Hal is from New Orleans, Louisiana, and is a graduate of Xavier University of La. and the City University of New York with a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He was employed by the IBM Corporation where he managed manufacturing facilities in Brooklyn, N.Y; Sumare, Brazil; Martinez, Argentina; Yasu, Japan and Guadalajara, Mexico.

After retiring from IBM, Hal returned to New Orleans where he operated Lieteau's Hallmark Shops and was General Manager of The Pioneer Services Corporation, a provider of engineering services. He has been actively engaged as a consultant and speaker in the areas of financial planning, manufacturing management and general business operations.

At present, Hal is a board member and chairman of the education committee for the Rotary Club of New Orleans and serves on the boards of The Salvation Army and Communities in Schools, Inc. in New Orleans. He is also a member of the executive committees for development at Xavier Preparatory School and Xavier Universiity of Louisiana.

As a ex-athlete, Hal enjoys all types of sporting events, golf, fishing and traveling with his wife, Theyon.