Gayle Benson

Early Life

Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird Benson was born on January 26, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She grew up in Algiers, New Orleans, and attended St. Joseph, St. Anthony, and Holy Name of Mary schools. She graduated from Martin Behrman High School in 1966. Her early career involved working in receptionist and secretarial positions while pursuing interior design.

Rise to Success

Benson began her career in interior design, establishing Gayle Bird Interiors, Ltd. and renovating numerous properties. She later became the principal owner of the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans, inheriting the franchises after the death of her husband, Tom Benson, in 2018. Under her leadership, the Saints have remained competitive, and both teams have grown in value.

Key Business Strategies

Benson has focused on maintaining and expanding the value of her sports franchises through strategic management and leadership. She has been instrumental in the Saints' expansion internationally, with the Saints becoming the first franchise with marketing rights in France. She was also key in bringing Super Bowl LIX to New Orleans. The New Orleans Saints have remained a consistent playoff contender in the NFL. The New Orleans Pelicans have grown in value as the NBA expands nationally and globally.

Philanthropy

Gayle Benson is committed to philanthropy and has made significant contributions to various causes. She and her late husband, Tom Benson, were known for their charitable efforts through the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, donating millions to education, cancer research, and community initiatives. In 2023, Ochsner Health System announced they would be constructing a new standalone children's hospital with a significant donation from Gayle Benson. The facility will be named The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children's Hospital.