The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has named the current International Board Vice President, Melissa Ruminot, as its President-Elect. She will officially begin her tenure as President in November 2022, assuming the role held by current International Board President, Chuck Fawcett, since November 2020.
This decision came after a unanimous vote of the International Board at their August Board Meeting. The election took place later in the year than is customary due to the appointment of TEA’s new Executive Director in June. Still, Ruminot assumes the role in time to take on the immediate task of serving as Nominating Committee Chair for the International Board’s 2021-2022 elections cycle which officially launched on August 30.
“I am confident that Melissa is the right leader to carry the TEA into a new era of growth,” said Fawcett. “She is extremely strategic with unmatched attention to detail and has been an exemplary leader for many years as the Eastern Division President, Chair of the Executive Director Selection Committee, and most recently, in covering operational responsibilities at headquarters during a period of staff transition.
Over the next 15 months, Ruminot will continue to serve on the Executive Committee and play an instrumental role in the International Board’s upcoming Board Planning Meeting in Chicago.
“Understanding the priorities of our global membership is critically important to the health of our organization and will influence its overall strategy going forward,” said Ruminot. “I’m also looking forward to attending IAAPA Europe and SATE in Barcelona at the end of September, and engaging in a deeper way with TEA’s members abroad.”
Ruminot is Vice President, Marketing and Development for the Companies of Nassal, with facilities in Orlando, FL and Los Angeles, CA. Nassal is one of the largest leading specialty scenic and rockwork fabricators, focusing on delivering immersive experiences for theme parks, attractions, zoos, aquariums, live events, museums, and destinations around the world. In her role, Ruminot supports and develops the global growth of the organization by cultivating relationships with existing partners and the development of emerging markets to Nassal’s portfolio, while maintaining a company reputation of excellence, quality, and expertise.
In addition to TEA, Ruminot serves on the Annual Conference Planning Committee for the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. She is a graduate of Western New England University.