John Exnicios - Chairman & Farmers Market Committee Chair
Seat: Largest Assessed Property
John has served on the board since 2021.
He is the CEO of the top real estate team in Tangipahoa Parish. John enjoys property investing, traveling, entertaining, and fine dining. His favorite thing about Downtown Hammond is the old architecture that has created a vibrant setting for a friendly, lively, small town atmosphere.
"My favorite things to order in Downtown is the filet egg rolls at The SteaKhouse and the house-made cheesecake from Cena," says John. "Margaritas from La Carreta hit the spot as well."
"Serving on the board is important to me because I can keep a pulse on the town I now call home," explains John. "It gives me the ability to have an active role in helping to support and grow the community that I have so much pride in."
Evan Singer - Finance Chair
Seat: Largest Assessed Property
Evan Singer joined the DDD Board of Directors in the Major Assessed Property Owner Seat in 2021 and has served as the Finance Chair since appointed. He is Senior Vice President at First Guaranty Bank in Hammond, and this is his first year serving on the Board.
His favorite thing about Downtown Hammond is the architecture and landscaping. "Downtown Hammond has such a unique personality. Each façade is beautiful and maintained, and is a great representation of small businesses."
Overall, Evan is excited for the the future of Downtown Hammond: "It's important to me to give back to this amazing community that has been so good to me and to FGB. I believe in the DDD Board's vision and am excited to be a part of the team."
Fun Fact: Evan's favorite Downtown Hammond dish is an Oyster Caesar Salad from Brady's.
Chanc Kinchen - Merchant Committee Chair
Seat: Chamber of Commerce
Chanc Kinchen is a newly appointed board member, serving in the Chamber of Commerce Seat. His two-year term is effective January 1, 2024.
As owner and operator of Cena; Hammond, Chanc has spent 20+ years in the restaurant business. As a Hammond native, he has a strong attachment to the community in which he was raised.
Mary Mowad Guiteau - Design Committee Chair
Seat: East Side Business / Property Owner
Mary Guiteau is a native of Oakdale, Louisiana. Her father served as the mayor of Oakdale for 20 years which enabled her to see first-hand the value of bringing in businesses, creating parks, and renovating buildings to create a vibrant community where people want to live, work and play. Mary believes that Hammond is the epitome of a thriving community, and that it’s a great example for other cities across the country to emulate. She serves as the East Side Business and Property Owners seat with a two-year term effective January 1, 2024.
She has sustained a successful career as the Director of Interior Design with Holly and Smith Architects in Downtown Hammond.
When asked what her favorite thing to do in Downtown Hammond is, she informs, " Supporting our local businesses! I love them all, but my favorites are a brownie from BATTER, a coffee from Luma, lunch from La Carreta, a massage from Paris Parker, a haircut from Salon NuoVo, and gifts from Chickie Collective or Susan’s General Store."
Serving on the DDD Board is important to Mary for a few reasons.
"I’ve always been taught that your community gives to you so you should give back to your community. Having worked in downtown Hammond for the past 16 years has given me such an appreciation for what it offers to everyone. I felt it was important to give back to this wonderful place."
Chelsea Kessenich - Vice Chair & Events Committee Chair
Seat: West Side Business / Property Owner
Chelsea Kessenich is part owner of Mariners of Hammond. Newly appointed in January 2023, she serves as the West Side Business/ Property Owner seat.
Kali Norton - Advertising/ Marketing Committee Chair
Seat: Largest Assessed Property
Todd Delaune - Residential Committee Chair
Seat: City of Hammond Mayor
