Bill Oliver was an inspiration to the Board and staff of GNO, Inc., providing leadership and mentorship during the critical years following Hurricane Katrina in Southeast Louisiana. Moreover, Bill was the first Chair for President & CEO Michael Hecht, helping to establish the governance structure and results-driven tone that would characterize the revitalized GNO, Inc. Simply put, the economic recovery of the region would not have been possible without Bill and fellow business leaders stepping up to provide guidance, financial support, and unwavering encouragement.                                                                       

To honor Bill’s legacy, GNO, Inc. established the William A. Oliver “Economic Developer in Training” Fellowship to develop and mentor aspiring economic development professionals and community leaders.

Fellowship Structure

Key elements of the fellowship include: 

• Specific Project Focus: While fellows gain exposure to a broad range of GNO, Inc.’s work, each fellow focuses on one key effort or initiative within GNO, Inc. For Summer 2026, there will be three Fellows, each with one of the following focus areas:
• • Entrepreneurship & Innovation
  • International Trade
  • Business Development
• Networking & Mentorship: In addition to an assigned GNO, Inc. supervisor, the fellow will have opportunities to engage with regional business and community leaders, as well as participate in additional mentorship opportunities.
• Portfolio & Resume Builder: The fellowship incorporates a core project in which the fellow develops a capstone presentation that focuses on: capitalizing on an economic development opportunity and/or creating a customized solution related to a current organizational initiative.  The goal of the core project is to provide the fellow with real-world experience that can be used in their professional growth.
• Timing & Location: This is an in-person opportunity, based at GNO, Inc.'s office in downtown New Orleans for approximately 20-30 hours per week for 8-12 weeks during Summer 2026. Fellowship start date and schedule will be determined in coordination with GNO, Inc. supervisor and the fellow’s schedule.
• Compensation: Fellows will receive an hourly wage of $20/hour.
• Eligible Candidates: Undergraduate students who are at least halfway through their degree program (2- and 4-year students), graduate students, and/or recent graduates are eligible to apply.
• Interview Process: Selected candidates will be invited for a first-round interview via Zoom. Candidates who advance will be invited for a second-round interview, which can be held in-person or via Zoom.

Interested candidates are asked to apply via WorkNOLA.com by March 20, 2026. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the fellowship opportunity, including your preferred focus area (Entrepreneurship & Innovation, International Trade, or Business Development). Interviews will be conducted March 23 – April 15, 2026. Offers will be made by April 20, 2026.