NEWS RELEASE – For Immediate Release – August 3, 2021
Contact: Kris Reyes
(831) 333-6966
[email protected]
Santa Cruz, CA – Omid Aminifard, Vice President of Operations, has been promoted to the position
of General Manager and Vice President of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Aminifard will lead
multiple departments of the 114-year-old beachfront amusement park, including Operations,
Maintenance/Development, Security/Safety, Food and Beverage, Information
Technology/Entertainment, Marketing/Sales, and multiple concessionaire operators.
“Omid has been a valuable contributor during his time at the Boardwalk and has become a
respected leader in our Company and also within the amusement park industry,” said Santa Cruz
Seaside Company President Karl Rice. “With Omid’ s experience, insight, expertise, and
management abilities, the Boardwalk is well positioned for expanded success into the future.”
I enjoy the varied and unique challenges of an open-gate amusement park,” Aminifard said. “We
have developed an outstanding team of dedicated and caring professionals who understand the
importance of delivering world class guest and employee experience.”
Working at the Boardwalk has been more than a job for Aminifard. It’s a family affair; he met his
wife, Tricia, when she was working at the park. His sons Aiden and Gavin work at the park. His
youngest, Oliver, is looking forward to turning old enough to work at the Boardwalk.
Aminifard began his 36-year attractions career while a high school student as a park host at Sea
World in San Diego. His professional career began in Las Vegas as a member of the opening team
for three resorts, eventually becoming the director of-operations at the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino. Joining the Boardwalk as the director of Arcades and Attractions in 2000, he was promoted
six years later to director of Boardwalk Operations and was promoted to VP of Boardwalk
Operations in 2015. Under Aminifard’s direction, the park has grown to 39 rides, multiple
attractions, and family entertainment centers. Aminifard has also expanded the park operations to
year-round, and under his leadership the Boardwalk has achieved award-winning status.
Aminifard has been active within the Santa Cruz community and has served on professional boards
and organizations. Currently, he is chair of the Amusement Parks and Attractions Committee for the
IAAP A (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) and member emeritus of
the Santa Cruz chapter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters. He has been a Big Brother, board member
of Big Brothers Big Sisters Santa Cruz, president of the Mar Vista Elementary Parents Club, and
coach for youth football.
About the Santa Cruz Seaside Company: The family-owned Santa Cruz Seaside Company operates
the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Boardwalk Bowl, Sea and Sand Inn, and Carousel Beach Inn.
The 1907 Boardwalk is a classic seaside amusement park featuring the historic 1924 Giant Dipper
wooden roller coaster, the 1911 Looff Carousel, dozens of family-friendly rides and midway games,
indoor arcades, and mini golf.
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