Sandra Herman named a Biz New Orleans 500 Executive of the Year
It all started during a Q&A session with Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc., during which a concerned citizen asked a simple question: “What are we going to do about Canal Street?” Hecht responded that it would take a citizen-led initiative to get something done.
At that moment, Sandra Herman, who was in the audience, felt called to act.
“I accepted that challenge—and I haven’t looked back,” she said.
As founder of the Celebrate Canal Coalition, Herman is spearheading an ambitious effort to transform New Orleans’ most iconic thoroughfare. For Herman, who has always been drawn to challenging issues that affect the public good, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“Canal Street is the front door and public face of our city and state,” said Herman. “A thriving Canal Street projects confidence, prosperity and pride — signaling to residents, visitors and investors that New Orleans is a vibrant place to live, work and build.”
The coalition’s most successful initiative to date has been Windows on Canal, an effort launched in February 2025 that commissioned local artists to create storefront installations across seven major businesses. The installations ran through June, and the impact was immediate and measurable.
Media Contact: Justin Vlosich, Gambel PR
About Celebrate Canal!
Formed by the New Orleans Entertainment Coalition, Celebrate Canal! is a citizen-led coalition dedicated to the revitalization of Canal Street as a historic, cultural and economic cornerstone of life in New Orleans. The coalition brings together a cross section of citizens, business owners and city leaders to restore Canal Street to attract visitors and locals alike, boost the economy and create a vibrant and bustling atmosphere reflective of the world-famous city of New Orleans.