Barnesville Native Selected for Top Tourism Industry Position
Press Release
Hocking Hills Tourism Association Welcomes Barnesville native Heather Eddy to lead the tourism organization as Executive Director
LOGAN, OH – The Hocking Hills Tourism Association Board of Directors has selected industry leader Heather Eddy to guide Hocking County’s tourism industry into its next chapter. She assumes the role immediately, marking the latest milestone in her nearly 30-year career in tourism and nonprofit leadership.
“Eddy’s experience, skill set, and passion provide an exceptional foundation to lead our organization as we step into the future,” said Hocking Hills Tourism Association board President Valerie Fox. “We look forward to seeing how her visionary leadership will work to integrate tourism and economic development while strengthening and developing our community,” Fox said.
Eddy’s efforts will focus on bringing meaningful economic impact and new opportunities for new and existing local businesses, entrepreneurs and residents while promoting responsible tourism. As the industry continues to mature, her work will also build upon the organization’s ongoing investment in Hocking County through community support initiatives and grant programs that directly benefit local infrastructure, conservation efforts, workforce development and quality-of-life enhancements for residents.
As the industry continues to mature, Eddy will develop and implement strategies for growth — and managing that growth – and strengthening the region’s communities while safeguarding its natural resources and celebrating the unique character that makes the Hocking Hills such a special place to visit, explore and live. Central to this work is ensuring that tourism continues to drive measurable visitor economic impact, supporting local jobs, generating tax revenue and sustaining small businesses throughout the region.
“I’m thrilled to help champion a future of responsible tourism in the Hocking Hills — one that protects the natural beauty and wonder of the region while honoring the cultural vibrancy of the community that calls this place, home,” said Eddy. “The opportunity to promote thoughtful visitation, stewardship of the land and authentic local experiences is both inspiring and essential as the destination continues to attract visitors from near and far. I’m excited to be part of this next chapter — working alongside community partners to ensure that tourism continues to be a force for environmental stewardship, cultural preservation and regional prosperity.”
With a career that spans executive leadership, integrated marketing and brand strategy, public affairs and legislative advocacy, financial oversight and reputation management, Heather Eddy is a destination marketing and nonprofit executive with more than 30 years of experience leading mission-driven organizations at the intersection of tourism, economic development, and community stewardship. She is widely respected for her ability to build galvanized teams and collaborations for strategic marketing, public-private partnerships and responsible growth initiatives that strengthen communities while protecting their environmental and cultural assets. Her experience includes strategic planning, resource development, cause marketing, corporate social responsibility, stakeholder engagement, and marketing communications in for-profit, nonprofit and government settings.
Eddy has worked with and within some of the nation’s most recognized destination marketing organizations, including Visit San Diego, Travel Portland, Travel Oregon, Experience Columbus and Visit Wheeling. She also has venue and attraction experience, having worked with Balboa Park, Oregon Convention Center, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, Portland Expo Center, Oregon Zoo, Oglebay Park Resort, Wheeling Park, the Good Zoo, and the Greater Columbus Convention Center. She has provided transparency on public-funded projects via bond measures that built the Hyatt Regency Portland and AZA-accredited animal habitats at the Oregon Zoo and served as publisher of Visit San Diego and Travel Portland visitor guides. Eddy has cultivated dynamic public/private partnerships in Ohio, West Virginia, Oregon and California. She is a Scripps School of Journalism graduate of Ohio University and M.B.A. in Marketing graduate from San Diego State University who also holds a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University. An active volunteer, Eddy has served board and committee positions for Blue Feather Land Trust, Rotary, the Community Foundation of the Ohio Valley, Ohio University Alumni, KNSD Community Advisory Board, San Diego Tourism Marketing Association, San Diego River Park Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation, Make-A-Wish, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Association of Fundraising Professionals, American Marketing Association and Public Relations Society of America.
(Hocking Hills Tourism Association press release)
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