Brian Harmon, a Cleveland native with more than 25 years of professional experience, has been selected as the next superintendent of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The National Park Service announced the appointment Oct. 13. Harmon, whose career includes 15 years with NPS, will assume the role this fall.
For Harmon, the appointment brings a return to Lake Erie and an opportunity to work at a site closely connected to his personal interests. He grew up in Cleveland and has a particular fascination with tall ships and naval warfare during the age of sail, according to the announcement.
Harmon said he is honored to join the memorial’s staff. He described its history, Great Lakes connections and message of peace as reasons the appointment holds special meaning for him, and expressed enthusiasm for working with employees, partners and affiliated communities.
He currently serves as acting superintendent and program lead for natural and cultural resources at Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota. He previously served as acting superintendent of Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Indiana and held leadership positions at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Rainbow Bridge National Monument and other park and cultural resource programs.
His experience spans park operations, resource management, cultural resource protection, partnerships and project management.
Pete Swisher, acting deputy director of the NPS Midwest Region, said Harmon’s background will support the memorial’s work and its relationship with the island community.
“His collaborative leadership will help advance the memorial’s mission and strengthen its connections with the surrounding community,” Swisher said.
The Perry Group also welcomed the appointment in a Facebook post, expressing enthusiasm for working with Harmon to preserve the memorial’s history, honor Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s legacy and support the landmark.
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 and honors the lasting peace among the United States, Canada and Great Britain. Its 352-foot Doric column is one of Put-in-Bay’s most recognizable landmarks.
Outside of work, Harmon and his wife enjoy hiking, biking and snowshoeing.
The announcement did not specify an exact start date.
Source: National Park Service news release, dated Oct. 13, 2026, and The Perry Group’s Facebook post.