Early Life
Gayle Marie LaJaunie Bird Benson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 26, 1947. She grew up in the Algiers section of New Orleans and attended St. Joseph, St. Anthony, and Holy Name of Mary schools. She graduated from Martin Behrman High School in 1966.
Rise to Success
Benson began her career in interior design, eventually establishing Gayle Bird Interiors, Ltd. She later gained prominence in the sports industry. In 2004, she married Tom Benson, and after his death in 2018, she inherited ownership of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. This made her the first woman to be the majority shareholder of voting stock in both an NFL and an NBA franchise. She also owns GMB Racing, a thoroughbred racing stable.
Key Business Strategies
Key to her success is her commitment to maintaining the Saints and Pelicans in New Orleans. Her succession plan involves selling the teams with the condition that they remain in the city, with the proceeds going to local charities. Additionally, her business acumen and hands-on approach to managing both teams have been crucial to their continued success. She has focused on improving the fan experience and supporting the team's operations.
Philanthropy
Gayle Benson is known for her extensive philanthropic work with her late husband Tom Benson. They funded the construction of the Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium at the University of the Incarnate Word. In 2015, they donated $20 million for cancer care and research. The Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Trust has also donated to various organizations, including Jesuit High School, Second Harvesters Food Bank, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Moreover, in December 2023, she announced a significant donation for a new children's hospital, The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children's Hospital.