TEA Announces New CEO and the “TEA Masters”
(eap) The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), the global organization of creative minds in the leisure and entertainment industry with headquarters in the US, has appointed Melissa Oviedo (formerly Ruminot) as its new CEO. For the past twelve years, Melissa has already held several volunteer leadership roles within the association, most recently the position of President of the International Board of Directors from 2023 to present. She also has many years of experience in the leisure industry, including over ten years as Vice President for Marketing & Client Development at Nassal, an American company specializing in scenery construction and rock work. Most recently, Oviedo has been serving as Chief Business Officer at the creative company of B Morrow Productions (BMP). To facilitate a smooth transition to her new position at TEA, the two organizations have established a joint timeline so that Melissa can assume her new role as CEO of TEA while still fulfilling her commitments to BMP’s clients during the transition period.
“Our commitment in the recruitment process was to hire a leader from within the industry who could help the International Board and TEA staff fulfil the strategic plan while at the same time identify and respond to the opportunities that are emerging from many directions. Melissa is the ideal fit, with both industry knowledge and insight, as well as a keen understanding of the current needs of the association to propel growth while also offering stability to the TEA staff and volunteer leadership collectively,” explains the incoming TEA President Matt Barton.
“As a long-standing member and financial supporter of the TEA, we wholeheartedly agree that Melissa is the best choice for the future of the association. BMP supports the association as she transitions to the fulltime CEO and appreciates the out-of-box thinking of the Executive Committee to help ease the impact on our business and clients during this transition,” shares Brian Morrow, CEO and Founder of BMP.
An addition to the announcement of Melissa Oviedo as the association’s new CEO, the “TEA Masters of Their Craft” were also recently presented. The TEA Masters recognize the achievements of individuals – creators, managers, designers, writers, producers, engineers and craftspeople – who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the entertainment industry through innovation, design, craftsmanship, leadership and/or artistic achievement. This year, Joe Blanck (creatures and puppets), Bettina Buckley (theme park master planning), Michel Linet-Frion (creative director/designer/consultant), Haruo Masuda (art director/exhibition planner, curator and designer), Ida Muldrow (costume design/fashion design/millinery), John Polk (water technologies and fountain experiences) as well as Mike West (producer/director/writer/project developer) were selected. The TEA Masters 2024 will be officially honored at the “SATE North America” conference in Dollywood, taking place from 15 to 18 October, 2024. ■
