What is ZGroup?
Zella May is the founder and President of the ZGroup. She is a senior level professional with a diverse background encompassing experience and achievement in spearheading and managing projects, structuring and negotiating partnerships, and creating innovative growth opportunities. She has a proven track record when communicating with and gaining support of key decision-makers including political officials. Zella is a collaborative leader proficient in establishing and directing initiatives; developing policy and procedures; managing operations including P&L accountability; motivating staff to ensure high levels of morale, productivity, and consistent performance. She has also demonstrated her ability to build trust, respect and bring together as a team, a broad range of individuals. Zella is a strategic thinker and decision-maker with ability to establish priorities and initiate viable courses of action to achieve optimal results.
- Louisiana Leadership Class, Graduate, Class of 2001
- New Orleans Leadership Institute, Graduate, Class of 2000
- Awarded Certificate of Appreciation from City of New Orleans for contributions towards the revitalization of Canal Street 2000
- Received award from Mayor Marc Morial’s Conference of Women, 1999
- Received New Orleans Magazine’s Iberville Award, 1998
- YLC Role Model 2008
- Passed City Ordinance for minimum maintenance of buildings in downtown New Orleans area.
- Spearheaded privatization of curbside parking for City of New Orleans.
- Lobbied successfully to pass Tax Increment Financing for City of New Orleans.
- Initiated first Hospitality Rangers program for the City of New Orleans
- Spearheaded development of Mississippi Heritage Park
- Originated concept and spearheaded Canal Street Revitalization project, including spearheading the $200 million return of the Canal Street Streetcar and the $17 million streetscape improvement from conception to completion.
- Downtown Development District, 1995 2007
- Chairman, 1998-1999
- Delgado Community College Foundation
- Board Member, 1998-2004
- Canal Now!
- Chairman, 1999-Present
- New Orleans Sports Foundation
- Board member, 2002-2005
- New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Transportation Committee Member, 1999-2005
- Board Member, 2001 – 2002
- Board Member, New Orleans Council Executive Committee, 1999 – 2001
- Board Member, Central Area Committee, 1995 – 1999
- New Orleans Regional Medical Complex, 1996 – 2001
- Secretary – Treasurer, 1996 – 1999
- United Negro College Fund, 2003 – 2007
- Board member New Orleans Leadership Institute
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