By Tammy Austin
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) Chief Administrative Officer Alita Caparotta was recognized as a “Power 20” honoree in a recent Tourism and Hospitality issue of New Orleans CityBusiness, a weekly business newspaper. A special section that publishes quarterly, each edition represents a different industry and features 20 of the most influential leaders in that industry.
Chosen for this honor through an anonymous nomination process, Caparotta has been instrumental in 
cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and enhancing the NOENMCC’s reputation and credibility. This is evident in both Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investor Services recently designating high ratings to the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority. Under Caparotta’s financial stewardship, the Convention Center maintained financial solvency and its staff throughout the pandemic and met operational and capital improvement program expenditures and refunded existing debt. In May 2022, as the travel and tourism industries began recovery, Caparotta led a cost-of-living adjustment for all Convention Center employees.
“Alita’s leadership and financial expertise, along with her strategic management acumen regarding stewardship of the Convention Center’s funds, are instrumental in our continued financial successes,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President and CEO. “Her laser-focus and unwavering dedication demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, ingenuity, and achievement. We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”
Since joining the Convention Center staff as an accounting manager in 2000, Caparotta’s talent and discipline helped her progress through subsequent promotions. In her current role as Chief Administrative Officer, she manages several departments and oversees the financial aspects of the Convention Center’s ongoing $557 million Capital Improvement Plan.
Caparotta holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama and maintains her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designations. She holds memberships in several professional organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Louisiana State Society of Certified Public Accountants (LSSCPA), the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), Women in Public Finance, and the International Women’s Forum.
Tammy Austin is with The Ehrhardt Group.
