Former Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco was one of three honored Thursday for their dedication to the Tourism industry in Louisiana
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Travel Association today recognized Blanco along with State Representative Cameron Henry and State Senator Sharon Hewitt for their outstanding support and promotion.
“All three of these leaders understand the value and significance of Louisiana’s tourism industry to the economic well-being of our state,” said Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser.
Blanco was recognized with the Will Mangham Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award for her work as Lieutenant Governor and continued support of the tourism industry throughout her 24 years in state government. From 1996-2004, she served as Lieutenant Governor overseeing the Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism. Blanco spoke about procuring the Heart of Spain exhibit during the state’s bicentennial celebration.
Lt. Governor Nungesser also recognized Representative Cameron Henry (District 82 – Orleans and Jefferson Parishes) and State Senator Sharon Hewitt (District 1 – St. Tammany, Orleans, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard Parishes) with the Governmental Friend of Tourism Award.
State Representative Cameron Henry started his career in tourism under Lieutenant Governor Blanco. Representative Henry currently serves as the chairman for the House Appropriations Committee.
Senator Sharon Hewitt was elected to the legislature in 2015. Prior to her election, she served as the chairman for the St. Tammany Parish Recreation Board from District 16 from 2012-2015. During that time she led the effort to develop a Parks and Recreation Master Plan in eastern St. Tammany Parish to attract visiting sports teams and their families to the parish.
