Celebrate Canal Coalition

We are delighted to welcome Sandra Thompson Herman, Founder and President of Celebrate Canal!

Sandra is a visionary leader with a proven record of turning bold ideas into reality. As Louisiana’s first Secretary of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, she built an entire state department, and as Executive Director of the Atchafalaya Basin Program, she secured over $83 million in funding to deliver transformative recreation and infrastructure projects across eight parishes. Those same skills—uniting citizens, government, and business around big ideas—are now at the heart of her work on Canal Street.

Through Celebrate Canal!, Sandra is leading a citizen-driven movement to revitalize New Orleans’ most historic thoroughfare. Her vision is to transform Canal Street into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly hub that celebrates its cultural heritage, strengthens the economy, and creates a welcoming experience for residents and visitors alike.