WASHINGTON D.C. (WVUE) - New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson received a prestigious national honor Tuesday (June 9) in the nation’s capital in recognition of her civic philanthropy and humanitarian contributions.
Benson is the 2026 recipient of the Celebration of Service to America Leadership Award presented by the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation.
“Gayle Benson truly embodies the values of philanthropy through her work to support, educate and care for others, especially in her hometown of New Orleans and surrounding areas,” NABLF president Michelle Duke said in a statement. “We are thrilled to be honoring Mrs. Benson and her legacy of long-term, positive and sustainable impact with the Foundation’s Leadership Award, our highest individual commendation for service.”
Benson was recognized by the broadcasters organization as a “community investor, tireless advocate and corporate citizen, focused on the growth and enrichment of the Gulf South region and improving lives through her initiatives in health and wellness, cancer care, education and the arts. ... Giving back to the city is a hallmark of her leadership, represented by millions of dollars annually in financial support, in-kind donations, charitable appearances and goods and services distributed to those in need.”
Benson is the steward of the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, carrying forward her late husband’s vision and passion for helping others. She works closely alongside organizations such as the Greater New Orleans Foundation and the Archdiocese of New Orleans. She helped to establish The Gayle and Tom Benson Disaster Relief Fund to support first responders and vulnerable families, and she is particularly devoted to initiatives for young women, such as STEM programs in schools and leadership training.
Benson also currently is building The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital on the Ochsner Medical Center campus in New Orleans, which will feature a dedicated pediatric emergency department, a Level IV surgical NICU and AI technology.
Benson last year was appointed by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as co-chair of the league’s Legislative Committee, where she helps guide the NFL’s government relations strategy. She also serves on the NBA Labor Relations committee and has been a member of the NBA Foundation board of directors since 2020.
Benson also played a key role in Gray Media’s launch of the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network, the regional broadcast and digital platform of Fox 8’s parent company that televises the vast majority of Pelicans games along with Saints programming and other local sports, culture and community storytelling.
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