Full Name
Gayle Benson
Speaker Bio
A New Orleans native, business professional and philanthropist Gayle Benson gratefully serves the community in her daily life. In her primary role, she is the Owner of the New Orleans Saints and Governor of the New Orleans Pelicans, succeeding husband, Tom Benson, who passed away on March 15, 2018.

She contributes to the growth and enhancement of the Gulf South region through the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation. Under her leadership, the Foundation’s giving has focused on healthcare, cancer care, education, the arts and her strong Catholic faith.

To increase commerce for the city and Louisiana, Ms. Benson started a $75 million venture to help new companies grow, created a $100 million real estate fund, and purchased a commercial real estate firm. She also leverages her participation on numerous boards and committees of the National Football League and National Basketball Association Committees to benefit her hometown. For example, she was the primary driving force in securing the historic 11th Super Bowl for the city of New Orleans, which will be played in February 2025.
Gayle Benson