Press Releases

Association and Financial Veteran Hired as First IAAPA CFO

ALEXANDRIA, VA (USA) (Sep. 3, 2004) – The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions ( IAAPA) is pleased to announce the hiring of veteran association and financial executive Charles W. Bray as its first Chief Financial Officer (CFO).   

As Chief Financial Officer, Bray will develop and implement financial strategies, identify and develop business opportunities globally, and oversee all financial and support services functions of the association.   Bray brings more than 30 years of experience to this position, including two stints as an association president and various financial and accounting work in the private, academic, and non-profit sectors.

“He is an accomplished association executive who has a legacy of improving organizational effectiveness through sound business practices and effective leadership development,” according to IAAPA President Clark Robinson.

Most recently, Bray was with the not-for-profit division of the tax and business consulting firm RSM McGladrey, where he worked with clients on such issues as strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, board governance, and best practice benchmarking.   Prior to that, he spent six years as president of the International Association of Food Industry Suppliers (IAFIS).   He implemented strategic planning, created a business development culture, increased membership diversity, and focused on trade show and convention opportunities.

Bray, who began his career with Arthur Andersen, has also spent five years with American University, and 17 years with the Food Marketing Institute, where he rose to senior vice president and chief financial officer.   He also owned and operated Bray & Jackson, P.C. and was president of the Electronic Retailing Association.  

Bray is a graduate of Virginia Tech University with a bachelor of science in business and a major in accounting.   He became a certified public account in 1973.   He is a member of the American Society of Association Executives, Greater Washington Society of Association Executives, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Business Bank Advisory Board.

Editor’s Note:   A photo of Charles Bray is available upon request.

# # #

IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents over 4,500 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. IAAPA strives to help members improve their efficiency, marketing, safety, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry. www.iaapa.org