NOLAbound Applicant Details

In what city do you currently reside?

Galveston, TX

What do you love the most about where you live?

In the wake of Hurricane Ike, it would have been easy for the city of Galveston to fold,...to wither away. However, with the University of Texas Medical Branch constantly expanding, the Galveston Economic Development Partnership aggressively seeking out funding for local Technology growth industry initiatives, the Mayor’s Office promoting the development of a Biotech/Biomedical “corridor” within the downtown area, and the emerging promise of high-tech, R&D business moving to the island to take advantage of the low cost of living, tropical weather (with scenic ocean views) and tourism revenues rebounding - Galveston’s star is rising!

In what other cities have you lived?

Austin (TX), Chicago (IL), St. Louis (MO, Washington (DC)

What is/was your favorite city and why?

Having lived in some 11 US cities – also, several in Europe – it is challenging to select a single city as a standout. I already spoke to Galveston’s allure. St. Louis (MO) is an outstanding place to live, with world-class medical facilities, the largest city park in the US (stunningly maintained), gorgeous countryside within minutes of downtown, tremendous community support for the Arts, a vibrant music scene, award-winning public schools within the Metro area…a lot to like. For a Midwestern city - where political and social conservatism has traditionally run deep - St. Louis is remarkably moderate, progressive and welcoming.

What do you hope to gain from NOLAbound?

Aside from being a determined lifelong learner, you mean…?

My mission and vision - “To create sustainable solutions for the betterment of Earth and, in the process, to improve the Human Condition.” What better way to promote this, to further global efforts to enhance and enrich our lives, than to join with other action-oriented thought leaders in helping to expand upon the incredible efforts of New Orleans to rebuild and re-emerge as a world class city? I intend to share what I have learned, in becoming a more focused and devoted advocate, still, for sustainable process, practice and innovation.

What is your overall opinion of New Orleans?

I most recall my visits to the several famous Universities - especially to Tulane – with truly incredible medical facilities. Further, the city has a wonderfully rich and diverse history, and expansive cultural heritage. Like Galveston, New Orleans has played an important - at times, pivotal - role in US politics, economics and social infrastructure. As such, the city has the eyes of the world upon it as it has sought to rebuild and re-emerge from seemingly insurmountable devastation, post Katrina. Because of this, I think growth opportunity abounds for New Orleans…with proper guidance and support.

Single most important issue facing New Orleans?

There is no question that sustainable economic redevelopment - through the creation of a much more robust spectrum of growth industries (Biomedical innovation, Life Sciences, Energy, CleanTech, Environmental Management, et al.) - is critical to the future success and stability of the city.

Community Response: