AAMA Begins Executive Search John Schultz Will Exit Amusement Machine Association In May

John Schultz

The association has formed a committee to oversee the search for Schultz's replacement. It includes AAMA president Chris Felix of Crane Payment Innovations, vice-president Holly Hampton of Bay Tek Games and past-president David Cohen of Firestone Financial. Felix told VT that the committee has developed an outline for the search process and began accepting résumés on Nov. 23. The committee could begin interviewing candidates as early as January.

Widely regarded as the association's most effective staff leader, Schultz has played a key role in several AAMA initiatives. He helped oversee the merger of AAMA's former trade show, the Amusement Showcase International, and the Amusement and Music Operators Association's show into the new Amusement Expo International, held annually in the spring. AAMA's membership has increased about 30% since he took the job six years ago. And thanks to Schultz's government affairs work, the amusement industry has become one of the most powerful voices in Washington opposing changes to the metallic content of U.S. coins.

Founded in 1981, AAMA is an international nonprofit trade organization representing manufacturers, distributors and parts suppliers involved in the coin-operated amusement industry. In addition to the executive vice-president, the association has two other full-time staff positions. Tina Schwartz, who has been with the association for 16 years, is business and finance manager. Ashley Davis is the group's administrative aide. Since its formation, AAMA has had five executive directors, including Schultz, whose career in vending and amusements spans more than four decades.

The new executive vice-president will be based at the association's headquarters in Elk Grove Village, IL. Résumés can be sent to AAMA's president at Chris.Felix@CranePI.com.