The new director of Kentucky Gateway Museum Center, Michael Pack, is settling in to his position these days.
Pack, who started as director July 1, comes to the job with a keen interest in genealogy and a background in personnel management, he said.
Loving genealogy research, Pack can trace his own heritage back to the 16th century.
"I am really interested in World War II history," Pack said. "The job sounded like something that I could use my experience to do."
People skills along with management experience appeared to be a plus when he applied for the job, Pack said.
"We are absolutely thrilled to have Mike (Pack) here," said Jim Stier, KGMC board chairman.
The KGMC Genealogical and Historical Research Library gives visitors access to the people and events of a seven-county area through an extensive collection of books, manuscripts and documents from the past 300 years, museum officials said.
He continues to learn about the past and looks toward the future, Pack said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Pack also brings years of dealing with the public and personnel management skills to KGMC, Stier said.
"I think he is going to do quite well with that background here," Stier said.
A 1988 graduate of Ohio State University, Pack has a degree in biology and has been continuing his education at American Military University in Charles Town, W.Va., with intentions of a master's degree in environmental policy and management.
Following graduation from OSU, pack joined the Army in 1989 where he was a military policeman.
He is a Operation Desert Storm veteran. Pack joined the Kentucky National Guard in 2002 and transferred to the Army Reserves in 2005.
Most recently, Pack has been working as a personnel manager for several different placement services in central and Northern Kentucky.
Pack also encourages the public to contact him with ideas and suggestions for the museum through his e-mail at director@kygmc.org
Also joining the KGMC fold is Tandy Nash, who is replacing Dr. James Shires as education curator, Stier said.
"Tandy brings enthusiasm no matter what she's doing," Stier said.
Nash has large shoes to fill, but her 27 years of experience teaching have prepared her for her KGMC adventure, she said.
Retired from teaching, Nash applied for the job on the recommendation of friends, and because she missed the interaction with children curious to learn, she said.
“I have two children of my own, two stepchildren and a husband -- all glad that I have found a new home for my 'school stuff.'” Nash said. “If I had not taken this position, I would have been on the next edition of “Hoarders.” Now, I am writing about Billy 'Hixson’s Hoardings.'”
Nash is the wife of Denny Nash, the golf pro at Maysville Country Club, and has been active in several organizations including the Russell Theatre group.
“I look forward to creating units of study that enhance what the museum has to offer and encouraging the community to visit,” Nash said. “I am overwhelmed at the amount of information, articles, artifacts and exhibits that are available to this area at KGMC. The community is truly blessed to have this facility in its own back yard.”
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