Saturday, March 23, 2024
Today, the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) has appointed new officers for a nine-month term. Walter J. Leger Jr. will assume the role of Board Chairman, with James J. Carter Jr. as Vice Chairman, and Sharonda R. Williams as Secretary-Treasurer. These officers will also serve on the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission, aligning the leadership of both entities.
Leger takes over from Joseph F. Toomy, whose term as Chairman concluded today. Toomy will continue to serve as a commissioner on the Board.
Under Toomy’s leadership, Port NOLA has made significant strides in advancing the $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) project. Notably, Port NOLA secured $300 million in INFRA and MEGA grants earlier this year, marking the largest federal investment in a new container terminal in US DOT history, to support the construction of LIT.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as a Commissioner and Chairman of the Board for the Port of New Orleans on two occasions, as well as a Commissioner and Chairman of the Board for the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission,” said Joseph Toomy. “I am proud of the remarkable milestones we have achieved, the partnerships we have strengthened and the challenges we have navigated. As I transition from this role, I have full confidence in the capabilities of our incoming leadership to build upon our successes and move this region and the state of Louisiana onward and forward. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow board members, port staff, stakeholders, and the community for their unwavering support throughout my tenure.”
Furthermore, Toomy assumed a crucial role in spearheading meetings among the five Port directors and their Board chairs along the Lower Mississippi. The objective was to pinpoint additional avenues for alignment with state leaders to enhance international trade. Together, these five ports constitute one of the most bustling port complexes globally.
“We want to thank Joseph Toomy for his dedicated service as Chairman of our board,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port NOLA President and CEO and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB). “Joe has brought decades of invaluable experience and exceptional vision that has not only elevated our port’s standing within the industry but has also positively impacted the communities we serve.”
Leger assumed his position on the Board in July 2020, following his appointment by then-Governor John Bel Edwards. With a distinguished background as an attorney and a recognized authority in legal matters, Leger holds the role of Senior Partner at Leger & Shaw, a prestigious law firm. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University and pursued his legal studies at Tulane University School of Law, specializing in Maritime Law. Earlier in his professional journey, Leger served as an admiralty associate at Phelps Dunbar law firm before establishing his own practice focusing on admiralty and intricate litigations. Notable cases he has been involved in include the Hard Rock Hotel litigation, nationwide opioid litigation, the BP Oil Spill case, and the Castano Tobacco litigation, among others.
“I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission,” said Walter Leger Jr. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members, port staff and our stakeholders to continue our work of guiding future maritime and infrastructure investments that will transform Louisiana’s economy for generations to come.”
Leger, a distinguished figure in the legal and civic spheres, has left an indelible mark on various institutions and organizations throughout Louisiana. Having served as President of both the New Orleans Bar Foundation and the New Orleans Bar Association, his contributions have been recognized by the Louisiana Bar Journal, which dubbed him a “Louisiana Legal Legend.” Furthermore, he has been honored with the prestigious “President’s Award” for his exemplary leadership and commitment to public service by esteemed bodies such as the New Orleans Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, and the Louisiana Association of Justice.
Beyond his legal achievements, Leger’s dedication to his community and the broader Louisiana region is unparalleled. He has held pivotal roles including Chairman of the Board of the New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chairman of the MetroVision Regional Economic Development Partnership, and leadership positions within the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he actively participates in numerous economic development initiatives such as the Louisiana Committee of 100 for Economic Development and the Southeast Louisiana Business Council Coalition.
His commitment extends to various philanthropic endeavors, as evidenced by his involvement with organizations like the Greater New Orleans Foundation, LSU Health Science Center Foundation, and Tulane Cancer Center. Moreover, he has lent his expertise to governmental bodies including the Louisiana Recovery Authority and the Louisiana Land Trust.
Recognized as an exemplary volunteer, Leger has been honored with accolades such as the “Volunteer of the Year” by esteemed organizations like the Southern Economic Development Council and the Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association. His dedication to the legal profession and his community has also been acknowledged by the Louisiana State Bar Association, which bestowed upon him the esteemed “Citizen Lawyer Award.”
In summary, Leger’s multifaceted contributions across legal, civic, and philanthropic domains underscore his unwavering commitment to the betterment of Louisiana and its residents.
“Walter Leger brings a wealth of maritime and legal expertise to the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners,” said Christian. “We look forward to his thoughtful leadership as Port NOLA continues its mission to grow the New Orleans global gateway.”
The Port NOLA and NOPB Commission Boards are composed of seven members, each serving unsalaried five-year staggered terms. Members are appointed by the Governor of Louisiana from a pool of three nominees put forth by local civic, labor, education, and maritime organizations. The composition of the Board reflects the Port’s jurisdiction spanning three parishes, with two members hailing from Jefferson Parish, four from Orleans Parish, and one from St. Bernard Parish.
Representing Jefferson Parish are Commissioner Joseph F. Toomy and Commissioner Todd P. Murphy. Orleans Parish is represented by Chairman Walter J. Leger Jr., Vice Chairman James J. Carter Jr., Secretary-Treasurer Sharonda R. Williams, and Commissioner Darryl D. Berger. Commissioner Jeanne E. Ferrer represents St. Bernard Parish.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Monday, April 29, 2024
