Henry L. Coaxum, Jr.
Board Member, Audubon Nature Institute
Henry L. Coaxum, Jr. began his career with McDonald’s as a manager trainee in 1984, and now owns seven restaurants in the New Orleans area. He has received some of the McDonald’s Corporation’s highest honors, including the 365Black Award—the national award that salutes outstanding individuals who are committed to making positive contributions that strengthen the African-American community; and the Ronald Award recognizing owner/operators’ exemplary operations, marketing, employee relations practices, and commitment to their local communities.
McDonald’s selected Coaxum to attend a National African American History Month celebration at the White House for being an “outstanding ambassador in his community and for his excellence in leadership.” He has received numerous other awards for his leadership and community service, including the Franchisee Star Award from Nation’s Restaurant News, the Phoenix Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the highest honor of the United Way of the Greater New Orleans Area, the Alexis de Tocqueville Award. Coaxum serves as chairman of the New Orleans Business Alliance—an appointment by New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, launching the city’s first-ever public-private partnership for economic development.
He also serves as treasurer of the city’s Hospital Service District Board that directed the development and operation of a full service hospital in Eastern New Orleans. Coaxum serves on the board of GNO, Inc., a regional economic development alliance serving the 10-parish region of Southeast Louisiana; and is a member of The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and The Committee of 100 Louisiana, which assists the state in attracting and retaining industry and ensuring quality jobs for Louisiana residents.
