IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has revealed that Hal McEvoy, president and CEO of IAAPA, will retire from his position next year.
McEvoy has been a key member of IAAPA’s executive team since April 2017, when he was hired as chief financial officer. He was later named as interim president and CEO in February 2018, before being selected as president and CEO following an executive search that concluded in October of the same year.
Ken Whiting, IAAPA chairman and Whiting’s Foods president at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, says: “Hal has done a tremendous job leading this association through some truly exciting and unprecedented times. Under Hal’s leadership, our association completed the headquarters relocation from Alexandria to Orlando, worked with the Board and Relocation Task Force to design and build the new headquarters building, and grew membership and total revenues to all-time highs in 2019.
“In 2020, with the onset of COVID-19, Hal and the IAAPA team pivoted and quickly facilitated the development of the industry reopening guidelines, introduced new ways for members to connect virtually, and effectively managed the association’s finances following the cancellation of all three Expos.
“The team successfully brought members back together safely for Expos in Barcelona and Orlando in 2021 and continues to help members with their recovery. We are grateful for all Hal has done and look forward to working with him in the year ahead.”
Life in the industry
Commencing his career in 1975, McEvoy started as a part-time accounting clerk at Busch Gardens Tampa, bringing his expansive background in corporate finance, accounting, financial controls, audit, and operations.
Following his graduation the next year, McEvoy was promoted to cash control supervisor, working his way through the company to become VP of finance for Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA.
In December 2012, Hal migrated to Orlando, Florida, where he was advanced to corporate vice president of internal audit and compliance for SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, the position he maintained prior to joining IAAPA.
Planning for the future
In order to not disrupt the association’s operation for 2022, Hal has agreed to serve as president and CEO until he retires on 1 April 2023, whereon IAAPA will ensure a smooth transition to its replacement. IAAPA plans to conduct an international search for its new president and CEO, led by the IAAPA president and CEO Search Committee.
Further information regarding the position will be posted on IAAPA’s website and job board once the search process is formally announced.
Last week, IAAPA announced Michael Shelton as its new vice president and executive director for the IAAPA North America region.
