NEW YORK – The American Irish Historical Society awarded its highest honor to Leo P. (Sullivan) Denault, chairman and chief executive officer of Entergy Corporation, with its 122nd Gold Medal.
Each year at its annual dinner, the AIHS presents an award to a chosen individual of Irish descent. The medalist is chosen for his or her exemplary life and accomplishments, which highlight the continuing mission and purpose of the society. On Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019 Leo P. (Sullivan) Denault was presented with the 122nd Gold Medal of the AIHS, in the Grand Ballroom of The Plaza in New York City.
At the event, Mr. Denault used his mother’s maiden name, Sullivan, to honor her, his Irish heritage, and the story of the Irish in New York City, New Orleans and beyond. Mr. Denault calls New Orleans home and sees the enduring landmarks of the early 19th century Irish experience and contributions to his city on a daily basis. These remind him of his story and the story of countless others whose families came in search of the American dream.
“Leo P. (Sullivan) Denault is an exemplar of the achievements that can be reached by the future generations of those who journey across the sea,” said Maureen Bateman of the AIHS. “The American Irish Historical Society is honored to celebrate the life and career of Leo P. (Sullivan) Denault and to confer upon him the Society’s honor.”
Denault runs Entergy, a Fortune 500 company that helps bring power to millions of people living in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Denault is leading the effort to transform Entergy to a “pure-play utility that is deploying new technologies to improve the customer experience while maintaining customer rates that are among the lowest in the country.” Entergy committed more than 100,000 hours of volunteer service and nearly $20 million last year alone to help the community.
Mr. Denault also devotes himself personally to local charities and serves on the board of directors for Jobs for American Graduates, a school-to-career program dedicated to removing barriers to graduation and/or employment for young people. In these ways, his life and career reflect the ideals of the Society.
“I am honored to accept this award and grateful to be mentioned in the same paragraph as the distinguished Gold Medal winners who have come before me,” said Mr. Denault. “As with so much about American Irish history, their collective stories of hard work, commitment and perseverance are a source of inspiration and sets the true gold standard for us all to aspire to.”
Previous AIHS Gold Medal honorees include: U.S. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan; U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan; Cardinal John O’Connor of New York; musician Bono; actor Liam Neeson; and author Mary Higgins Clark.
