Hal McEvoy, president and CEO of IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, announced he will retire from his position on April 1, 2023. McEvoy has served on the executive team for IAAPA since he was hired in April 2017 as chief financial officer. He was named interim president and CEO in February 2018 and was selected to be president and CEO after a comprehensive executive search concluded in October 2018.
“Hal has done a tremendous job leading this association through some truly exciting and unprecedented times. Under Hal’s leadership, our association completed the headquarters relocation from Alexandria to Orlando, worked with the Board and Relocation Task Force to design and build the new headquarters building, and grew membership and total revenues to all-time highs in 2019,” said 2022 IAAPA Chairman and President of Whiting’s Foods at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Ken Whiting, ICAE. “Then, in 2020, with the onset of COVID-19, Hal and the IAAPA team pivoted and quickly facilitated the development of the industry reopening guidelines, introduced new ways for members to connect virtually, and effectively managed the association’s finances following the cancellation of all three Expos. The team successfully brought members back together safely for Expos in Barcelona and Orlando in 2021 and continues to help members with their recovery. We are grateful for all Hal has done and look forward to working with him in the year ahead.”
McEvoy, who began his career in 1975 as a part-time accounting clerk at Busch Gardens Tampa, brought an extensive background in corporate finance, accounting, financial controls, audit, and operations to the association. After his graduation in 1976, McEvoy was promoted to cash control supervisor and worked his way up through the company to become vice president of finance for Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA. In December 2012, Hal relocated to Orlando, Florida, when he was promoted to corporate vice president of internal audit and compliance for SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, the position he held prior to joining IAAPA.
To allow for an orderly transition and not to disrupt the association’s operation for 2022, Hal has agreed to serve as president and CEO until his retirement on April 1, 2023. IAAPA will conduct a global search for a new president and CEO. The search will be led by the IAAPA President and CEO Search Committee.
