Hammond was set to retire from her post in the third quarter of 2024, having just made that announcement on February 1st.
She worked in the industry for 37 years, the last 23 as executive director. Hammond joined the Paducah Tourist & Convention Commission in 1986 and served under seven mayors.
Hammond was instrumental in the process of getting Paducah designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2013. She also served as a coordinator for the sixty-six UNESCO Creative Cities of Crafts & Folk Art.
A statement from the Paducah CVB said, "Mary was among Paducah’s most devoted and beloved citizens and her work to make Paducah a worldwide destination will forever be cherished by those who call Paducah home."
The statement went on to say that her calendar had been full this week with a Kentuckians for the Arts board meeting, a video call with the UNESCO Creative Cities, and she was scheduled to go to Frankfort to the Kentucky State Capital advocating for tourism.
Because of Hammond's impending retirement, a search has been underway for someone to fill that role, and the CVB said that will continue. In the meantime, the board of directors will handle the bureau's business.
Photo courtesy of Paducah Creative City Facebook page
