Hotel Metropolitan names Dr. MarTeze Hammonds as executive director

Hotel Metropolitan in Paducah, Kentucky, has hired Dr. MarTeze Hammonds as its first paid executive director, effective June 1, 2026. The move comes as the historic Black heritage site expands staffing, programming and tourism efforts backed by public and philanthropic support.

Why it matters: - Dr. MarTeze Hammonds is stepping into Hotel Metropolitan’s first paid staff role, a sign the Paducah heritage site is moving from volunteer-led preservation toward a more formal operating model. - The hire is meant to help the museum expand its reach, strengthen programming and support its role as a cultural, educational and tourism asset. - The appointment comes after national recognition and outside funding for restoration work, including the Purple Room.

What happened: - The Upper Town Heritage Foundation board unanimously approved Dr. MarTeze Hammonds as executive director, effective June 1, 2026. - Hotel Metropolitan is located at 724 Oscar Cross Avenue in Paducah, Kentucky. - The site is dedicated to honoring African American accomplishments, innovation and history. - Dr. Hammonds will lead the Hotel Metropolitan African American Museum in the new role.

The details: - Ms. Betty Dobson said the board welcomed Dr. Hammonds and expects his community ties and knowledge of African American history to help lead Hotel Metropolitan forward. - Dr. Hammonds said preserving and elevating African American stories, especially those rooted in Kentucky, is his calling. - Dr. Hammonds said he will work with the board, community stakeholders and supporters to expand the museum’s reach and preserve the site’s legacy. - Dr. Hammonds is a Western Kentucky native with more than 15 years of experience across higher education, Fortune 500 corporations, nonprofit organizations and community boards. - Dr. Hammonds holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. - Dr. Hammonds also holds master’s degrees in organizational communication and human development and leadership, plus a Bachelor of Science in Theatre from Murray State University. - Dr. Hammonds is working toward an Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Services from John A. Gupton College, expected to be completed this summer. - Hotel Metropolitan received support from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund to restore the Purple Room. - The executive director post is part of a broader effort to expand staffing, enhance programming and strengthen the hotel’s role in tourism and education. - In 2024, the City of Paducah secured a $1.34 million Mellon Foundation grant on behalf of the Upper Town Heritage Foundation. - In 2025, the City of Paducah and the Upper Town Heritage Foundation approved a three-year co-stewardship agreement covering the public-private partnership and the city’s financial support. - Upper Town Heritage Foundation and the City of Paducah retained KEES as executive search partner. - The search drew a large pool of national and regional candidates through a multi-phase process. - The interview committee was led by Betty Dobson, Paducah Mayor George Bray and Board President Rosa Scott. - The committee selected Dr. Hammonds from a group of top finalists. - KEES Founder and President/CEO Heather Eddy said Hotel Metropolitan is a key part of Paducah’s cultural and artistic identity and praised the collaboration behind the search.

Between the lines: - The hire suggests the preservation effort is maturing into a more structured institution with leadership, funding and city backing. - The mix of grant money, public partnership and a dedicated executive director points to a push for long-term sustainability, not just restoration. - Dr. Hammonds’ background in higher education, nonprofit work and community engagement fits a role that appears to blend fundraising, education and heritage stewardship.

What’s next: - Dr. Hammonds is expected to work with the board and community partners to expand the museum’s audience and strengthen its impact. - Hotel Metropolitan’s leadership team will likely build on the Purple Room restoration and other planned programming under the new staffing model. - The city-foundation partnership is positioned to guide the next phase of development for the historic site.

The bottom line: - Hotel Metropolitan is formalizing its future with its first paid executive director, new public-private support and a push to elevate Paducah’s Black heritage on a larger stage.