AJ Gaulton

Originally from outside Eugene, Oregon, AJ has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration & Marketing, with a minor in Sociology from Pacific University. He also was a student-athlete as a three-year starter on the Pacific University Basketball team. AJ first arrived in New Orleans in 2012, hired in a role with the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets (their final year under this brand) and fell in love with the uplifting and vibrant community of the city.

Now, he serves as the Chief Operations Officer at French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI). FQFI promotes the Vieux Carré and the City of New Orleans through producing the French Quarter Festival and other high-quality special events that showcase the culture and heritage of this unique city, contribute to the economic well-being of the community, and instill increased pride in the people of New Orleans. AJ brings 16 years of expertise in large-scale event production, non-profit management, and operational strategy to his role, which collaborates with and provides opportunities to many across the city.

Before joining the organization in December 2024, AJ held event leadership roles at the FIFA World Cup 2022, the World Athletics Championships Oregon22, and helped develop a publicly funded sports complex through the pandemic, setting the stage for broad, inclusive community programming today. He has always had a calling towards live events & communal experiences, and loves sharing successes with team(s) producing them.

AJ believes success can take many forms and is excited to help upcoming LOYNO students define what success means to them as they begin finding their own path.