The Florida Attractions Association ushered in a new year of leadership during its 77th Annual Conference in Tampa as Chairman Samantha Palmer of Historic Tours of Flagler College formally passed the gavel to Chrissy Schwartzman of Sawgrass Recreation Park.
The transition marked the culmination of Palmer's successful year leading the association and the beginning of a new chapter under Schwartzman's leadership. Throughout her term, Palmer championed professional development, advocacy, member engagement, and industry collaboration while helping advance the FAA's mission of supporting Florida's attractions industry.
"It has been an incredible honor to serve as Chairman of the Florida Attractions Association," said Palmer. "Our members are among the most passionate and dedicated professionals in tourism, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together. I look forward to supporting Chrissy and the Board as they continue building upon the association's strong foundation."
Accepting the gavel, Schwartzman expressed her enthusiasm for the year ahead and the opportunity to serve the FAA's members.
"The Florida Attractions Association is successful because of the relationships, collaboration, and generosity of its members," said Schwartzman. "I am honored to serve as Chairman and look forward to working alongside this talented Board of Directors as we continue to strengthen our industry, support one another, and create opportunities for our members to succeed."
The Celebration Breakfast also included the installation of the FAA's 2026–2027 Board of Directors. Representing attractions and industry partners from throughout Florida, these volunteer leaders provide strategic direction and governance for the association while advancing its mission to support Florida's attractions industry.
2026–2027 FAA Board of Directors
- Josh Balaban, Aquatica Orlando
- Rick Beddow, Universal Orlando Resort
- Sam Burr, SSA Group
- Lee Capitano, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
- Keith Clark, Flamingo Gardens
- Ryan DeSear, Ripley's Believe It or Not! St. Augustine
- Greg Dotson, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
- Chad Light, Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
- Andrew Morawski, Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
- Cameron O'Connell, ZooTampa at Lowry Park
- Samantha Palmer, Historic Tours of Flagler College
- John W. Penney, BlackDog Advertising
- Jared Reid, Wild Florida Adventure Park
- Christina Schwartzman, Sawgrass Recreation Park
- Laura Sherman, Flamingo Adventures
- Kristen Stalker, Walt Disney World Resort
- Beth Trainer, The Florida Aquarium
- Diana Vega, Zoo Miami
- Melissa Vogt, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
The association also recognized outgoing directors Dan Donovan, Brandon Moore, and Otis Gries for their dedicated service and contributions to the FAA and welcomed newly elected directors Chad Light, Ryan DeSear, Sam Burr, Rick Beddow, and Andrew Morawski.
"The strength of the Florida Attractions Association has always been its volunteer leadership," said FAA President & CEO Bill Lupfer. "These individuals are leaders within their organizations and communities who generously share their time, expertise, and passion to ensure the success of Florida's attractions industry. We are grateful for Samantha's leadership and look forward to working with Chrissy and this outstanding Board of Directors in the year ahead."
As the FAA enters its 78th year, the newly installed Board will continue its work to advocate for the industry, provide meaningful professional development opportunities, foster collaboration among members, and support the attractions that help make Florida one of the world's premier travel destinations.
