NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 1, 2024
Contact: Kris Reyes
[email protected]
Santa Cruz, CA – Omid Aminifard, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Chief Operating Officer and General Manager was recently elected to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Board of Directors. His term is set to begin in 2025 and will last three years.
Aminifard has a distinguished career in the attractions industry spanning more than 30 years. He previously held leadership positions at SeaWorld in San Diego, multiple hotel and resort properties in Las Vegas, and at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for the last 25 years. At the Boardwalk, Aminifard oversees daily operations for the family-owned seaside amusement park which includes 40 rides, restaurants, several attractions, arcades, a family bowling center, and several hotel properties.
“Omid is a deeply respected leader not only at the Boardwalk but across the amusement and attractions industry,” said Santa Cruz Seaside Company Chief Executive Officer Karl Rice. “His election to the IAAPA board of directors is a well-deserved honor and reflects his long record of service to the industry.”
Aminifard also has a long history of service to IAAPA. He has chaired and/or served on the amusement parks and attractions committee for 10 years, the education subcommittee for three years, and has spoken at or hosted many IAAPA education sessions, webinars, and events. He has served as an ambassador for IAAPA, recruiting members and encouraging industry professionals to volunteer for the association. Locally, Aminifard has served on the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County board of directors and as president of the Marvista Elementary School parent club. He was also recently appointed to the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
IAAPA’s global board collaborates with the IAAPA Team on the development of the trade association’s strategic priorities. The board approves IAAPA’s strategic priorities and annual business plans and oversees the association’s finances. The board also advocates for IAAPA members and the industry in all board decisions and board members serve as global goodwill ambassadors.
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