IAAPA confirms Hal McEvoy as President and Chief Executive

The Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has confirmed that its current interim President and Chief Executive, Hal McEvoy, is to assume the role on a permanent basis.

Having undertaken an extensive global search to fill the role, IAAPA has advised that, as the process advanced, it became increasingly clear that McEvoy was the right choice to fill the vacancy left by former President and Chief Executive Paul Noland.

Praising McEvoy’s “vast industry experience, business acumen and affable leadership style”, Hank Salemi, Chairman of the IAAPA Compensation Committee and Park President, Six Flags Great America advised “Hal did an outstanding job as interim President and CEO (as) this is a critical time of transition for IAAPA as we wrap up the relocation of our global headquarters to Orlando, build our new office, hire a number of new team members, and begin to tackle one of the most ambitious strategic plans in our 100-year history.

“Hal’s steady and thoughtful approach is exactly what we need to ensure the ongoing success of the association.”

McEvoy (pictured) joined IAAPA in 2017 as Chief Financial Officer having previously spent 42 years with Busch Entertainment Corporation/SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

During that time, McEvoy had attended IAAPA events and participated on Association task forces and panels having been a member of IAAPA’s Audit Committee since its inception in 2005 and he chaired the committee from 2013 through to 2016.

Describing the appointment as a dream come true, McEvoy stated “working with the IAAPA team of incredibly talented individuals to support the success of our passionate and innovative members around the world is indeed a privilege.

“I look forward to building on the foundation laid this year that will take IAAPA into the next 100 years. We will work to give our members the best expos, networking events, and educational programs; develop and deliver innovative new products and services; and tell the story of this important and professional, yet fun-focused industry to the public, policymakers, and press around the globe.”

McEvoy was a keynote speaker at the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) 2018 Conference.

The 2018 IAAPA Attractions Exp is being held from 12th to 16th November at the Orange County Convention Centre, Florida, USA.

Click here for details in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.