Cleo Redd Fisher Museum curator Libben elected chair of International Committee

Kenny Libben, curator of the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum, has been elected chair of the International Committee for Regional Museums, a global professional committee of the International Council of Museums. The election took place Nov. 15 during ICOM’s triennial General Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Libben previously served a three-year term as secretary of ICOM-ICR, supporting committee operations, board coordination and international programming. In his new role as chair, he will oversee all committee functions including leading the international board composed of museum professionals representing countries across the globe.

ICOM-ICR serves more than 1,700 voting members and represents museum professionals working in regional and local museums worldwide — institutions that interpret the history, culture and identity of specific places while connecting local stories to broader regional, national and global narratives. While highly diverse in size and scope, regional museums collectively form one of the largest segments of the global museum field.

Libben was nominated and elected based on his demonstrated commitment to professional standards, transparency, accessibility and collaboration, as well as his passion for working with museums, professionals and communities across cultures. His leadership emphasizes open dialogue, shared learning and strengthening connections among museum practitioners worldwide.

“I am honored by the confidence placed in me,” Libben said. “Regional museums play a vital role in preserving place-based identity and fostering understanding within and across communities. I look forward to working alongside colleagues from around the world.”

In addition to his international leadership roles, Libben has built a strong professional reputation through invitations to speak at conferences hosted by the American Alliance of Museums, the American Association for State and Local History, and ICOM, as well as collaborations with international organizations such as the Chinese Association of Museums in Taiwan.

His work has been recognized through multiple professional honors including the Hunter-Burley Award from the Small Museum Association, the Outstanding Individual Achievement Award from the Ohio Local History Alliance and the Best Exhibition Award from the Ohio Museum Association.

Libben has served as curator of the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum since 2010.