MICHAEL O. SMITH, General Manager of Hyatt Regency New Orleans, is a seasoned executive in the hospitality and tourism industry who is relentlessly devoted to seeking the collective good, serving a higher purpose, and sharing the gift of community. In 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Michael was lauded for his efforts in safely evacuating nearly 4,000 guests and staff from the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, along with supporting government officials in transporting thousands of residents from the Superdome through the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, to buses departing the city during the storm. In 2007, he led the $285 million redevelopment of that same hotel to completion in 2011, and in 2010 was honored as an “Unsung Hero of Hurricane Katrina” in a proclamation by the city of New Orleans for his leadership in the community’s recovery. He was recognized again by the city in 2016 with another proclamation and in 2022 with a “Key to the City of New Orleans,” presented by Mayor LaToya Cantrell, for his ongoing work in philanthropy and civic engagement. Michael was also appointed by the mayor to the New Orleans Aviation Board and served as chair of the Operations/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Committee. He was responsible for overseeing administration, operations, and construction of the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, throughout the construction and 2019 opening of a new 972,000-square-foot terminal. Along with the trio of honors from the city, Michael has been recognized also by Hyatt Hotels with the prestigious Jay A. Pritzker Award, attaining the title of “Hyatt Hotels General Manager of the Year”; by the Times-Picayune/The Advocate with the Loving Cup Award for working unselfishly for the community; and most recently, by the Anti-Defamation League South Central Region with the A.I. Botnick Torch of Liberty Award. Michael is passionate also about promoting culture and the arts, understanding the critical role of both in enhancing community life. As a result of his efforts, Hyatt Regency New Orleans has supported, initiated, and sponsored several of the city’s premier cultural events, including the New Orleans Ballet Association, Bal Masque, and the New Orleans Museum of Arts’ Odyssey Ball. Recently, he launched his own artistic endeavor, making a debut as co-executive producer and receiving an Emmy® for the award-winning documentary, “Making 300: Celebrating New Orleans icon Leah Chase.” With a devotion to continued learning in his own life, Michael has excelled in the Executive Development Program at the University Of Pennsylvania Wharton School Of Business, in addition to receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration/Economics from Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. In 2021, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Xavier University and also holds an Honorary Doctorate from Dillard University.