Laura Blackman, Deputy Director of Tourism, is responsible for developing, negotiating, implementing and enforcing Port of New Orleans’ tourism leases, which include retail, public space, and maritime uses. Prior to joining Port NOLA, Blackman worked for Hudson River Park Trust in New York City as Deputy Counsel, where she was an attorney for the public benefit corporation responsible for the creation, development and operation of the largest park project in Manhattan since Central Park. Blackman attended Fordham University School of Law and Princeton University, presently serving as the New Orleans-area Princeton Alumni Schools Committee Co-Chair.