IAAPA North America Trade Summit

Cherrie is a highly experienced HR professional with over 30 years in the field, renowned for her coaching, facilitation, and change management skills. Her deep understanding of human dynamics enables her to effectively address the needs of both individuals and processes. By utilizing this holistic approach, she builds strong relationships, drives positive performance and delivers winning solutions. Cherrie operates with integrity and always keeps the impact on her clients at the forefront. Her combination of hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of human behavior allows her to offer unique perspectives to her clients.

Erika Kohler joined San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance as director of operations in 2015, and now serves as Senior Vice President and Interim Executive Director of the San Diego Zoo. She is responsible for the overall operation of the world-famous 100-acre Zoo, overseeing guest services, retail operations, facilities, horticulture, wildlife care, team engagement, team development, on-grounds experiences, and community relations. Through her leadership, she has overseen tremendous attendance growth, implemented new events for families and guests of all ages, and executed critical health and safety protocols for both wildlife and visitors.

An award-winning designer, creative executive, and entrepreneur, George has enjoyed a diversified career colored by experiences that include serving as a Creative Director for Universal Studios, Creative Executive for Dynamic Attractions, Creative Director for the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi expansion, and even a brief stint as a rockwork carver for Disney, among other design and leadership roles. George, along with his fellow founders David Perry and Emad Shahid, has recently announced the launch of the “League of Extraordinary Dining,” a new company that will merge theme design with experiential dining for the creation, construction and operation of a series of unique venues across the state of Florida and beyond.

Jim was appointed park president for SeaWorld & Sesame Place San Diego in November 2021 and is responsible for leading strategic planning and all operations for the parks. Jim brings more than 30 years of theme park experience with significant expertise in food and beverage, retail, operations, development and project management. Previously, Jim served as the General Manager of Disneyland Park East.

Steve joined Belmont Park as a Maintenance Manager in 2017 with the task of rebuilding the department. After 10 months, he was promoted to General Manager and has been actively involved in California's tourism industry ever since. He currently serves on the board of directors for the California Restaurant Association and the California Attractions & Parks Association.

Troy has more than two decades of executive leadership experience in the worlds of sales and marketing.

He has led and helped build the sales and marketing organizations for such notable entertainment, hospitality and resort brands as Dave & Buster’s, Main Event, American Golf and Fogo de Chao.

Troy has extensive knowledge of the sales and revenue generation process, but he’s also a dedicated student of behavioral analytics, technology trends and marketing tools that shape the sales process in today’s world.  He combines his passions for teaching and coaching with helping people across departments to work together to build a winning corporate and culture.

His leadership style is anchored in the belief that, “You cannot motivate anyone. You can only inspire a motivated person.”

Troy grew up in Syracuse, New York, and graduated from Emporia State University with a degree in education.  Today he lives in Frisco, Texas, where he spends time with his wife, five children, and four grandchildren; coaches youth athletics; focuses on his on passion for sports and fitness; and tackles DIY projects around his home.