submitted by New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
NEW ORLEANS – Governor Jeff Landry has appointed Russell W. Allen as President of the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority (“Authority”), the governing board of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC). The Authority consists of thirteen commissioners, 10 appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the governor, and three are appointed by the Mayor of New Orleans and serve four-year terms.
Allen brings with him a wealth of entrepreneurial experience and understanding of multiple industries. He is founder and CEO of K-Solv Group LLC, a Houston-based group of 8 businesses operating throughout the country that collectively employs nearly 400 people. K-Solv Group LLC is focused on maritime, energy, environmental and industrial interests comprised of businesses Allen either founded or acquired. The portfolio includes a globally recognized chemical distribution entity ranked 14th in the United States, a nationally recognized environmental response company, a renewable fuels company, safety supply business and an oilfield service company. He has owned and operated businesses in Louisiana for more than 15 years and has been a New Orleans resident since 2008.
“I would like to begin by extending my compliments to the previous leadership of the Authority Board for their unwavering dedication in steering the NOENMCC towards fulfilling its mission and vision,” said Allen. “Your service has created a strong foundation on which we will continue to build a brighter future.
I appreciate the value the NOENMCC brings and will work diligently with the entire board to efficiently fulfill the mission of the Convention Center, to the benefit of New Orleans and the great state of Louisiana.”
In addition to Allen’s professional expertise, he serves on the board of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and is an active member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors. As an involved New Orleans resident, he serves the community through several local nonprofit groups, and is an active Mardi Gras participant through his membership in the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club and the Krewe of Endymion.
Allen graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in industrial distribution. With his wife, Andrea, Allen has raised two daughters, who both graduated from Louisiana universities – Louisiana State University (LSU) and Tulane – and a son, who currently attends Texas Christian University (TCU).
“Russ is a proven natural leader with the business acumen to lead this distinguished body into its future endeavors. He joins the Authority at an exciting time of modernization and transformation, with the largest renovation project in the region well underway,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President and CEO. “I congratulate and welcome Russ to serve as the next President of the Authority.”
Earlier this month, Governor Landry also appointed four new commissioners to the board – James Capella, James Cook, Jack Rizzuto, and Desi Vega.
About the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority
The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority’s (Authority) exclusive mission is to finance, construct and operate facilities in order to attract and conduct conventions, trade shows and other events that support and expand the economy of both the State of Louisiana and New Orleans Region. The Authority is composed of a 13-member board of commissioners, ten appointed by the Governor of Louisiana, and three appointed by the Mayor of New Orleans. Since 1985, event activity at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has produced $90.1 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening, including $5.7 billion in new tax revenue for state and local governments.
