C. Ray Nagin

C. Ray Nagin was born in New Orleans' Charity Hospital. He grew up in the inner city, graduating from the public school system. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Tuskegee Institute and a Masters of Business Administration from Tulane University. After a very successful career in corporate America, he entered the New Orleans mayoral race in 2002; he was then elected the sixtieth Mayor of New Orleans. His administration initiated progressive policies that focused on honesty, transparency, fiscal accountability, and technological enhancement; eliminated back-to-back budget deficits; and launched a highly acclaimed city website. In August 2005, Nagin ordered the first-ever mandatory evacuation before Hurricane Katrina directly hit New Orleans. Prior to holding public office, he worked with a great team to transform Cox Communications' local operations to one of its most profitable assets. He is married to Seletha Smith Nagin, and they have three children, Jeremy, Jarin and Tianna.