2010 Inductee

William “Billy” Nungesser
Billy Nungesser was the leader of the Republican Party in the traditionally Democratic state of Louisiana during much of the latter twentieth century. In 1980 Mr. Nungesser joined former Governor Dave Treen’s administration as chief of staff and executive secretary. Billy contributed his entire salary to children’s charities. Mr. Nungesser served as GOP state chairman from 1988 to 1992. He was appointed to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board by former Democratic Governor Edwin Edward and served from 1992 to 1994. Mr. Nungesser has been called a “Republican pioneer who fought for reform in Louisiana when it was unpopular to be a Republican”.