New Orleans native, Gregory Rusovich, is dedicated to making his community a safer and stronger place to live.  Recipient of numerous civic awards and active in post-Katrina recovery efforts, he is Chairman of the New Orleans Business Council and the Metropolitan Crime Commission, Vice-Chairman of Greater New Orleans, Inc. and serves on the board of countless organizations.  After earning a political science degree from Tulane University, Rusovich served as Transoceanic Shipping Company president and chief operating officer moving to CEO, launching 25 international offices with a focus on the energy and emerging markets.  Today, he serves as CEO of Transoceanic Trading and Development Company dedicated to connecting U.S. companies with global partners and buyers.  The corporate base resides in New Orleans with offices in Houston and across the Globe.  Rusovich enjoys spending time with his wife, Suzanne Rusovich, and children Colin and Nicholas.

A passion for technical engineering, and eager to learn more, Robert “Bobby” Savoie left a 28-year career as engineer and CEO of Science & Engineering Associates (SEA) to pursue his Ph.D. in engineering and devote more time to civic and humanitarian activities. Today, Dr. Savoie currently serves as president of Geocent, chartered to acquire and integrate firms focused in the fields of technology, engineering, defense and aerospace manufacturing support. The company has grown more than 150 percent since its inception in 2008, while his former company SEA grew 700 percent in five years. Dr. Savoie has received numerous accolades including alumnus of the year for Loyola University and Ascension Catholic High School. He is on the borads of the National World War II Museum, Loyola University, the UNO Foundation and the Ochsner Health Foundation. Savoie, his wife, Lori Kent Savoie, and their children reside in New Orleans.

A pillar of the community, Phyllis M. Taylor has received numerous awards in recognition for her public service. She gained her law degree from Tulane Law School and served as law clerk for the Supreme Court of Louisiana and Orleans Parish Civil District Court. Taylor began her career working as in-house counsel for John W. Mecom Sr. She is chairwoman and president of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, a philanthropic foundation with an emphasis on education, law enforcement, the military and other humanitarian efforts. Since the death of her husband, Patrick F. Taylor, Mrs. Taylor is chairwoman and CEO of Taylor Energy Company LLC. Today she serves on the New Orleans Business Council and Education Commission of the States, the borad of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, Smithsonian National Board, New Orleans Ballet Association (life-time member) and as Chairwoman of the Greater New Orleans Foundation.

A leader in the face of turmoil, Rod West worked to rebuild the city of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina as president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans Inc. West oversaw the industry’s largest natural gas rebuild effort in history replacing nearly 860 miles of underground damaged pipe. He was recently named executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Entergy and has been credited with leading Entergy out of bankruptcy. West’s drive to protect his home turf began in Notre Dame playing football under Lou Holtz winning the 1988 National Championship. He received his law degree from Tulane University and worked as a senior attorney for two New Orleans law firms. West serves as a board member on the New Orleans Business Council, First Bank and Trust, the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the Notre Dame Board of Trustees. He lives in New Orleans with his wife Madeline Doucet and daughter Simone.

A native of New Orleans, James “Jimmy” E. Fitzmorris Jr. has worked tirelessly in making his community a better place to live.

Born in 1921, he grew up in the city’s Irish Channel and Broadmoor neighborhoods. A student of Jesuit High School, he began the groundwork for his illustrious career graduating in 1939 and moved on to Loyola University majoring in business administration. But World War II pre-empted his college career and he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946 rising from private to major. Upon discharge, he continued to serve in the Army Ready Reserves for nearly 20 years.

A family man, Fitzmorris married his first and only love, Gloria, and after 50 years of marriage she passed in 1995. Today, his daughter, Lisa, her husband Bruce, and two granddaughters, Madeline and Meredith fill Fitzmorris’ life with precious memories.

He served for 12 years on the New Orleans City Council and was one of the original pioneers behind the development of the Louisiana Superdome working with Governor McKeithen. In 1972 he left local government and became Louisiana’s first full-time lieutenant governor, and was re-elected four years later with nearly one million votes.

Jimmy soon became recognized as a national spokesperson and authority on Louisiana economic development serving as Coordinator of International Trade and Development and as Chairman of the Board of Commerce and Industry. During his stewardship the state’s economic development was rated No. 1 in the nation.

His success in part was due to a foundation of real-word experience in his 32-year career with the Kansas City Southern Railway Company. From messenger boy to vice president of the company, he was recognized as one of the youngest railroad executives in America.

After retiring as a two-term lieutenant governor and 30 years in public life, Fitzmorris was far from finished. In 1984 he formed Fitzmorris and Associates Inc. and serves as president and chief executive officer with national and international clients. He is a founding member of the Board of First Bank & Trust and serves on the First Trust Corporation board.

A Louisiana statesman, a successful railroad executive, a consummate civic leader, a devoted family man, Jimmy Fitzmorris remains an active member of several local, state and national organizations, and is the recipient of hundreds of honors and awards for service. He still is affectionately referred to as “Governor” and remains a faithful friend to legions of endearing supporters.