Following a national search for a new executive director for the Howard County Historical Society, the search committee found the best candidate was already living in the community and working for the organization.
Dave Broman, 59, who has served the historical society for more than two decades and is a former chairman of the board, has been named to replace Kelly Karickhoff as executive director. Karickhoff stepped down in January.
“I saw a career change in my future and knew Kelly was moving to a new position,” he said. “I thought about it for a long time and figured I would be foolish not to apply. The Seiberling Mansion has been a love of mine for a long time.”
Broman had worked as program director at local radio station WWKI for 26 years when he was downsized in January. He will start his new career on Feb. 27 with a salary of $42,000.
“I applied for the director position while still working at the station,” he said.
Broman said he got involved with the historical society after being asked to do a public address system for an event more than 20 years ago.
“I fell in love with the Seiberling,” he said. “They knew of my interest and since there was a board opening they asked me to serve.”
Broman was born in Bluffton, later moved to Anderson where he worked for a radio station and then relocated to Kokomo.
He went to school to become a forest ranger, but instead found himself working in radio.
“I’m becoming increasingly more interested in history,” Broman said. “I like Kokomo’s role in innovation. There have been very innovative people and companies in Kokomo, and that is our connection to the world.”
Broman said he wants the historical society to help people remember the history of Kokomo, dating back to the Gas Boom days in the early 1900s.
As executive director, Broman said his job is to accomplish the goals set by the board of directors, which sets policy.
“It will be a steep learning curve,” he said of the job.
“I’m pleased and excited about the opportunity. I think it will be a fun job.”
Broman said he views the Seiberling Mansion as the centerpiece of the community.
Karickhoff said Broman was the president of the board of directors when she was hired.
“He has been a wonderful mentor and we had a great working relationship,” she said. “He understood that there were defined roles in setting policy and operations.”
Karickhoff said Broman understands the community, is knowledgeable in technology and how the collections can be made more available to the public.
“He will transition beautifully,” she said of Broman’s role change. “He has 20 years of museum experience and understands the role of the board. That’s important in moving the organization forward.”
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