The Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has confirmed that interim President & CEO, Hal McEvoy, is to assume the role on a permanent basis.
The appointment is the result of an extensive global search. According to IAAPA, as the process advanced, it became increasingly clear that McEvoy was the right choice.
“Hal did an outstanding job as interim President and CEO,” comments Hank Salemi, Chairman of the IAAPA Compensation Committee and Park President, Six Flags Great America.
Salemi praised McEvoy’s ‘vast industry experience, business acumen and affable leadership style’ and said he was ideal for the role:
“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: new role a ‘dream come true’
McEvoy joined IAAPA in 2017 as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that, he had spent 42 years with Busch Entertainment Corporation/SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.
He knew the association well, having attended expos and participated on association task forces and panels. He was a member of IAAPA’s Audit Committee since its inception in 2005 and he chaired the committee from 2013 through to 2016.
McEvoy described the appointment as a dream come true:
“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,” he said.
“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.”
