Councilmember Clarkson and City Council Pay Tribute to Katrina Heroes — Michael O’Keith Smith
Michael O’Keith Smith is a positive change maker and a charismatic community leader in the hospitality and tourism industry. For over four decades, he has held progressive leadership positions with Hyatt Hotels Corporation and is devoted to seeking the collective good.
Under the leadership and management skills of Michael, the Hyatt Regency New Orleans was able to successfully deal with the crisis of Hurricane Katrine. An article titled “Councilmember Clarkson and City Council Pay Tribute to Katrina Heroes” pays a tribute to several heroes of the storm, including Michael.
Here are few excerpts from the article :
“The Council paid tribute to Katrina Heroes and passed a Resolution honoring “The Soul Patrol” for their bravery as they saved lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina”
“In commemoration of the five year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the Council paid tribute to several heroes of the storm.
Recognized First Responders and Community Leaders
At the request of Councilmember Clarkson, former Director of Homeland Security for New Orleans Colonel Terry Ebbert, New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) Deputy Superintendent Joseph Matthews, Hyatt General Manager Michael Smith…”
“Council Vice President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson said, “Each of these ‘Katrina heroes’ played a unique and vital role during and after the storm… Michael Smith opened the Hyatt as a center of operations.
District “E” Councilmember Jon D. Johnson said, “These citizens put their lives on the line to save others during a dangerous and uncertain time. This kind of selfless bravery should be honored and remembered. We are so grateful to have these upstanding gentlemen call New Orleans home.”
Read the full article here.
