Unveiling Gallier Hall’s historic renovation

Written By Alicia Vial

Situation

Gallier Hall is one of the most important structures built during the Antebellum period in New Orleans. The impressive Greek Revival building was designed by James Gallier, Sr. in 1845 and served as City Hall for more than a century. From the art collection to the architecture itself, Gallier Hall holds hundreds of years of New Orleans’ history.  

The interior restoration of Gallier Hall was the legacy project of the 2018 NOLA Foundation and City of New Orleans. To help tell the story of the building and the people behind its restoration, the 2018 NOLA Foundation, a commission formed by then Mayor Mitch Landrieu to celebrate New Orleans’ rich history, diversity, cultural traditions and resilience during the city’s Tricentennial, turned to Gambel Communications for its media relations expertise.  

Strategy

Gambel Communications partnered with the NOLA Foundation and City of New Orleans to execute a press conference to mark the rededication of Gallier Hall. Gambel worked to position Gallier Hall as one of New Orleans’ most historic, public buildings and as a landmark for New Orleans’ past, present and future. As this was the 2018 NOLA Foundation's legacy project, Gambel highlighted the Foundation’s diligent work of cataloging and preserving the original architecture of Gallier Hall.   

To generate excitement, Gambel Communications used a mix of media and community relations to coordinate a city-wide press conference. In the weeks leading up to the press event, Gambel Communications coordinated media relations, drafted a media alert and reached out to major news outlets. 

Gambel Communications coordinated with Mayor Landrieu, First Lady Cheryl Landrieu and the Senior Advisor to the Mayor on the Cultural Economy, Scott Hutcheson, as well as key donors and city officials to speak at the conference.  The press conference celebrated the building’s restoration and officially opened it for public use in time for the city’s Tricentennial. 

Results

Gambel Communications secured extensive media coverage including ongoing and day-of TV coverage by all four local news stations, and feature stories on the front pages of The New Orleans Advocate and The Times-Picayune. The press conference was packed with reporters, cameras and even local New Orleans-born actor Bryan Batt.  

As a result of Gambel Communications’ efforts, Gallier Hall played a huge role in the Tricentennial. The 2018 NOLA Foundation's legacy project was a success. New Orleanians and visitors alike are able to enjoy its history and amenities for years to come. 

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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