IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, announced the additions of Linda Freeman as its Global Director of Health & Safety and Security and Ylva Linder as its new Global Director of Sustainability.
With over 24 years of experience in the amusement industry, Linda Freeman brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective, having worked closely with manufacturers, operators, and inspectors since 2000.
Freeman’s extensive background includes being a functional safety engineer and instructor at Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley, where she played a crucial role in ride and show automation, from design and startup to maintenance and retrofits. Her expertise in integrating cutting-edge technology with creative intent ensured that attractions not only delivered the “wow” factor and did so with the highest safety standards.
Joining Rockwell Automation in 1996, Freeman advanced from technical sales to a leadership position on the industry team focused on the entertainment sector. She has consistently supported the sales organization, driven efficiencies, and collaborated on future technologies resulting in patent awards. Her strategic thinking and ability to represent the industry’s needs have made her a recognized leader in amusement safety.
Freeman’s commitment to safety extends beyond her professional role. She is an instructor and previous board member for AIMS International, a non-profit dedicated to amusement industry safety. Additionally, at ASTM Committee F24, she co-chairs a task group on cybersecurity for safety-related control systems and served on the IAAPA Global Security Committee, where she contributed to the development of security education.
Her dedication to inspiring the next generation of technologists and supporting women in STEM careers has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as an Influential Woman in Manufacturing and a Fellow by the Society of Women Engineers.
In her new role with IAAPA, Freeman will continue to advocate for safety and security within the industry, ensuring that IAAPA members benefit from her vast experience and forward-thinking approach.
Beginning in December, Ylva Linder will bring 25 years of extensive experience in strategic and operational sustainability work, offering an abundance of knowledge and fresh perspective to our association.
Linder holds an Executive MBA and a degree in Chemical Engineering, complemented by additional qualifications in environmental management and leadership.
In addition to her extensive education career, Linder was appointed as Head of Sustainability at Liseberg in 2017. In this position, she drove, developed, coordinated, and monitored Liseberg’s sustainability efforts across the board. Her proficiency in sustainability initiatives and compliance ensured that not only did Liseberg meet legal sustainability requirements but go above them.
While at Liseberg, Linder helped develop sustainable strategies, implemented management systems, and conducted stakeholder and materiality analyses. She also managed social collaborations and addressed accessibility issues. Furthermore, Linder chaired Liseberg’s Sustainability Steering Committee and led the program for sustainability ambassadors. She also helped establish Liseberg as an industry leader in sustainable experiences, as well as certifying Liseberg by the ISO 20121 standard.
However, Linder’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond her previous roles. She has been involved in IAAPA’s Sustainability committee, task force, and has volunteered with various organizations on sustainability.
In her new role at IAAPA, Linder will champion a holistic approach to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), driving IAAPA’s sustainability agenda. Her leadership will position IAAPA as a frontrunner in responsible business practices, enabling IAAPA members to leverage her extensive expertise for their own ESG initiatives.
