Iconic tourism executive, community leader continues 45-year career of service to New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS – December 11, 2024 – After an incredibly impactful four-decade career in tourism and public relations, Mark Romig has announced plans to transition from New Orleans & Company’s Chief Marketing Officer to a Senior Advisor for the organization, effective April 1, 2025.
Walt Leger, III, President and CEO of New Orleans and Company, said: “Mark is a person of exceptional integrity, he is the epitome of a servant leader, and is considered a friend and mentor to many generations of New Orleanians from all walks of life. Mark’s name has been synonymous with the success and resilience of New Orleans’ tourism industry for more than 40 years. Few people have done more to advance our cultural economy - personally and professionally - than Mark.”
In his new advisory role, Romig will be responsible for PR consulting, special projects such as Sail 250, and serve as a hospitality industry ambassador and spokesperson. Romig will also continue to provide counsel to Kelly Schulz and Jeremy Cooker, the two executives charged with leading New Orleans & Company’s Marketing and Communications Department as he moves into a new chapter.
Jeremy Cooker, Romig’s deputy for more than a decade, is being promoted from Vice President of Marketing and Special Projects to Senior Vice President of Marketing for New Orleans & Company. Kelly Schulz, who led PR for New Orleans & Company from 2006 – 2014 and then returned in 2020, will remain in her current role as Senior VP of Communications, leading the public relations team.
Leger continued, “As our executive team member since 2020, and before that as the President and CEO of New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, Mark has been a driving force behind groundbreaking campaigns and innovative strategies that have attracted millions of visitors and have transformed the city’s tourism industry into a powerful engine for economic growth. Mark is irreplaceable, but I have total confidence in Jeremy and Kelly’s ability to seamlessly lead the Marketing and Communications teams and build on Mark’s legacy.”
Romig will continue the role he has held since 2013 as Play-by-Play Stadium Announcer for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome, succeeding his father, the late Jerry Romig. He has called more than 110 consecutive home and playoff games as of December 1, 2024.
In addition, Romig will remain active on his boards and advisory councils, serve as master of ceremonies for various events throughout the region, including commercials and voiceover work. He will also do general PR consulting on important local and regional issues and programs.
Romig is currently serving as Co-Chair of the Super Bowl LIX Host Committee’s Media/PR/Branding Committee. Super Bowl LIX will take place on February 9, 2025, marking New Orleans’ 11th time as host city.
“Mark Romig has beautifully carried on the legacy of his father Jerry Romig as a cherished member of the New Orleans Saints family,” said Mrs. Gayle Benson, Owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. “Like his father, Mark has shared his voice and his talents to make New Orleans a better place for our residents and visitors. I am proud to call Mark a friend and I congratulate him as he moves into this new chapter of his life and career.”
According to Darryl Berger, Founder and Chairman of the Berger Company, Chairman of the Board of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC) from 2011 – 2019 and a long-time board member of New Orleans & Company, “Mark Romig’s contributions to the travel and tourism industry of New Orleans have been invaluable in shaping this city into a global destination. His visionary leadership, coupled with his deep commitment to community and culture, have set new standards for tourism marketing and promotion of New Orleans. In every respect, Mark Romig is a tourism hero and a cultural icon of our city.”
Mark Romig said, “My approach to tourism has been as much about the local community as it is about the visitor experience, as well as being a mentor to the team members with whom I have been fortunate to work alongside. I have always prioritized initiatives that benefit both travelers and residents alike, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two. Tourism growth benefits all residents of New Orleans, supports local businesses, increases job opportunities, and highlights the city’s diverse neighborhoods. A thriving tourism industry requires investment in the community and a passionate team of professionals. That team is in place at New Orleans & Company with CEO Walt Leger, EVP Alice Glenn, a talented executive leadership team, the well-deserved promotion of Jeremy Cooker to SVP of Marketing, Kelly continuing to lead the PR team, and 90 hard-working employees across every department. I absolutely adore this city and do not plan on retiring any time soon!”
Education and Early Career
Romig, who attended Brother Martin High School, and is a 1978 graduate of the University of New Orleans’ School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism, began his career work at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. He then served briefly as National Sales Manager of the Hotel Inter-Continental New Orleans. In 1982, he signed on as the Director of Protocol and Guest Relations for the 1984 Louisiana World’s Fair, a pivotal turning point in his career, that drew more than seven million visitors to the city. Romig went on to serve as a staff assistant to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole during the Reagan Administration and in Bob Dole’s 1987-1988 presidential campaign.
Romig’s other career work has included serving as President of Peter A. Mayer Public Relations and Vice President of Marketing and Communications for HCA/Louisiana.
Driving Tourism
Before his current role at New Orleans & Company, Mark was President and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC), where he led a multi-million advertising campaign promoting New Orleans’ Tricentennial in 2018 and served as the volunteer President and CEO of the 2018 NOLA Foundation. This historic event honoring New Orleans’ 300-year legacy garnered international attention, attracting visitors from around the world to celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage. Romig’s leadership of the Tricentennial showcased his unique talent for creating experiences that capture the essence of New Orleans, from its historical significance to its modern-day vibrancy.
At the beginning of 2020, NOTMC merged with New Orleans & Company as part of a revenue consolidation effort by the state, city, and industry. Romig, Cooker and the marketing staff became part of the new combined entity, continuing to drive the city’s tourism efforts.
Mark’s expertise has been instrumental in guiding New Orleans’ tourism industry through difficult periods as well, including the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership during this challenge helped stabilize the tourism sector and promote the city’s resilience in the face of changing health and safety standards, solidifying Romig’s reputation as a trusted advocate, spokesperson, and champion for New Orleans tourism.
At both New Orleans & Company and NOTMC, Romig has spearheaded campaigns that have set new benchmarks for success in the industry. His work has been integral in showcasing New Orleans’ unique culture, cuisine and music, highlighting what makes the city unlike any other destination. Under his leadership, the tourism industry in New Orleans has set records in the number of visitors and the money spent per visit, even in the face of external challenges.
Most recently, Romig led the strategic rebranding of New Orleans & Company, redefining how the city is presented to the world. His vision, and that of New Orleans & Company, is to ensure that New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique, and welcoming city in the world, not only to live and work in but also to visit. This inclusive and vibrant portrayal of New Orleans has elevated the Crescent City’s global appeal and reached a broader audience than ever before. Romig’s strategies and influence have contributed to record growth in tourism, including the post-pandemic rebound, attracting millions of visitors each year and driving substantial economic benefits to local businesses and communities.
Diplomatic Roles and Lifetime Achievement Awards
Romig’s contributions to tourism have earned him numerous accolades, both in the U.S. and abroad. Most recently, the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. confirmed Romig as the Kingdom of Thailand's Honorary Consul in Louisiana. In 2017, he was awarded the Ordre national du Mérite by the French government for his work in fostering French American relations in New Orleans—a testament to his efforts in preserving and promoting the city’s unique Franco-American heritage.
Similarly, his work to strengthen ties between Spain and Louisiana was recognized by Spanish King Felipe VI, who awarded him the Order of Civil Merit, degree of “Encomienda” (Commander) for extraordinary service to benefit Spain. These honors underscore the global impact of his work in celebrating and promoting New Orleans’ cultural heritage.
In 2017 Romig’s contributions to hospitality were recognized by the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, which awarded him the prestigious Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award. The New Orleans Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America also honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award, a tribute to his lifelong dedication to advancing New Orleans’ tourism and hospitality industries. Romig was also awarded the Silver Medal from the New Orleans Advertising Club in 2018, the organization’s highest honor, in recognition of his achievements in advertising and public relations within the tourism sector.
Mark is also a graduate of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute and Leadership Louisiana programs. A former YLC Role Model recipient, in 2016 Mark was the recipient of the Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of New Orleans.
Community Service and Volunteer Leadership
Romig’s influence extends beyond New Orleans. As former Chairman of the Louisiana Travel Association and a member of its Board, Romig helped lead the strategic rebranding from the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association (LTPA) to Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) in 2018 and led its strategic planning process in 2019. Romig’s dedication and commitment to his position helped to strengthen tourism efforts across the state, advocating for policies and initiatives that promote Louisiana’s unique cultural and natural assets.
His past role on the Board of Trustees for Xavier University and as a former Board Member of the Audubon Nature Institute highlights his commitment to promoting education, conservation, and cultural preservation—all of which enhance the city’s appeal as a destination.
Romig was also President of the Allstate Sugar Bowl from 2005-2006, helping lead the iconic organization through the challenges of Katrina including the relocation of the 2006 New Year’s Day game to Atlanta. He also served as international president of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
Romig’s recent tenure as President of the Board of Directors for the Parking Facilities Corporation (PFC) further reflects his dedication to ensuring the best possible experience for travelers arriving at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. His work with PFC helped improve airport infrastructure, contributing to New Orleans’ status as a convenient and welcoming destination for international and domestic visitors alike.
In addition, Romig is currently active on several boards and advisory councils that shape tourism policy and support community welfare, including the Board of Directors of Fidelity Bank, the Board of Directors of the Methodist Health System Foundation and the Board of Directors of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. He is Chair of the Board of Trustees for public television station WYES-TV, Chair of the Board of Directors of Fore!Kids Foundation and Vice-Chair of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. He serves on the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Council and as an advisor to the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation and St. Andrew’s Village.
He is a former member of the Board of Commissioners for City Park. In the 1990s, he chaired the Board of Directors for Project Lazarus and the Southern Repertory Theater.
Click their names to download headshots for Mark Romig and Jeremy Cooker.
About New Orleans & Company
New Orleans & Company is the official destination sales and marketing organization for New Orleans’ tourism industry. Founded in 1960, our mission is to inspire, promote and encourage travel to our city for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people. Our vision is to ensure New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique, and welcoming city in the world. For more information, visit us at neworleans.com or on social media @VisitNewOrleans or @Neworleansandco.