After completing a comprehensive worldwide executive search, the board of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has appointed former interim president and CEO Hal McEvoy to the position permanently.

McEvoy was asked to temporarily fill the void left by former president and CEO Paul Noland when he left for Accesso in February. The former Busch Entertainment/SeaWorld executive joined the IAAPA team as chief financial officer in April 2017. He has an extensive background in corporate finance, accounting, financial controls, audit and operations. Over the years has participated on various IAAPA panels and task forces.

“Hal did an outstanding job as interim president and CEO,” says Hank Salemi, chairman of the IAAPA Compensation Committee. “His vast industry experience, business acumen, affable leadership style and his recent experience working with our members and supporting our team around the world make him the ideal president and CEO.”

Now is a critical time for IAAPA, adds Salemi, as the association completes the relocation of its global headquarters to Orlando, builds a new office, hires a number of new team members and begin to tackle “one of the most ambitious strategic plans in our 100-year history.” As such, “Hal’s steady and thoughtful approach is exactly what we need to ensure the ongoing success of the association.”