(image of Andrew Palumbo, Director of Security at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center)
The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Welcomes Andrew Palumbo as New Director of Security
Twenty-year NOPD Veteran Brings Vast Experience to Vital Campus Security Leadership Role
submitted by New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Palumbo, as the facility’s Director of Security. In his new role, Palumbo will be responsible for ensuring the safety and security of all event attendees, contractors, personnel, vendors, and assets of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. As Director of Security, he will plan, direct, and coordinate with Convention Center staff and local law enforcement agencies to create and deliver highly effective public safety measures.
“As we continue our $557 million Capital Improvement Plan, we must stay vigilant in protecting our facilities, internal teams, and the hundreds of thousands of patrons that cycle through our Convention Center annually. Safety and Security remain our highest priorities, and ensuring qualified, experienced leaders like Andrew Palumbo is key and critical to our overall success.” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President and CEO. “Andrew’s existing relationships throughout the community and the trust he has earned with local stakeholders will contribute mightily to the strengthening of our convention center’s important mission. We look forward to his contributions as an integral member of our management team.”
Prior to assuming his new role, Palumbo spent over 25 years with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). Throughout his tenure, he held several key leadership positions, showcasing his ability to strategize, motivate, and mentor his team effectively. Palumbo worked up to the rank of Lieutenant and commanded the Special Events Section in the Field Operations Bureau. He orchestrated the development and execution of comprehensive incident operations plans for major events such as Mardi Gras, Sugar Bowl, NBA All Star Game, Essence Music Festival, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and many more. Palumbo’s efforts and initiatives led to significant enhancements in security protocols, including the implementation of advanced tracking technologies and strategic resource allocation.
Prior to his role in Special Events, Palumbo served as the Fifth District Investigative Unit Commander, where he led a team of dedicated officers and detectives in crime reduction efforts highlighting his adeptness in managing complex law enforcement operations and fostering community collaboration. His commitment to public safety and his community-focused approach made a significant impact within the NOPD and beyond.
Palumbo is a native of New Orleans and graduated from the University of New Orleans with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies. He and his wife Maritza have two children, Ava and Andrew.
“I am thrilled to welcome Andrew to our team as the new Director of Security at the Convention Center,” said Adam J. Straight, Chief Operating Officer. “His esteemed background in law enforcement brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all our guests. With Andrew on board, we are poised to elevate our standards and ensure that every event at our facility is not only successful but also safe and secure for everyone involved.”
About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC)
New Orleans is Built to Host! With 1.1 million square feet of prime exhibit space on one level, all under one roof, NOENMCC is the sixth largest Convention Center in the United States and provides the largest single exhibit space in the country. Our recent LEED Gold certification makes NOENMCC the largest LEED-certified project in Louisiana and the largest convention center project in the U.S. certified under LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance, as well as the first convention center in the world to be awarded initial certification under LEED Gold v4.1 O+MA. A leading contributor to the city’s robust tourism economy, NOENMCC event activity has produced $90.1 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening.
