Richmond, BC, Canada — WhiteWater is pleased to announce that Franceen Gonzales has been named Vice President Waterpark Business Development. In this role she will be responsible for directing sales and business development throughout the growing Latin American region and in areas of the USA. In addition, Franceen will act as an ambassador for WhiteWater’s booming global markets. “We are truly honored to have Franceen join the Original Waterpark and Attractions Company. She personifies everything we stand for.” said Geoff Chutter, President and CEO.
“We are thrilled to have Franceen join the WhiteWater team”, echoed Andrew Mowatt, Executive Vice President, Business Development. “Her impressive background and experience in the waterpark and amusement park industry will be a huge asset in providing innovative solutions to attractions for our customers”, he said.
Ms. Gonzales brings 25 years of waterpark experience to WhiteWater, most recently as Vice President, Risk Management and Waterparks, for Great Wolf Resorts where she held responsibility for safety and risk management as well as waterpark operations and maintenance for the company’s 12 water park resorts in North America. Prior to joining Great Wolf Resorts in 2006, Ms. Gonzales was park director for Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Great Adventure. She has also held top management positions at Golfland Entertainment Centers Inc., Waterworld Safari in Phoenix, Arizona, and Wet ’N’ Wild Waterworld in El Paso, Texas.
In accepting the position, Ms. Gonzales commented, “I have always had the utmost respect and admiration for the caliber of WhiteWater’s products and their people and I am honored to be part of such a great and growing organization. I could not be more excited about this new opportunity!”
Ms. Gonzales is a former board chair and board member of WWA (World Waterpark Association) and serves on the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) board of directors. She is a member of the IAAPA Safety Committee, has chaired the IAAPA Membership Committee, and served on the IAAPA governance and strategic planning committees. She is active with and has served on numerous ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials) committees. Ms. Gonzales currently serves on the board of directors of AIMS (Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers) and NSPF (National Swimming Pool Foundation).
A regular speaker at industry events, Ms. Gonzales has also written several industry articles, was named to the “Power 25” in 2011 and 2012 by Aquatics International Magazine and has received many industry honors and awards including twice as WWA’s Kelly Ogle Memorial Safety Award Winner.
