New: IAAPA’s Global Board of Directors 2026

(eap) Parallel to IAAPA Expo Europe 2025, the board elections of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) also took place this week in Barcelona. A total of nine new members were announced who will strengthen the leadership of the association from 2026 onwards. Working in close cooperation with the IAAPA team, the board defines and ultimately approves the strategic objectives of the association. Among its core responsibilities are approving the annual business plans, overseeing the association’s financial affairs, providing feedback on IAAPA’s products and services, and advocating on behalf of the membership. In addition, IAAPA board members act as international ambassadors. For the nine vacant positions on the IAAPA global board of directors, 47 applications were submitted and reviewed by the IAAPA Governance Committee.

“The selection process was both thoughtful and thorough,” said IAAPA Governance Committee Chair, Ken Whiting. He added, “This year’s board slate reflects a diverse cross-section of global leadership, experience, and passion for our industry. I am confident these leaders will guide IAAPA forward with meaningful impact and innovative vision.”

These are the newly elected members:

• Chris Herschend, Chair of Herschend Family Entertainment (North America region), who was elected as Second Vice Chair, 2026-2029. He will serve in this role in 2026, advance to First Vice Chair in 2027, finally assume the chairmanship of the IAAPA Board in 2028 and serve as Immediate Past Chair in 2029;
• Andrew Bolstein, President & GM of Shanghai Disney Resort (Asia-Pacific region), appointed as Asia Pacific Regional Advisory Board Chair Director 2026.
• Luis Felipe Arteaga, ICAE, CEO of Happyland Perú (Latin America/Caribbean region), serving as Latin America and Caribbean Regional Advisory Board Chair Director 2026–2028;

The new Facility Directors are:

• Amber Christopher, ICAE, GM of the Harley-Davidson Museum and Milwaukee Experiences (North America region), 2026–2027
• Jeremy Hoyum, Owner & Operator of Urban Air Goodyear (North America region), 2026–2027
• Matt Eckert, ICAE, President & GM of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (North America region), 2026–2028
• Thomas Mack, ICAE, Managing Partner of Europa-Park (Europe, Middle East, Africa region), 2026–2028

And also elected were:

• Michael Collins, ICAE, Senior Partner at Leisure Development Partners LLP (Europe, Middle East, Africa region), appointed as Manufacturer/Supplier/Consultant (MSC) Director 2026–2028; as well as
• Jane Cooper, Business Advisor (North America region), serving as Past Chair Director 2026–2028;

The application process for IAAPA’s 2027 board elections will open in the first quarter of 2026. ■