Hocking Hills Tourism Association Welcomes Heather Eddy as its New Executive Director
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.
"Heather's experience, skill set and passion provide an exceptional foundation to lead our organization as we step into the future," said Valerie Fox, the president of the Hocking Hills Tourism Association Board. "We look forward to seeing how her visionary leadership will work to integrate tourism and economic development while strengthening and developing our community." &
Eddy 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 management of that growth -- 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, brand strategy, public affairs, legislative advocacy, financial oversight and reputation management, 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 nonprofit, for-profit and government settings.
Eddy has worked with and within some of the nation's most recognized destination marketing organizations, including Experience Columbus, Visit San Diego, Travel Portland, Travel Oregon and Visit Wheeling. She also has venue and attraction experience, having worked with the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Balboa Park, Oregon Convention Center, Portland'5 Centers for the Arts, Portland Expo Center, Oregon Zoo, Oglebay Park Resort, Wheeling Park and the Good Zoo. Eddy has cultivated dynamic public/private partnerships in Ohio, West Virginia, Oregon and California. She is an E.W. Scripps School of Journalism graduate of Ohio University, an M.B.A. in Marketing graduate from San Diego State University and possesses a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana University.