NEW ORLEANS – In a strategic move for Louisiana’s maritime sector, Governor Jeff Landry has appointed Michael A. Thomas as the new Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA). The appointment, effective as of September 20, 2024, will see Thomas serving a five-year term, during which he will also assume the role of Chairman of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission, an organization aligned with Port NOLA.
Thomas replaces Joseph F. Toomy, who has been a driving force in the port’s development over the last five years. Toomy’s tenure, which concluded officially on August 15, 2024, was marked by considerable progress on major projects, including the $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal (LIT). Notably, his leadership helped secure $300 million in federal grant funding, representing the largest investment in a new container terminal in the history of the U.S. Department of Transportation. An additional $230.5 million was procured from state-level funding to further bolster LIT and related infrastructure projects.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve as both a Commissioner and Chairman of Port NOLA,” Toomy reflected, emphasizing his pride in the partnerships and milestones achieved during his term. He expressed confidence in Thomas’s ability to build on the established momentum and lead the organization to even greater heights.
Michael A. Thomas, a native of Morgan City, Louisiana, brings an extensive background in both law and maritime affairs to his new role. A graduate of Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Juris Doctor, Thomas launched his legal career in 2000, founding his own law firm. Over the years, he has held various public service roles, including Assistant District Attorney and Assistant Parish Attorney in Jefferson Parish. His private sector experience includes representing marine service companies and other entities involved in Mississippi River commerce, providing him with a unique perspective on the needs and challenges of Louisiana’s maritime industry.
In accepting the appointment, Thomas expressed his enthusiasm for the future of the port and its potential for growth. “The potential growth of the Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad over the next few years may be the largest in their history,” he stated, highlighting his readiness to collaborate with various stakeholders to drive the port’s success.
Acting Port NOLA President & CEO Ronald Wendel welcomed Thomas’s appointment, praising his maritime experience and expressing optimism for the port’s continued development under his leadership. Wendel credited outgoing Chairman Toomy with setting a solid foundation for the port’s future, acknowledging his “visionary leadership” and “dedicated service.”
The Port NOLA and NOPB Commission Boards are composed of seven unsalaried members, each serving staggered five-year terms. These members are appointed by the Governor from nominations made by local civic, labor, education, and maritime groups. Representing a wide cross-section of the port’s three-parish jurisdiction, the Board is designed to reflect the diverse interests and needs of Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Bernard parishes.
Alongside Thomas, the board’s composition includes Vice Chairman James J. Carter Jr., Secretary-Treasurer Sharonda R. Williams, and Commissioners Darryl D. Berger, Walter J. Leger Jr., Jeanne E. Ferrer, and Todd Murphy. This diverse group of experienced professionals will play a crucial role in steering Port NOLA and NOPB’s strategic initiatives, ensuring that they continue to serve as vital economic engines for Louisiana.
The Port of New Orleans, a key player in the Gulf’s logistics and maritime industry, now looks to a future under Thomas’s leadership, building on recent successes and striving to enhance its position as a leading port in the global supply chain.
