Hammond Downtown Development District Announces Search for Next Executive Director
Michelle Kendall
HAMMOND, LA — The Hammond Downtown Development District (DDD) Board of Directors has announced the search for the organization’s next Executive Director as the District prepares for a leadership transition following the departure of longtime Executive Director Michelle Kendall.
Kendall will conclude her service as Executive Director on September 18, 2026, after nearly eight years with the Hammond DDD, including almost four years serving as Executive Director.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we extend our sincere appreciation to Michelle Kendall for her leadership and dedicated service to the Hammond Downtown Development District,” said John Exnicios, Chair of the Hammond Downtown Development District Board of Directors. “During her tenure, Michelle helped guide significant progress in Downtown Hammond, strengthened the DDD as an organization, and built partnerships that will continue to serve the district well into the future. As we begin the search for our next Executive Director, we are focused on finding a leader who can build upon that foundation and continue advancing the DDD’s work on behalf of Downtown Hammond.”
“It has been an honor to work alongside so many passionate people who care deeply about Hammond and its future,” said Kendall. “Hammond will always feel like my first true home. I’ll just be a little farther up the railroad tracks in Illinois with my family. As I begin this next chapter, I leave with tremendous gratitude for my time here and tremendous hope for what comes next for downtown Hammond.”
The Executive Director serves as the agency head of the Hammond Downtown Development District and works under the direction of the DDD Board of Directors. The position is responsible for providing strategic leadership, organizational management, financial stewardship, economic development, and implementation of the District’s mission and the priorities established by the Board.
The Executive Director oversees the DDD’s work in downtown revitalization, business recruitment and retention, economic development programs, public-space improvements, financial and incentive programs, marketing and special events, community partnerships, and organizational operations. The position also serves as Director for Louisiana Main Street, with responsibility for maintaining the District’s Accredited Main Street designation, and oversees administration of Hammond’s Cultural District.
The role requires close collaboration with the City of Hammond, governmental agencies, business and property owners, community organizations, and other public and private partners. The Executive Director also oversees DDD staff and works closely with the Board of Directors and its committees to implement the District’s strategic priorities.
The Hammond Downtown Development District is a unit of the City of Hammond governed by a Board of Directors. DDD employees are employees of the Hammond Downtown Development District and are not employees of the City of Hammond.
The Executive Director position is full-time and includes a comprehensive benefits package. The DDD is seeking candidates with demonstrated experience in organizational leadership, budgeting and financial management, project management, economic or community development, and collaborative work with governing boards, public agencies, businesses, and community stakeholders. Interested candidates should review the complete job description, qualifications, benefits, and application requirements at https://tinyurl.com/439bzjx3
Contact: Michelle Kendall, DDD Director | 985-277-5682 | downtownhammond@gmail.com
