CONDOLENCES: Expresses sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the passing of Sharon Courtney.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Royce Duplessis

Louisiana Senate honors Sharon Courtney for her extensive public service, leadership in New Orleans and Louisiana, and contributions to education, healthcare, and community develop

Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate and sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate on 6/2/2026.

Summary of SR 180 (2026) – Louisiana

Main purpose

Expresses sincere and heartfelt condolences from the Louisiana Senate on the death of Sharon Courtney.

Honors Courtney’s life, legacy, and contributions to New Orleans and the state.

Key provisions and changes

The resolution acknowledges Sharon Courtney’s passing on May 21, 2026, after a brief battle with colon cancer.

It provides a biographical outline detailing:

Birth in 1965 in Aberdeen, Mississippi; Ole Miss graduate (B.A. in journalism, 1987).
Career on Capitol Hill in government relations (38 years total), including roles with Congressmen Larkin Smith and John Murtha, focusing on health care and education.
Move to New Orleans in 1994 and more than three decades at Tulane University in community and government relations.
Role as a key advisor to Tulane President Scott Cowen; involvement in reopening Tulane after Hurricane Katrina and securing $275 million in funding for city universities.
Leadership in initiatives such as the New Orleans BioDistrict and a 1,200-acre economic development district for biosciences.
Founding Neutral Ground Strategies in February 2025, continued involvement with University of New Orleans funding while hospitalized.
Service on boards including Market Umbrella, ReNEW Schools, and the Data Center.
Personal reputation as an honest broker and advocate for the truth; high moral character and integrity.
Affection for New Orleans culture; membership in Krewe of Muses and Krewe of Dolly; Saints season ticket holder.
Described as a connector of people and generous host.

The resolution affirms:

Condolences to Sharon Courtney’s family and friends.
Honor for her contributions to the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana.

Administrative aspects:

A copy of the resolution will be transmitted to Courtney’s family.

Who/what is affected

Sharon Courtney’s family and friends (recognition by the Louisiana Senate).

The broader community in New Orleans and Louisiana, through formal acknowledgment of her impact.

Procedural/timeline aspects

Introduced in the 2026 Regular Session.

Action history indicates the Senate Rules were suspended, with the bill introduced, read by title, and placed on the calendar for a second reading as of May 28, 2026.

Co-sponsored by Senator Royce Duplessis.

Overall impact

A ceremonial, non-binding resolution standard in legislative practice to publicly honor the life and work of a notable public servant and community advocate.

Official recognition of Sharon Courtney’s professional achievements, civic leadership, and charitable contributions to New Orleans and Louisiana.