, one of the Top 50 Economic Developers in North America, one of the Ten People Who Made a Difference in the South, and one of the 20 Economic Icons of the New Orleans Tricentennial. In 2022, he was named Honorary Consul of the Republic of Finland.

Matt Wolfe, Senior VP of Communications

Matt Wolfe serves as Senior Vice President of Communications for Greater New Orleans, Inc., where he leads marketing, media relations, and regional branding efforts to position Southeast Louisiana as a center for business innovation and growth.

In addition to overseeing communications, Matt directs the organization’s technology initiatives, including the recruitment of tech companies to the region and the development of GNO, Inc.’s digital presence—resulting in more than 450 annual media placements.

An Emmy and Telly Award winner, Matt has managed major initiatives in workforce recruitment, coastal restoration, conference planning, and investor relations, and has contributed to events such as Super Bowl XLVII, the NBA All-Star Game, and the NCAA Final Four. Before joining GNO, Inc., Matt spent more than a decade in journalism, working across broadcast and print media on storytelling, content strategy, and digital news management.

About GNO, Inc.

Greater New Orleans, Inc. is the regional economic development nonprofit organization serving the 10-parish region of Southeast Louisiana that includes Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. Their mission is to create a region with a thriving economy and an excellent quality of life, for everyone. 

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