ABOUT LT. GOVERNOR NUNGESSER
Called the “hardest working man in America” by one national media outlet, for his work to protect the citizens he represented, Billy Nungesser has worked tirelessly to defend his community and fight to rescue and restore the Gulf Coast in the wake of the Deep Horizon Oil Spill. Another national news organization described him as a true son of Louisiana having grown up in the state’s holy trinity of seafood, oil and politics.
Billy Nungesser has worked tirelessly to defend his community and help to restore the Gulf Coast in the wake of the Deep Horizon Oil Spill.
When the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded off the coast, Billy Nungesser did not wait for the federal government to act, he went to work and fought tirelessly to cut through the bureaucratic red tape and took action to protect our communities and environment. He continues to stand up to ensure that victims are compensated and restoration is made. Today, over $2 billion in levees are being built to protect the citizens of Plaquemines because of his efforts.
In 2006, Billy Nungesser was elected President of Plaquemines Parish at a time when the parish was struggling to recover from the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. On day one, Billy went to work by challenging and working with FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers to increase public projects that increased investment in infrastructure.
Billy also focused his efforts on coastal restoration to protect our wetlands and protect communities from storm surges by developing a master plan and bringing federal, state and private resources together to increase funding. His efforts earned him re-election in 2010 with over 70% of the vote. He was appointed to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Planning Commission and received the Disaster Recovery Contractors Association’s Golden Horizon Award.
"My dad used to tell me, 'as long as you've got right on your side, you can do no wrong.'"
-Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser
Prior to serving in elected office, Billy Nungesser was a successful small businessman whose innovative idea of converting used shipping containers into modular living quarters improved the living conditions of our state’s offshore oil drilling workers. He converted a $7,500 loan from his mother into General Marine Leasing Company, a company that grew to employ more than 200 local workers and reached $20 million dollars in sales, becoming the largest provider of portable buildings in the Gulf of Mexico. His idea housed more than 800 workers, but to Billy, solving the offshore housing problem was more gratifying than the wealth he gained along the way.
In 2002, Louisiana Life Magazine named him one of our state’s “Top CEOs.” While in business, Billy helped form the Plaquemines Association of Business and Industry. As President of Plaquemines Parish, Billy has used his business sense and discipline to hold the line on taxes and control spending. This has resulted in annual savings to the taxpayers and millions of dollars of surpluses each year in Plaquemines Parish.
Billy has always helped people in need. After he and his wife Cher rode out Hurricane Katrina at their home, he immediately began rescuing people and animals in South Plaquemines, utilizing his personal equipment and resources. As the recovery continued, he partnered with the United Way to distribute washers and dryers to needy residents who had lost everything in the storm.
Billy Nungesser is an active sportsman who values our state’s natural resources.
Next to his ranch where he raises elk and cattle, he created the Pointe Celeste Therapeutic Riding Center to enable physically and mentally challenged people to share in the therapeutic benefits of enjoying nature through horseback rides at no cost to them or their families. He has also volunteered his time with countless organizations to help people in need, including serving on the board of the United Way of New Orleans and as a past chair of the Plaquemines Campaign.
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser
Awards & Honors
Over the years Billy's work has been recognized and rewarded.
- The Louisiana & National Wildlife Federation Conservationist of the Year
- Advocate of the Year from United Way of Southeast Louisiana
- 2011 America's Wetland Foundation Blue Ribbon Resilient Community
- 2016 - Host Committee of Essence Festival
- May 2016 - Westbank Honorable Guest Speaker Appreciation Certificate
- Pride Awards 2016 State Tourism Supporters
- August 2016 - Hero of Home Defense Award, Home Defense Foundation
- March 2017 - Covington Mardi Gras Grand Marshal
- Junteenth 2017 Donor of the Year Award
- 2017 - American Trails, National Trails Award
- Town of Ball Mardi Gras King
- Awarded the 2017 Public Leadership in the Arts Award for State Arts Leadership
- Presented by Americans for the Arts and the National Lieutenant Governors Association
- First Lieutenant Governor from Louisiana to be awarded the 2017 Public Leadership in Energy and Environmental Stewardship Award
- Presented by General Electric in partnership and the National Lieutenant Governors Association
- October 2017 - "Man Enough to be a Girl Scout" Award
- October 18, 2017 - Washinton Parish Free Fair Parade Marshall
- 2017 – School House Rockstar
- 2018 - International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo President
- February 2018 -State Leadership Award from Voices for National Service
- October 19, 2018 - The New Capitol Elementary School Guest Speaker Day for Louisiana History Day
- 2018 - Appreciation for Sponsoring the CCA Louisiana STAR Tournament
- December 2018 - 60th Annual Hammond Christmas Parade Grand Marshal
- Southeast Tourism Society Appreciation Certificate
- December 5-8, 2018 Certificate of Appreciation as Keynote Speaker for the National Institute of Governmental
- Purchasing Educational Conference and Products Expo
- 2018 - Voices for National Service: State Leadership Award
- 2018 Southeast Tourism Society "Shining Example Award" Governmental Tourism Leadership
- February 2019 - King of ARGUS Parade
- February 2019 - Military Officers Association of America, Certificate of Appreciation
- March 2019 - City of Algiers Man of the Year
- March 2019 - Nth Degree Award, Northwestern State University
- March 2019 - Honorary Chair of the 2019 "Beyond the Badge" Organization\
- April 2019 - Honorary Member of the Chapitre de Lafayette of Cajun French Music Association
- June 2019 - Champion of the Arts by SAG-AFTRA Members First New Orleans
- Julv 2019 - Chairman National Lieutenant Governor's Association
- 2019 - Certificate of Appreciation from Acacia Shriners for Support of the 2019 Red Fez Banquet
- 2019 - Crime Fighters Irvin L. Magri Eagle Award
- 2019 - Cajun Classic Wheelchair Tennis Tournament Appreciation Award
- September 2019 - Grand Marshall Sugar Cane Festival
- September 25, 2019 - Coastal Conservation Association's Conservation Champion
- November 19, 2019 - Honorary Lifetime Member of the Washington Artillery Veterans Association
- December 2019 - Keep America Beautiful State Agency Partnership Recognition
- July 2020 - National Lieutenant Governor's Recycling Award
- Spirit of Louisiana Award by Louisiana Travel Association
- 2021 - Pillar of Scouting Award
- 2021 - Excellence in Hospitality Awards Champion of Tourism
- 2021 and 2022 - Early Care & Education Legislative Champion
- Northwestern State University Hospitality Management and Tourism Distinguished Hospitalitarian Award
- February 2022 - Grand Marshall Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Parade
- February 2022 - Grand Marshall Krewe of Centaur
- February 2022 - Grand Marshall Krewe of Hercules
- Louisiana Municipal Association Appreciation Award
- Disaster Recovery Contractors Association's Golden Horizon Award
- August 2022 - Grand Marshall Gueydan Duck Festival Parade
- March 26, 2022 - Recognition for Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Programs
- March 2022 - Marine Corps League Certificate of Appreciation.
- May 12, 2022 - The American Legion Certificate of Appreciation
- October 2022 - Grand Marshal Zwolle Tamale Fest Parade
- December 2022 - St. Bernard Friend of Tourism Award
- Awarded The Heart & Soul Award Presented by Convention & Visitors Bureaus
- Awarded Friend of the Warrior Award
- 2022 Donation from Republican Women of Southwest Louisiana given to Project Pillow for Troops in honor of Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser
- Awarded hart of Law Enforcement Sponsor Appreciation Award 2017-2022
- 2022 Early Care & Legislative Champion
- January 2023 - VFW Post 4158 and Auxiliary of Abbeville Certificate of Appreciation
- February 2023 - Grand Marshal of Krewe of Mad Hatters Parade
- February 2023 - Grand Marshal of Krewe of Argus Parade