Meet the Staff of the Hammond DDD

Last Updated 12/13/2022 • Posted in News

We're The DDD Gals

The Hammond DDD runs on three things: passion, caffeine, and girl power. Chelsea, Kati, & Michelle all live, work, and play in Hammond, Louisiana; and each of them brings a unique skill set to the "hut" on West Thomas Street. They're innovative, creative, and energetic; working tirelessly to make the Downtown District of Hammond even better than it already is.

You'll be glad you met them. Come on in.

Chelsea Tallo Little, Executive Director

Meet Chelsea, aka "Chelda"!

Chelsea Tallo Little has been a part of the Hammond DDD for over five years, beginning her journey in 2015. One year later, she was promoted to Executive Director and has been non-stop ever since! In 2017, she was recognized as one of Tangipahoa’s “Future 40 Under 40”; and in 2019 she led the campaign for Hammond to be chosen as one of Main Street America’s “Top 10 Greatest Main Streets”.

Last year, she received one of only two scholarships to become “Main Street Certified” through the Main Street America Institute. Currently, she is in the process of becoming a certified Louisiana Economic Developer through the LED.

She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with degrees in Public Relations & Marketing in 2014. Her Hammond roots run deep, as she is also a proud graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

When she's not busy Downtown, Chelsea enjoys teaching dance at Lemoine Academy of Dance, rescuing animals, and relaxing at the beach with her husband Lee.

Chelsea has extensive knowledge in small business advocacy, specialing in grant funding and financial assistance. She also shows off her graphic design skills in the DDD's visual branding.

Chelsea cares deeply about improving the Downtown District of Hammond, one small business at a time!

Kati Morse, Assistant Director

Meet Kati, the DDD's Resident Redhead.

Kati joined the DDD team in February of 2020 after a 5-year stint with Tulane University Athletics as the Football team's Social Media Coordinator. She oversees the DDD's daily communication, marketing, and branding efforts.

Kati is a proud #LionForLife, holding two degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University: a Masters in Organizational Communication ('15) and a Bachelors in Communication ('13). She was also a four-year starter on the SLU Lady Lions Softball team, where she was voted team captain (and self-appointed team comedian).

When she's not snapping pics for the DDD's Instagram, she moonlights as a sideline reporter and a social media specialist for several local businesses.

She enjoys yoga, reading true crime novels, listening to podcasts, and enjoying a cold beverage with her fiancee, Michael.

She loves to live and work in Downtown Hammond, and is passionate about making it even better.

Michelle Kendall, Community Health and Farmers Market Manager

Michelle Kendall became a part of the DDD in 2018 as an intern. She did such a great job, we brought her on permanently.

Today, Michelle manages the day-to-day operations of the Hammond Farmers Market; managing over 30 vendors and their customers. The market runs every Saturday from 8 AM to noon.

Michelle also focuses on grant writing, having a direct impact on the DDD receiving thousands of dollars in grant money in 2020.

She recently graduated from LSUHSC New Orleans with a Masters of Public Health. She also earned her BS in Health Education & Promotion from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2017.

In her free time, she enjoys bopping around downtown with her sweet pup -- a Blue Heeler named Pinto. She also lives within the downtown district, and her ultimate dream is to open an open-air grocery right store here in #DowntownHammond.

Photos By Kali Norton Photography

These photos were taken by the lovely Kali Norton of Kali Norton Photography Design. Her studio is located at 112 S Cypress Street in Downtown Hammond.