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The Attractions That Built Florida
From the Panhandle to the Florida Keys, family-friendly attractions are the heartbeat of the Sunshine State. For decades, our industry has served as Florida's ultimate economic engine—benefiting all residents by keeping taxes low, funding vital services, and shaping a vibrant, world-renowned identity that draws millions year after year. The Florida the world knows today was built by its attractions.
The foundation for this massive statewide impact was laid during the tourism boom following World War II. Recognizing the need for a unified voice to guide and protect this rapidly growing industry, a group of historic trailblazers—including Cypress Gardens, Monkey Jungle, Parrot Jungle, and Silver Springs—joined forces in 1949 to formally establish the Florida Attractions Association.
Their founding mission was simple but profound: to guarantee quality, fair pricing, and ethical operational practices for every guest. Today, over 75 years later, that original spark has grown into a powerful association of the state's finest attractions, all proudly continuing the legacy of building a better Florida.
A Powerful Alliance of Florida's Top Family-Friendly Attractions
The Code That Connects Us
Our Mission
What We Do
We promote and advance the interests of the attractions industry and are the conduit that enables our diverse membership to achieve a greater level of excellence. Our Values
What We Stand For
Our Vision
Where We're Headed
The Florida Attractions Association aims to be the leading force shaping the future of Florida's attractions industry. We are committed to excellence through innovation, strategic connections, professional development and impactful advocacy. By pioneering industry standards and fostering a dynamic, informed community, we empower our members to excel and drive the future of Florida attractions. |
The People Who Support Our Mission
The strength of the FAA is found in its people. Our mission is advanced by a team of dedicated professional staff and a Board of Directors comprised of respected leaders who are committed to the long-term growth and success of Florida’s attractions. |
Professional Staff+Board of Directors+Industry Statesmen+Professional StaffYour FAA Staff are ready to serve you. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. 
Bill Lupfer
President & CEO
Mike Donaldson, CMP
Manager, Member Services
2025–2026 Board of DirectorsThe FAA Board of Directors is comprised of outstanding attraction professionals from across the state who have committed to improving our industry and serving our members. Board members serve as volunteers, receiving no compensation for their time and dedication. Officers
Chairman of the Board
Samantha Palmer
Historic Tours of Flagler College
St. Augustine
Chairman Elect
Chrissy Schwartzman
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Weston
Vice-Chairman
Cameron O'Connell
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Tampa
Immediate Past Chair
Dan Donovan
Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando
Secretary
Lee Capitano
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
St. Augustine
Treasurer
Kristen Stalker
Walt Disney World
Orlando
Directors at Large
Chris Baker
SeaWorld
Orlando
Keith Clark
Flamingo Gardens
Davie
Greg Dotson
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Orlando
Otis Gries
SSA Group
Denver, CO
Brandon Moore
Boomers! Boca Raton
Boca Raton
John Penney
BlackDog Advertising
Miami
Jared Reid
Wild Florida
Kenansville
Chris Reyna
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Orlando
Orlando
Laura Sherman
Flamingo Adventures
Homestead
Beth Trainer
The Florida Aquarium
Tampa
Diana Vega
Zoo Miami
Miami
Melissa Vogt
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
Fort Myers
Industry StatesmenThe Industry Statesman award is the FAA's highest honor, recognizing past chairmen who have made an extraordinary commitment to the advancement of Florida's family-friendly attractions industry. Those marked with * are deceased. 2023–24
Cindy Stavely St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum 2022–23
John Dent Walt Disney World 2021–22
Jennifer Berthiaume Lion Country Safari 2019–21
Matt Johnson IMAG History & Science Center 2018–19
Rick Cain St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum 2017–18
Nick Romeo Madame Tussauds 2015–17
Scott Rose The Florida Aquarium 2014–15
Kurt Allen Marineland Dolphin Adventure 2013–14
Matt Johnson Imaginarium Science Center 2012–13
Rick Cain St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum 2011–12
Kim Long Fantasy of Flight 2010–11
Andrew Hertz Miami Seaquarium 2008–10
Mark McHugh Gatorland 2007–08
Steve Geis Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex 2006–07
Sandy Craig * Ghost Tours of St. Augustine 2005–06
Holly Blount Vizcaya Museum & Gardens 2004–05
Eric Eimstad Miami Seaquarium 2003–04
Michael Morawski Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum 2002–03
Elaine Fraser The Oldest Wooden School House 2001–02
Donna Turner Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament 2000–01
Frank Usina St. Augustine Scenic Cruise 1999–00
Sharon Creedon Cypress Gardens 1998–99
Bill Puckett * St. Augustine Alligator Farm 1997–98
Bill Lupfer Astronaut Hall of Fame 1996–97
Wayne Atherholt Salvador Dali Museum 1995–96
Paul Burns Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum 1994–95
Richard Jackson * Universal Studios Florida 1993–94
Sharon Du Mond Monkey Jungle 1991–93
Thom Stork * Busch Gardens Tampa 1990–91
Jill DeChello SeaEscape 1988–90
Bob Ardren * Ringling Museum of Art 1986–88
David Drysdale Marineland 1984–86
Harry Chambers Kennedy Space Center Spaceport USA 1983–84
Warren Zeiller * Miami Seaquarium 1982–83
Bill Puckett * St. Augustine Alligator Farm 1981–82
Dick Mauller * Silver Springs 1980–81
Stu Smith * Sunken Gardens 1979–80
Dick Mauller * Silver Springs 1978–79
Walter Bellm * Bellm's Cars & Music 1976–78
Pat Callan * Cypress Gardens 1975–76
David Redman Marineland 1973–75
Harry Chambers Kennedy Space Center Tours 1972–73
Larry Tetzlaff * Jungle Larry's African Safari 1971–72
Fred Green * Oldest Store Museum 1970–71
Robert Crawford * Stephen Foster Memorial 1968–70
Richard Edgerton Marineland 1967–68
Burton Clark * Miami Seaquarium 1965–67
Allen Skaggs * Silver Springs 1964–65
Joel Kuperberg * Caribbean Gardens 1963–64
Frank Du Mond * Monkey Jungle 1961–63
Richard D. Pope, Sr. * Cypress Gardens 1960–61
Carver Harris * Oldest House 1959–60
James Sherrill Rainbow Springs 1958–59
William B. Ray * Silver Springs 1957–58
W. I. Drysdale * St. Augustine Alligator Farm 1955–57
William Rolleston Marineland 1953–57
Robert C. Halgrim * Edison Winter Home 1951–53
Peter Schaal Silver Springs 1950–51
Newton Perry * Weeki Wachee 1949–50
Peter Schaal Silver Springs 1947–49
Richard D. Pope, Sr. * Cypress Gardens |
Partnerships from the Sunshine State to the Global Stage |
The reach of the FAA extends far beyond our individual attractions. We are proud to collaborate with a diverse group of partners who share our commitment to the success of the attractions industry. From state-level advocates to major global brands, these alliances provide the vital support and resources that help our association—and the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation—continue to thrive. |
State Partnerships |
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National and International Partnerships |
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🦩 Apply Now 🦩
Take Your Place Among Florida's Finest Taking the next step is simple. We have streamlined our application process to get your organization reviewed, approved, and integrated into our Association. To ensure your organization is a perfect fit for our community, the process begins with a brief eligibility assessment. |
Strategic Partners
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