02 May 2018
Michael Mercadante to succeed David Willrich as TEA president
BY Tom Anstey
Michael Mercadante, president of Massachusetts-based experience design firm Main Street Design, will lead the Themed Entertainment Association as its new president from November this year.
Serving on the TEA board since 2012, Mercadante has carried out numerous roles for the organisation since joining, spending time on the Executive Committee of the board for five years, and most recently acting as treasurer and head of the TEA Finance Committee.
Prior to that, he spent three years on the TEA's North American board, helping to extend the organisation's presence in the Northeast. In addition to his service with TEA, he has also served on the Program Committee of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Mercadante replaces David Willrich, who completes his second term as president after taking the position in 2016. During his time at the helm of the TEA, Willrich worked to create a "truly global" TEA, introducing new events such as SATE Europe, the second edition of which is currently taking place at Europa Park in Rust, Germany.
"I look forward to continuing to advance the vision for TEA and building on the excellent work of David Willrich, and TEA Past President Steve Birket before him," said Mercadante.
"The TEA has many excellent initiatives in place, and I want to make sure those and all activities are as great as they can be. The association has prospered over the last four years and I want to make sure our foundation is strong for the future."
Mercadante will officially take up his position in November, when the TEA conducts its annual leadership changeovers at the annual TEA Membership Meeting held during the IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando.
Close Window