IAAPA Elects New Members to 2027 Global Board of Directors

London, England (21 Sept. 2026) – During their meeting this week in London, the IAAPA Global Board of Directors elected six new board members, who will begin their terms in 2027. IAAPA is the global association for the attractions industry, and the board meeting took place in conjunction with IAAPA Expo Europe 2026.

IAAPA's Global Board of Directors works in partnership with the IAAPA team to establish and approve the Association's strategic priorities. The board oversees IAAPA's annual business plan and finances, provides guidance on products and services, and serves as ambassadors for IAAPA members and the global attractions industry.

The slate of new board members was developed by the IAAPA Governance Committee, which evaluated candidates based on their professional expertise, leadership experience, volunteer service, and ability to advance IAAPA's mission of connecting, growing, and inspiring the global attractions industry.

"The Governance Committee is committed to identifying leaders who represent the diversity, expertise, and innovation found throughout our global membership," said IAAPA Governance Committee Chair Freddi Massimiliano. "This year's board members bring exceptional experience from across the attractions industry and will help guide IAAPA as we continue to serve our members around the world."

The newly elected board members include:

Denise Beckson, ICAE, Second Vice Chair, 2027–2030
Vice President/Chief Administrative & External Affairs Officer, Morey’s Piers (North America region)

Denise Beckson, ICAE, brings more than 25 years of IAAPA leadership and volunteer service to the Global Board. She currently serves as Chair of the IAAPA North America Regional Advisory Board and has held leadership roles on the Finance, Executive Finance, Governance, and Strategic Planning Committees. Beckson presently chairs the Bylaws & Policies Review Task Force, previously served on the Global Board from 2015–2017, and is a recipient of IAAPA’s Meritorious Service Award. As a senior executive at Morey’s Piers, a family-owned destination on the Jersey Shore, Beckson brings extensive experience in operations, governance, human resources, compliance, and external affairs. 

Beckson’s statewide engagement includes serving as Chair of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association as well as fulfilling leadership roles with State business, tourism, and amusement associations. A respected advocate and trusted industry voice, Beckson is frequently called upon by national and industry media to provide perspective on issues affecting attractions and tourism. Her public affairs leadership has helped shape legislation, regulation, and public policy while advancing workforce development, safety, and professional standards.  Beckson’s combination of business leadership, association governance, public affairs expertise, and industry advocacy positions her to strengthen IAAPA’s voice and influence, advance the industry’s priorities, and serve its members with a global perspective.

Mario Centola, Facility Director, 2027–2029
EVP & COO International Operations & Worldwide Franchising​ CEC Entertainment (North America Region)

Mario Centola brings extensive financial, operational, and technology leadership to the IAAPA Global Board. He currently serves on the IAAPA North America Regional Advisory Board and previously served on the Investment and Finance and Information Technology Committee. He also serves as a financial subject matter expert for IAAPA's Leadership Essentials Program through GoalMakers.

Recognized throughout the industry for his expertise in finance and technology, Centola is an active mentor, leadership development advocate, and frequent presenter on attraction and theme park financial management. His experience will help support IAAPA's continued focus on operational excellence and member success.

Mike Denninger, North America Regional Advisory Board Chair Director, 2027-2029
Owner/Founder, Denninger Development LLC (North America Region)

Mike Denninger is a recognized leader in attraction safety, security, and operational excellence, with more than 36 years of experience in the attractions industry and a professional background in engineering. With more than two decades of active involvement in IAAPA, he has served as Chair of the IAAPA North America Safety & Security Committee, a member of the IAAPA North America Regional Advisory Board, and the Global Safety & Security Committee. 

A frequent speaker at IAAPA events, Denninger is widely respected for his expertise in risk assessment, safety culture, attraction development, and operational best practices. His commitment to collaboration and advancing safety across the attractions industry will provide valuable leadership on the IAAPA Global Board. 

Patrick Finnegan, Facility Director, 2027–2029
Senior Vice President, Operations, The Walt Disney Company (North America Region)

Patrick Finnegan is Senior Vice President of Operations for Disneyland Resort and currently serves on the IAAPA North America Regional Advisory Board. A relationship-focused leader, Finnegan has built strong partnerships throughout the attractions industry and is committed to strengthening engagement between IAAPA and its North American members. His collaborative leadership style and operational expertise will support IAAPA's continued focus on delivering value to members around the world.

Lena Lee, Asia Pacific Regional Advisory Board Chair Director, 2027–2029
Executive Vice President, Attractions and Destination Experience, Resorts World Sentosa (Asia-Pacific Region)

Lena Lee is Executive Vice President of Attractions and Destination Experience at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore and currently serves on the IAAPA Asia Pacific Regional Advisory Board. Throughout her career, she has championed innovation, destination development, and exceptional guest experiences across the Asia-Pacific region. Lee has been an active IAAPA volunteer, leading IAAPA Presents programs and serving as a frequent speaker on innovation and leadership. Her regional expertise and commitment to member engagement will bring valuable perspective to the IAAPA Global Board.

Amanda Thompson OBE, Europe, Sub-Saharan South Africa Regional Advisory Board Chair Director, 2027–2029
CEO, Blackpool Pleasure Beach Ltd., President Stageworks Worldwide Productions (Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa Region)

Amanda Thompson OBE has dedicated more than 35 years of volunteer leadership to IAAPA and previously served as Chairman of the IAAPA Board of Directors, helping guide the Association through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also served on the Global Board, Governance, Finance, and CEO Search Committees, providing strategic leadership during several pivotal moments in IAAPA's history.

As Managing Director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Thompson brings a unique operator and supplier perspective, having exhibited at IAAPA Expos for more than 18 years. A respected industry speaker and thought leader, she continues to champion innovation, collaboration, and the long-term success of the global attractions industry.

2028 Board Applications

The application process for the 2028 IAAPA Global Board of Directors will open in early 2027 and will be available on the IAAPA website. Members interested in serving are encouraged to become actively involved with the Association through committees, task forces, speaking opportunities, and mentorship programs.

Headshots of the 2027 Global Board of Directors are available for download here.

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About IAAPA
IAAPA is a diverse and dynamic community of global attractions professionals. As the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, IAAPA unifies the attractions community, connects people to learn and grow together, and strives to promote the highest professional standards for excellence and safety around the world.

Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions and supplier companies, consultants, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, manufacturers, and suppliers.

IAAPA’s global headquarters and North America office are in Orlando, Florida, U.S., with additional offices in Brussels, Belgium; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong SAR, China; Shanghai, China; and Mexico City, Mexico.

Visit IAAPA.org or connect through IAAPA’s social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA

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