Jones Walker Attorneys and Chef E.J. Lagasse Among Recent Award Winners
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NEW ORLEANS — Jones Walker partner and Tax Practice Group leader Bill Backstrom received the 2023 Council On State Taxation (COST) Paul Frankel Excellence in State Taxation Award at a ceremony during the COST Annual Meeting on Oct. 19 in Las Vegas. The Paul Frankel Excellence in State Taxation Award is presented annually to individuals making outstanding contributions to the state and local tax (SALT) profession. Paul Frankel, a well-known SALT attorney often described as “the godfather of state and local taxation,” was the inaugural recipient of the award in 2009.
“Bill is truly a trailblazer in the state and local tax arena, and he lives the values practiced by Paul Frankel in his personal and professional life,” said COST president and executive director Doug Lindholm.
Another Jones Walker partner, Rob Worley, has become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. The induction ceremony took place before an audience of approximately 550 during the annual meeting of the College in San Diego, Calif. Worley joins Pat Vance, Pauline Hardin, and Mike Magner as active Jones Walker partners who are fellows of the College.
Worley is a partner in Jones Walker’s Litigation Practice Group. He has experience in jury trials, bench trials, administrative trials, and arbitrations. He defends clients in commercial litigation, land-based casualty litigation, maritime litigation, and employment litigation.
New Orleans Chef E.J. Lagasse of Emeril’s has received the prestigious New Talent of the Year Award 2024 from La Liste 1000, a French ranking and restaurants guide. He received the award at a gala dinner held in Paris, France.
Lagasse was the only North American to receive the special award that recognizes the most promising chefs of the year. The special awards are an editorial choice resulting from the annual search for sources and data on gastronomy as well as an objective to showcase a more inclusive, diverse and committed culinary landscape.
“I am incredibly grateful to have received the New Talent of the Year Award from among such an amazing group of chefs,” said E.J. Lagasse. “Tonight’s recognition was a dream come true, and I am truly honored, as well as thankful for my dedicated team at Emeril’s. This award is a testament to our collective passion, and I am so excited for what the future holds.”
Gambel Communications CEO Amy Boyle Collins has received a Norman C. Francis Leadership Institute Alumni Award and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Lifetime Achievement Award.
“To say this was a proud moment is an understatement,” said Gambel Communication Founder Betsie Gambel. “The Norman C. Francis Leadership Institute recognized Amy’s overall values of inclusivity and justice as evidenced in part by her tackling tough issues to make each of us better stewards of change.”
In addition to her role at Gambel Communications, Collins and her husband, Sherwood, created the Beignet Fest Foundation and Beignet Fest in 2016.
Dr. Calvin Mackie, founder and CEO of STEM NOLA, has been selected as one of the recipients of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, given by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, in partnership with Schmidt Futures. This award recognizes people who’ve made a big difference in promoting science education and communication.
“Being honored with this award truly reflects the passion and dedication we’ve poured into making STEM education accessible in historically underserved communities,” said Mackie. “It underscores the tremendous value of being committed to preparing our children to compete in the twenty-first century, and it’s a testament to the impact of our work at STEM NOLA.”
The Jefferson Community Foundation has selected Paula Polito to be the 2023 recipient of the “Jefferson First” Philanthropy Award. Polito was honored during JCF’s gala celebration in November.
Polito has worked in child care for over 32 years. She is the owner of Beary Cherry Tree in Metairie and has operated this high-quality early care and education center since 1999. Today, Beary Cherry Tree serves over 200 Jefferson Parish families.
“I am truly humbled that the leaders within the Jefferson Community Foundation recognize my efforts to advocate for our youngest learners,” said Polito. “I am grateful that this important work is considered to be a significant contribution to Jefferson and recognize that my efforts help shape a bright future for our parish as a better place to live, work and play.”
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