You can take a man out of the amusement park, but you can’t take the park out of the man.
Leading IAAPA is one of the highest profile jobs within the industry, but for Chip Cleary it appears park operation on the front line has come calling once again.
Cleary will leave his role as IAAPA president and CEO this autumn/fall for a leadership position within the theme park industry, set to be replaced by Paul Noland (pictured above). An attractions industry consultant with RPN associates, IAAPA board member and former Walt Disney Parks and Resorts executive, Noland will take to the helm of the association on Jan 1, 2012.
“I have enjoyed my experience as president and CEO of IAAPA and I am proud of all we have accomplished,” says Cleary. “We have more work to do and we will continue to move the association forward between now and the end of the year. I look forward to once again planning and developing attractions and entertaining guests so I am excited about returning to the theme park industry.”
Boasting masters and bachelors’ degrees in, respectively, Business Administration and Journalism & Speech Communication, Noland served in several leadership positions with Marriott International before joining Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. There he led a team evaluating future growth opportunities for Disney’s US operations, as well as serving with Walt Disney World’s financial team. Noland has been an IAAPA board member since 2009.
“We are fortunate to have Paul lined up to lead IAAPA after Chip leaves,” notes current IAAPA chairman Roland Mack. “Chip has made a real difference in our association and we greatly appreciate all he has done. Paul’s proven track record, analytical acumen and leadership skills will allow him to build on Chip’s success.”
Below: Chip Cleary
