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Charlie Bray Resigns as IAAPA President and CEO



The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced today that Charles W. (Charlie) Bray has resigned as president and CEO effective Dec. 3, 2010. Bray is leaving the association for an exceptional opportunity in the Washington, D.C. area. An announcement with the details on his new opportunity will come in the weeks ahead.

“IAAPA has made tremendous progress under Charlie’s leadership,” said IAAPA Chairman Chip Cleary. “IAAPA has realized its goal of operating globally; we now have offices in Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region. We could not have done this without Charlie’s vision and guidance.”

“With Charlie’s expert management, IAAPA was able to weather the impact of the economic downturn. He was instrumental in negotiating the agreements to host IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando for the next 10 years. He leaves the association poised for a very bright future and we wish him continued success as he moves on to his new opportunity,” said IAAPA First Vice Chairman Bob Rippy.

Bray was hired as IAAPA’s chief financial officer in June 2004. He was appointed president and CEO in February 2006. Prior to joining IAAPA, Bray was with the nonprofit division of RSM McGladrey, a business consulting firm. Bray began his career with Arthur Andersen, spent five years with American University, and 17 years with the Food Marketing Institute, where he rose to senior vice president and chief financial officer. He also served as president of two associations, the International Association of Food Industry Suppliers (IAFIS) and the Electronic Retailing Association (ERA).

The IAAPA Executive Committee will define and lead the search process for Bray’s replacement.

IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded more than 90 years ago, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions worldwide and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the attractions industry. IAAPA represents more than 4,000 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries.

Judith Rubin
Judith Rubin
Judith Rubin ([email protected]) is a leading journalist, content marketing specialist and connector in the international attractions industry. She reports on design and technical design, production and project management, industry trends and company culture. From 2005-2020 she ran communications and publications for the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). In 2013, she was honored with the TEA Service Award. She was development director of IMERSA and publicist for the Large Format Cinema Association, and has contributed to the publications of PLASA, IAAPA and the International Planetarium Society. Judith joined World’s Fair magazine in 1987, which introduced her to the attractions industry. She joined InPark in 2010. Judith earned a BFA from Pratt Institute. She has lived in Detroit, New York, Oakland, and now Saint Louis, where she is active in the local arts community.

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