Steven Tarca

Steven Tarca, ICAE SHRM-CP is an experienced and results-driven senior leader with a demonstrated track record of excellence in Guest Experience within the hospitality and attractions industries. With more than 15 years of leadership experience, Steve has made significant contributions to high-profile venues, including SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, The Empire State Building Observatory, and the Walt Disney World Resort, where he has led large teams and driven operational success. 

Currently serving as a Senior Director of Guest Experience at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Steve has been instrumental in overseeing the Guest Experience of over 6 million visitors since opening in October 2021. With his cohort, he leads a team of 150+ members with a focus on employee engagement, training, and company culture. As a servant leader, Steve collaborates to build, maintain, and steer robust training programs which have fostered a well-rounded and involved team. Steve also drives operational excellence through managing budgets, labor, and vendor relations which have helped optimize both guest experience and team performance. 

Steve's career began at Walt Disney World Resort, where he was trained at four dynamic attractions. There, he developed a deep understanding of operations, safety, and guest and team satisfaction. His ability to lead with empathy and connect with guests through "magical moments” was foundational to his leadership style. For a time, Steve worked seasonally in Orlando and full-time in New York City as a food and beverage manager at the New Amsterdam Theater during the sold-out Broadway run of Mary Poppins. 

In addition to his professional experience, Steve holds a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Arts Administration from Wagner College. He is also an IAAPA Certified Attractions Executive (ICAE) and earned his Society of Human Resource Management – Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification in 2024. Steve is also an active mentor through the Governor’s Committee on Scholastic Achievement and serves on multiple IAAPA committees.