Roger Ogden, Liberty Bank among Notables Honored by Junior Achievement for Entrepreneurship
At a grand event held in the bustling heart of downtown, Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans paid tribute to a distinguished group of business luminaries for their entrepreneurial spirit and for setting an exemplary standard for the aspiring leaders of tomorrow.
The highlight of the week was a gala held at the Empire Ballroom in the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, where real estate developer, civic leader, and philanthropist Roger Ogden was honored with the Junior Achievement Lifetime Achievement Award. Alongside Ogden, Liberty Bank & Trust was recognized with the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust Business of The Year award, spotlighting their significant contributions and achievements in the business world.
The celebration also served as the stage for introducing the 2024 class of the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame, now in its 40th year. This year’s inductees include leaders from diverse fields, demonstrating the wide impact of entrepreneurship across various sectors. The 2024 Hall of Fame class members are:
- Kim M. Boyle, vice managing partner of Phelps Dunbar, LLC
- Ryan Burks, president of RYCARS Construction, LLC
- Michelle Douglas, founding CEO of Hynes Charter School Corporation
- Greg Feirn, CEO at LCMC Health
- Lee Giorgio, co-founder, CEO, and president of Select Properties
- Bill Hammack, an entrepreneur with ventures across printing, graphic arts, publishing, internet technology, hospitality, and construction
Since its inception in 1984, the Hall of Fame has honored individuals who not only achieve professional excellence but also demonstrate a profound commitment to community development, mentorship, and the nurturing of future leaders. Gregory Rusovich, CEO of Transoceanic Development and the gala’s emcee, commended the inductees’ immense contribution to the community.
Highlighting the impact of Junior Achievement, President Larry Washington celebrated the organization’s success in reaching over 40,000 students in the past year alone. A testament to this impact, Shaw High School sophomore Bakari Johnson shared his story, recounting how the organization fueled his entrepreneurial aspirations.
The evening progressed with tributes to Roger Ogden, announced as the Lifetime Achievement Award winner. James Maurin and Darryl Berger, who both have a long history of collaboration with Ogden, praised his hard work, perseverance, and unique business insight.
Liberty Bank, one of the nation’s largest Black-owned banks with assets over $1 billion and branches across 11 states, was also in the spotlight. Alden McDonald, the bank’s president for five decades, recounted his journey and highlighted the collaborative spirit that propelled Liberty Bank to its notable success. He shared how the guidance and vision of the late Norman C. Francis, Chairman of Liberty Bank and longtime president of Xavier University, were pivotal in his career and the growth of the bank.
Through their achievements, contributions, and commitment to fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship, the honorees celebrated at the Junior Achievement gala have indeed set a high bar for future leaders. Their collective efforts underscore the essence of entrepreneurship and community service, building a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
