International Speaker Series features Gary LaGrange of Port of New Orleans

Gary LaGrange, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans, was the featured guest for the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration’s International Speaker Series November 18 at Moody Hall.

LaGrange explained the global value of the Port of New Orleans, including the fact that 31 states and Canada have products exported through it, and 400,000 people have jobs due to the port. He also shared how it became recognized as #1 for logistics in the United States.

Joining LaGrange was Port of New Orleans Community Affairs Manager, Paul Matthews. Matthews holds a master’s in business administration from the Moody College of Business and encouraged students to get involved with the port through their internship program and 2016 Maritime Workforce Summit and Career Expo.

Both LaGrange and Matthews answered questions from students, faculty, staff and community leaders after the presentation.

“As an alumnus of UL Lafayette and native of Acadiana, it’s always great to come home and meet the region’s best and brightest,” LaGrange said. “The maritime and international trade sectors of Louisiana’s economy account for more than a quarter of the State’s GDP and will lead our growth in the future. With the great private investment into the manufacturing and petrochemical industries along the Calcasieu River and Lower Mississippi River, Louisiana’s best days are ahead. We look forward to enhancing our partnership with UL Lafayette and introducing trade and transportation opportunities to young professionals.”

LaGrange, an alumnus of UL Lafayette, has served as the President & CEO of the Port of New Orleans since 2001.