Doug Thornton is a prominent sports and venue management executive who serves as the regional vice president for SMG, overseeing the Superdome and other major facilities in Louisiana. A native of Shreveport and a graduate of McNeese State, Thornton played a pivotal role in the rebuilding and reopening of the Louisiana Superdome following Hurricane Katrina, coordinating the largest stadium reconstruction project in U.S. history. His leadership ensured the Dome was declared football-ready in less than seven months, allowing the Saints, Tulane, and marquee events like the Sugar Bowl and Bayou Classic to return. Thornton, a former collegiate athlete, has been instrumental in attracting national events to New Orleans and was honored with the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award for his contributions to the state's sports landscape.
