Sarah Wickham named state tourism director
COLUMBUS – Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik has announced Sarah Wickham, chief communications and marketing officer, will also head the state’s tourism office, TourismOhio.
Operating within Development, TourismOhio is responsible for marketing the state as the best place to live, learn, work, and visit. In her expanded role as Development’s chief communications and marketing officer and the state’s tourism director, Wickham will work to develop and implement innovative, targeted marketing strategies that increase the state’s brand reputation and align with the new “Ohio, the Heart of it All” brand.
“We recognize and appreciate the importance of Ohio’s tourism industry to the state’s economy, and we’re building on the successes we’ve achieved thus far,” said Lydia Mihalik, Ohio Department of Development Director. “This is Ohio’s time, and we must capitalize on the momentum we’re experiencing across the state to tout the incredible job opportunities, family-friendly communities, and great quality of life Ohio offers in addition to wonderful tourism-related events, destinations, and attractions. I am confident in Sarah’s ability to do just that for our team.”
Prior to joining Development in January, Wickham served as the chief of communications at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Through her work at ODNR, she helped position Ohio as a top-tier destination for outdoor recreation to increase visitation to public lands and participation in outdoor sports and events. Wickham also brings previous experience at the Ohio Department of Education where she led efforts to develop and implement education policy, as well as teaching fourth and fifth graders at Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools.
“We have a great story to tell here in Ohio, and there’s so much to love about the state,” Wickham said. “I am so excited about this opportunity to bring more partners on board with the ‘Ohio, the Heart of it All’ brand and help more people recognize Ohio as ‘a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you.’”
A seasoned communications professional and educator, Wickham’s unique experience and skill set will serve Development and the tourism industry well as the TourismOhio team works to engage and inform people throughout Ohio, the region, and the nation about all the Buckeye State has to offer.
An Ohio native, Wickham earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and master’s in education from The Ohio State University.
She and her husband, John, reside in Powell with their son, Henry.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about its work at development.ohio.gov.