AU grad appointed to TourismOhio Advisory Board

Logan Rex appreciates how his professors at Ashland University helped guide him into a profession that was right for him.

Since graduating from AU in 2018 with a degree in history/political science, the former Ashbrook Scholar has worked in museums, starting with the Allen County Museum and Historical Society in his hometown of Lima, Ohio.

“I had numerous positions at the Allen County Museum, including working in the education wing and interning for their collections and marketing departments,” he said. “That work there really solidified that I was in the correct line of work.”

By 2019, Rex went on to work for the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio, where he still works as its curator and communications director.

Last month, Rex was appointed to the TourismOhio Advisory Board by Gov. Mike DeWine for his unwavering dedication and expertise in the museum and tourism industry, a vital part of the state’s economy, according to a news release from the Armstrong Air & Space Museum.

“Ohio is such an amazing place to explore,” Rex said. “I love the idea of being able to help showcase our state on a local, regional and national level.”

Rex’s appointment is for one year, after which the governor can choose to re-appoint him if he chooses.

The appointment process started when the director of Boards & Commissions in Ohio contacted Rex to see if he was interested in the position. After some discussion and a screening application submission, Rex’s appointment was approved by DeWine.

“Gov. DeWine and his staff do a fantastic job at trying to find the best candidates for these appointments,” Rex said. “My position on the TourismOhio Advisory Board consists of assisting the director of development and director of TourismOhio with matters relating to promoting Ohio’s numerous travel destinations and experiences.

“Board members are usually tourism industry leaders and experts who work towards enhancing Ohio’s travel sector and fostering economic growth through increased tourism activities,” Rex added.

As communications director for the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, Rex said he has been able to learn so much about what drives tourism in Ohio and, because aviation and spaceflight are such key parts of the state’s identity, he’s been able to work with TourismOhio on several projects the past few years and has gotten to know its staff well.

Jeffrey Sikkenga, professor in AU’s History and Political Science Department, said Rex is the sort of person the state wants to help govern an important organization like the TourismOhio Advisory Board.

“As a student, he was curious, thoughtful, and showed the kind of good judgment necessary to make sound decisions,” said Sikkenga, who is also the executive director of the Ashbrook Center. “I'm confident he will bring those same qualities to the TourismOhio Board.”

Rex said he’s grateful for his AU education providing him with some of the necessary tools and skills that have attributed to the successes in his career, including this most recent appointment to TourismOhio, and for helping him get into the museum field, especially at a museum that tells the story of perhaps one of the most important technological achievements in human history: the Apollo 11 moon landing.

“Being able to tell that story has been very fulfilling to me,” he said. “Talking with guests and hearing how inspired they are by visiting the museum is always a rewarding feeling.”