An Evening of Excellence on the River: 2025 JA Business Hall of Fame Laureate Reception

On the evening of April 10th, Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans had the pleasure of introducing this year’s Business Hall of Fame Laureates at a beautiful spring reception hosted by Alden McDonald, Jr., CEO of Liberty Bank & Trust. Set against the backdrop of Liberty Bank’s stunning new headquarters on Tchoupitoulas Street, the event offered guests panoramic views of the Mississippi River and a refreshingly cool breeze—a rare and welcome treat on a spring evening in New Orleans.

The setting couldn’t have been more perfect to celebrate the leaders who shape our region’s business landscape. We proudly introduce the 2025 Laureates for their outstanding leadership, innovation, and lasting impact:

 Judy Barrasso – Founding Member, Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman & Sarver, L.L.C.

 Tommy Cvitanovich – Owner & GM, Drago’s Restaurant

 Takeisha Davis, MD, MPH – CEO & President, New Orleans East Hospital

 Troy Henry – Founder & Managing Partner, Henry Consulting, LLC

 Samir Mowad – SVP & GM, Caesars Entertainment

Lifetime Achievement Honoree:

William Henry Shane, Jr., Chairman, Favrot & Shane Companies

Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust Business of the Year:

Canal Barge Co., Inc.

With Merritt Lane, Chairman of the Board, President & CEO, in attendance.

The reception was not only a chance to introduce these exemplary individuals but also a time to gather community leaders, past honorees, and supporters of Junior Achievement in an atmosphere of inspiration and connection. We are especially grateful to Vanessa Claiborne for her thoughtful leadership in chairing this year’s celebration.

The celebration continues at The Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Gala:

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Hyatt Regency New Orleans | 601 Loyola Avenue

Reception: 5:30 PM

Dinner & Awards: 6:30 PM

Reserve your seats and learn more at www.jagno.org/hof or contact Melissa Binder at melissa@jagno.org.

Let’s come together to honor the legacy, innovation, and future of business in Greater New Orleans.