Mark Romig is a native New Orleanian whose career in public relations, tourism, and hospitality has spanned more than four decades, helping tell the story of his hometown to the rest of the world.
A 1978 graduate of the University of New Orleans with a degree in Hotel Restaurant and Tourism Administration from New Orleans’ College of Business Administration, Romig’s career has taken him from the 1984 Louisiana World’s Fair to Washington, D.C., where he served as a staff assistant to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole and later worked on Senator Bob Dole’s 1987–88 presidential campaign. He went on to build a career in public relations and marketing, eventually becoming President and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, where he helped promote New Orleans as a destination and played a role in the continued growth of the city’s tourism industry.
Before transitioning in 2025 from Chief Marketing Officer to Senior Advisor for New Orleans & Company, Romig spent years helping shape how New Orleans was presented to visitors around the world. Today, he continues that work through public relations consulting, special projects, and as a hospitality industry ambassador and spokesperson for the city. His career has earned him numerous honors, including recognition from the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience and the Public Relations Society of America.
But if you’ve ever been inside the Caesars Superdome for a Saints game, you know another side of Mark Romig.
Since 2013, he has carried on a family tradition as the public address announcer for the New Orleans Saints, following his father, Jerry Romig, who held the position for 44 years and 446 consecutive home games. Mark’s voice has become part of the soundtrack of Saints football and another way the Romig family has woven itself into the fabric of New Orleans.
{Photo of New Orleans Saints public address announcer Jerry Romig at his final game on Friday, August 16, 2013. Photos taken by Michael C. Hebert}
This fall, that family legacy will receive another remarkable honor. The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation will induct the Romig family—Mark, Jerry, Jay, and Mary Beth Romig Haskins—into its 2026 Hall of Fame class as the “First Family of New Orleans Sports.”
And Mark’s connection to New Orleans extends well beyond tourism and football. He serves as Louisiana’s Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of Thailand and remains involved with numerous civic, cultural, and charitable organizations. His work fostering international and cultural relationships has also earned recognition from France and Spain.
Few people have spent more of their lives introducing New Orleans to the rest of the world—on game days, at the podium, and behind the scenes of some of the city’s biggest moments. He now does it behind the mike with a weekly podcast and vodcast show dedicated to celebrating the culture, flavors, and people of New Orleans and the Gulf South.
Romig created The Mark Romig Show, and is produced by LOVE NOLA TV. The program features in-depth conversations with the region’s most influential chefs, musicians, athletes, and community leaders. Through popular segments like “On The Table” (exploring the local culinary scene) and “Move The Chains” (covering regional sports), Romig uses his deep connections to the city to tell the unique stories of those that make the Crescent City such an amazing place.
So when I had the opportunity to ask Mark Romig one simple question: How Do You Red Bean? I was curious to hear what this very New Orleans tradition means to someone who has spent a lifetime helping tell the story of the city he calls home.
What’s your earliest memory of red beans and rice?
Was red beans and rice a regular thing in your house growing up?
Do you still eat red beans on Mondays?
What makes a perfect pot of red beans in your opinion?
What does red beans and rice mean to you?
If you could have red beans and rice with anyone — past or present — who would it be, and why?
You’ve spent decades marketing New Orleans to the world—where does the story of red beans and rice fit into the city’s marketing and identity?
Anything else you’d want people to know about what red beans and rice means to New Orleans?
Where’s your favorite place anywhere in New Orleans?
What’s your favorite comfort food — your go-to meal?
How can someone outside of New Orleans support the city’s culture and tourism right now if they can’t physically make it to the city?
What are you currently working on? Any project you’d like to pass along?
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lovenolatv
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officiallovenolatv
Eric Olsson is the food blogger of RedBeansAndEric.com. He publishes new recipes and interviews weekly. He has developed recipes and written articles for the famous Camellia brand in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been mentioned in Louisiana Cookin‘ magazine and has had recipes featured in Taste of Home magazine – with his Creole Turkey recipe being runner up in their annual Thanksgiving recipe contest. He lives outside of Detroit, Michigan, with his wife and four children.
Leave a Reply