How long have you been with the Hammond Chamber of Commerce?
I have been chamber president for five years. I previously worked in management in the private sector. I had just completed my masters degree when the position at the chamber became available. I left New Orleans and headed back home.

What is your favorite aspect of living in Hammond?
I love that, as you walk down the street, people wave and talk to you. After being gone for so many years, it has been fun to reconnect with old friends. I like that new people to this community are accepted. But the thing I like the best is that my family lives here.

How do you spend your free time?
What free time? Are you kidding? The chamber is a twenty-four hour job. Between the networking events, special events, seminars and business developments, we stay pretty busy. Seriously, when not at work, I love to travel. I love going to different states and cities. Last year I flew to Ireland, rented a car and drove around the country for three weeks. I make as much time as I can to experience new places and people.

What will be the next stamp in your passport?
Either Scotland or Australia.

What is the best thing you’ve learned through travel?
Traveling lets me experience other cultures and see things from a new perspective. It gives me a better sense of myself. It has expanded my vision of the world, making me more tolerant of others. It also renews my appreciation of where I’ve come from.

How did you get interested in community work?
You could say it’s in my blood. My grandfather was mayor; my dad a clerk of court; my mom the director of a non-profit organization; my sister the program director for the sheriff’s domestic violence division; my step-mom, aunt, brother and sister-in-law are teachers; and my brother used to work for wildlife and fisheries. Giving to our community is something that is in my heart, and my family’s.

What keeps your life centered?
I am fortunate to have a great family, fantastic friends and the opportunity to do work that I love.

What’s the most important accomplishment of the chamber this year?
The chamber offices were recently relocated into the train depot, built in 1912. We acquired the building in the late ‘80s. Through the efforts of many people, we have slowly transformed and renovated the building into a fantastic showplace. All three bays of the depot have been fully restored. All the people involved in making this happen should be very proud of themselves.

What’s on the horizon?
Personally, I would love to finally finish renovating my house. They say you never really finish when working on an old house - but I’m close.

What is your most important goal for the next five years?
To keep moving forward.

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