ORLANDO, Fla., US – IAAPA is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Richard Bates, senior vice president of government relations for the Walt Disney Company. We offer our sincere condolences to the Bates family and the Walt Disney team. For nearly 30 years, Richard worked tirelessly to educate policymakers about the Walt Disney Company and about issues of vital importance to the attractions industry. He was a well-respected voice of the attractions industry in Washington, D.C. and he often partnered closely with the IAAPA Advocacy team and government relations committees on legislative and regulatory initiatives for IAAPA members. We greatly appreciate his valuable contributions, leadership, and support. He was a true champion for our industry and will be missed dearly by all of us.
Hal McEvoy
President and CEO, IAAPA
IAAPA members can read more about Richard and his career here.