Member Spotlight

Ryan Cherry
General Manager

Splash Lagoon Indoor Waterpark & Resorts

Featured in World Waterpark Magazine, June 2024

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?   
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Sports Business Management from Mercyhurst University in 2014. I returned to Mercyhurst University for my Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership in 2022. During my undergraduate, I was hired as a seasonal ride operator at Waldameer Park. As many experience in the industry, I was hooked within the first summer (2012). I continued to work at Waldameer until 2015 as a seasonal Rides Supervisor and worked at Cedar Point as a Ride Host after the season ended at Waldameer in 2014 and 2015. In 2015, I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime to work at Kilimanjaro Safaris at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom as a part of the Disney College Program. After working for Disney, I accepted my first full-time position in the industry in 2016 as an Area Manager of Ride Operations at Morey’s Piers & Water Parks in Wildwood, NJ. I continued to work at Morey’s Piers until 2022 when I was offered the Assistant General Manager position at Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park in Erie, PA. Today, I am the General Manager at Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park. 

WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
Ellis and Associates Lifeguard Instructor (2002 - current)
PA Amusement Ride Inspector Level 2 (2022 - current)
OSHA 10
iROC Instructor Trainer (2016 - 2023)
AIMS Operations Level I (2016 - 2022)
NAARSO Operations Level I (2019 - 2021)
Inclusive and Ethical Leadership (University of South Florida)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace (University of South Florida)

WHAT MADE YOU GO IN TO THIS FIELD? 
I started working in the industry as a summer job. The summer before, my family and I were visiting Cedar Point when my family suggested that working as a ride operator might be a good fit. That following summer, I started working at Waldameer and the rest is history. 

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
One of the best qualities of our industry is within our workforce. We are fortunate enough to be many people’s first job. Being able to see so many people grow and develop has been my favorite aspect of the industry. 

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
There are far too many to mention! First, I have to mention my team at Splash Lagoon. I draw inspiration from the hard work and dedication our staff show every day. I would not be where I am today if it were not for the opportunities given to me while with the Morey Organization. The most inspiration came from Dino Fazio, Director of Park Operations, Games, Training & Development, who challenged me to grow and develop each day. I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my incredible co-workers, Javier Morales, Yadilka Villanueva, and Dilara Lindholm from Morey’s Piers. For giving me my first opportunities in the industry, I have to thank Brian Gorman, Steve Gorman, and Andrew Felice. The Scott Family, Lance Rihn, Lori Kaupp, Waymon Morris, Debra Reinauer, Karrah Folk and Joe Stefanyak. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER? 
Adjusting to the needs and demands of today’s workforce. The demands and expectations of our workforce have changed, our employees care about more than simply their pay rate. We have challenged ourselves to be an “Employer of Choice” in our area to provide a positive work experience with fair pay and benefits. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
Jump right in! There are so many rewarding moments, even during those difficult times. This industry provides such a supportive family to surround yourself with. You never know when a connection will help you further down the road. 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
Every young professional growing in the industry and managers who support them should read Matt Heller’s “All-Clear: A Practical Guide for First Time Leaders and the People Who Support Them.” 

WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
If it was not for taking a job as a ride operator, I would have pursued a career as an athletic director at a high school or college. Our industry is so great that I can’t imagine wanting to ever start over. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
Outside of the industry, I am extremely involved in the hockey community in Erie, PA. I am an ice hockey official for various levels including college club hockey, high school, youth hockey, and adult hockey. In addition, I am an office official for Erie’s local Ontario Hockey League team, the Erie Otters. Additionally, I do play-by-play broadcasting for Mercyhurst ACHA Hockey. When I have the time, I enjoy playing in our local recreational adult hockey league. •