KATHY MCHUGH
President
With over 25 years in the Themed Entertainment Industry (13 years at the Walt Disney Company) Kathy's career has included Employee Training, Development and all areas of Operations Management at Walt Disney World. During the development of EPCOT Center, Kathy was assigned to Disney's design organization (Walt Disney Imagineering [WDI]) as Project Coordinator of General Electric's Horizons Pavilion in Future World. As a recognized operations expert in this industry, Kathy has provided operational input, troubleshooting, human resource planning, "fatal flaws" analysis and training documentation in the development of many themed entertainment projects around the world, including several Location Based Entertainment projects. For several year, Kathy has worked extensively with the Universal Studio's Technical Services, Entertainment and Safety Departments developing standard operating, maintenance and safety procedures for all attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood, including the latest attractions, the WATERWORLD Stunt Show and JURRASIC PARK THE RIDE. As former Supervisor of the Disney University, Kathy also offers clients around the world very unique and specialized Employee Training and Development Programs focusing on quality operations, safety and employee showmanship in all areas of Operations, assisting clients in the development of quality staffing and superior service to their guests. Kathy is also a founding member of the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and current Board of Director Member. In addition, she is the Editor of TEA's 'The Network' industry newsletter. Click here to see detailed resume on Kathy McHugh.
JOSEPH
MCHUGH
Executive Vice
President
Joe has over 26 years experience in the Themed Entertainment Industry (with 16 years at The Walt Disney Company). Joe's Disney career spans In-Park Operations and the Finance Divisions at Disneyland; participating in the creation of EPCOT Center's budget; and the financial administration of over $300 million of EPCOT's budget. He completed his Disney career as the Manager of Contract Administration for Disney's design organization, Walt Disney Imagineering (formerly WED Enterprises) where he had extensive responsibilities in the sourcing, contracting and administration of outside consultants and vendors for the development of EPCOT Center, Tokyo Disneyland and other Park projects. In 1987 he left Disney to become Chief Executive Officer of Ride & Show Engineering (a group of former Disney designers and engineers) where he worked on various domestic and international projects. In 1991, Joe joined Knutson-McHugh Consulting to more fully utilize his education and to apply his practical experience in assisting developers of themed entertainment projects to realize their goals. Joe holds degrees in both Finance and Law, is an active Attorney in California. He was a founding Director and the former President/Chairman of the Themed Entertainment Association, and is currently the Chairman of TEA's Industry Standards Committee. Click here to see more detailed resume on Joe McHugh.