Board Members

  • Jeff Novotny

    Jeff Novotny

    CHAIRMAN

    Jeff is the former owner of Larson International in Plainview, Texas, who manufactured the popular Flying Scooter, Super Shot and Fire Ball rides. He is also the former president of AIMS International.

    Currently, he is enjoying retirement from the attractions industry with his wife in North Idaho.

  • Gary Slade

    Gary Slade

    PAST CHAIR

    Gary is the founder and Publisher of Amusement Today, the leading trade publication for the amusement industry, located in Arlington, Texas.

    Slade has documented the amusement industry for more than 30 years with an archive spanning more than 30,000 images.

    He also does editorial and marketing for AIMS International.

  • Hunter Novotny

    Hunter Novotny

    TREASURER

    Hunter has worked in the attractions industry for more than a decade, starting his career as a part-time worker at Larson International in Plainview, Texas.

    Currently, he oversees projects for both Larson International as well as its parent company, Rocky Mountain Construction.

  • Carole Sanderson

    Carole Sanderson

    SECRETARY

    In addition to her volunteer work with the NRCMA, Carol is also Chief Financial Officer and partner of Onyx Creative Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio.

    She previously served as the first female president of American Coaster Enthusiasts from 2002 to 2006.

  • Pete Owens

    Pete Owens

    MARKETING

    Pete is the Vice-President of Marketing and Communications for the Dollywood Companies, based in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

    He has a background is in television news in which he worked for nearly 15 years. He is also a guest lecturer on crisis communications and media relations for the AIMS, TIA and NAARSO.

    As a 21-year veteran of the Amusement industry, participating and chairing multiple IAAPA committees, Owens is driven by his enthusiasm regarding the history of the industry and its impact on the American family drives his participation in the NRCMA.

  • Richard Munch

    Richard Munch

    HISTORIAN

    Richard is a distinguished theme park and roller coaster historian and published author. His book, Roller Coaster Fever, and his profile of ride designer Harry Traver are considered notable references on the subject.

    Munch is also a founder of the American Coaster Enthusiasts and served as its first president from 1978 to 1982.

    His career has taken him to Cleveland, Ohio, where he works for Onyx Creative on various commercial projects.

  • Tom Sheehan

    Tom Sheehan

    GENERAL COUNSEL

    Tom brings more than a quarter century of experience as a litigator defending the amusements and motor sports industries as a founding member of the Sheehan Firm.

    He served as Executive Director and General Council for the Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International trade organization (AIMS).

    He is also a founding member of the International Amusement and Leisure Defense Association and sits on the IAAPA Attractions Safety Committee.

    In addition, he routinely serves as an instructor for IAAPA, the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO).

  • Walt Bowser

    Walt Bowser

    Walt is the Bowser is the Vice President of the Industry Division for Baynum Painting.

    His long history in the industry, including 21 years of experience with Six Flags, along with his passion for the preservation of theme and amusement park artifacts makes him an invaluable asset to the NRCMA.

    He is also the organizer of the annual museum golf tournament, held during the Golden Ticket Awards.

  • Chris Gray

    Chris Gray

    A U.S. Navy veteran who has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years, Crhis has always been passionate about the attractions industry.

    In 1998, Gray founded CMG Models, a photo-realistic attraction model fabrication company for the amusement and architecture industry. He also served as the Procurement and Assembly Director for Great Coasters International.

    As co-founder of Skyline Attractions, he now develops experiential rides and games for the amusement industry.

  • Ed Hiller

    Ed Hiller

    Ed Hiller is CEO of Ride Entertainment, with offices in Maryland and New York.

    For more than a quarter century, his company has sold, installed, leased and owned attractions in various venues from amusement parks, to zoos, water parks, city parks and other venues in the United States and internationally.

    In his role at the NRCMA, Ed brings to the table significant financial advice and fundraising skills.

  • Mark Rosenzweig

    Mark Rosenzweig

    Originally from Long Island, Mark has had a fascination with all things theme parks from a very young age.

    Through his long-lasting career in themed entertainment that started back in 1998, Mark has worked both on the operations and supplier side of the industry with roles ranging from operations to project management to business development having worked on the development and installation of over 50 major attractions around the world.

    Mark joined the 3dxScenic team in August of 2020 and in the Fall of 2023 became co-owner of the company.

  • Kris Rowberry

    Kris Rowberry

    MARKETING & RETAIL

    Since joining the museum as a volunteer in 2020, Kris has overseen remarkable growth with the museum’s digital presence as well as retail sales.

    Kris began his career in the attractions industry in 2003 and currently works with Ride Entertainment.

  • Lisa Zagarella

    Lisa Zagarella

    BOARD REPRESENTATIVE, AMERICAN COASTER ENTHUSIASTS

    Bio coming soon.