The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has named the current International Board Vice President, Matt Barton, as its President-Elect. Barton, who is already a member of the TEA Executive Commitee, will assume his new officer title effective immediately.
This decision came after a unanimous vote of the International Board at their September Special Board Meeting.
“We are thrilled to see Matt step into the role of President-Elect on the International Board,” said TEA’s Executive Director, Lindsey K. Nelson, CAE. “Having served both as President of the Europe & Middle East Division and, most recently, on the International Board, Matt understands TEA both internally and externally. This will serve him very well as he steps in to lead the global organization in the coming years. Not to mention, it is exciting to see a future TEA President hail once again from our Europe & Middle East Division.”
Over the next 15-months, Matt will continue to work alongside and in partnership with current President, Melissa (Ruminot) Oviedo, until he assumes the President role on 1 January 2025.
“I have had the privilege of actively engaging with TEA’s objectives and witnessing the organization’s impact first-hand,” said Barton. “The past few years have seen great challenges and significant change at TEA. Being in a leadership role during these times has been both testing and rewarding, I’m excited to continue working with our dedicated team in this new position.
Barton is Chairperson at 7thSense, a privately-owned creative software and technology company with offices in Sussex and London in the UK, and Orlando and Burbank in North America. Established in 2004, they are technology innovators who specialize in media serving, pixel processing, and show control by providing a toolkit of advanced products that enable storytellers worldwide to fulfil their vision.
“Matt is well-versed in the issues and opportunities that face the themed entertainment industry worldwide due to the day-to-day work he’s involved in with his global organization,” said Oviedo. “He continuously demonstrates great leadership in his various roles and has a wealth of knowledge that will serve TEA well. I value his perspective on the industry and his passion for our members, and I look forward to closely working with him over the next 15-months.”
Barton is enthusiastic about serving as TEA President-Elect and said, “Throughout my tenure in TEA leadership, I have witnessed the dedication and passion of our members, and I am inspired by their unwavering commitment to excellence. I stand ready to serve in the position of President-Elect and look forward to serving in the future as President.”
