New Orleans CityBusiness Names HNOC President and CEO Daniel Hammer as 2025 Driving Forces Honoree

Committed to economic growth through cultural preservation, Daniel Hammer directed a multimillion-dollar project to renovate seven Historic New Orleans Collection buildings, and the HNOC president and CEO also oversaw the acquisition of the former K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen property in the French Quarter. “I see my role as more than just managing an institution,” Hammer said. “I’m a steward of New Orleans’ rich cultural heritage, dedicated to amplifying its voice on a national stage.”

Hammer admits it’s a challenge balancing the visionary with the pragmatic. “As the world's largest repository of New Orleans history and culture, I’m constantly looking ahead, anticipating the future of our city’s cultural landscape,” Hammer said. “However, I must also remain grounded in the present, ensuring we capitalize on immediate opportunities to enhance cultural offerings.”

An avid tennis player, Hammer says the game taught him the importance of strategic collaboration. ”In tennis, you have to understand your fellow player’s strengths and weaknesses to figure out what you need to do to be successful,” he said. “In cultural leadership, understanding your partners—whether they are staff, collaborators or the community we serve—is crucial. It’s about playing to our collective strengths to elevate New Orleans as a cultural destination.”

Hammer is a strong advocate for positioning the French Quarter as a leading global destination for heritage tourism. “Ten years from now, my vision is for New Orleans to be the country’s premier museum city,” Hammer stated. “The challenge lies in transforming the French Quarter into a cultural hub that resonates with both locals and visitors.”