CRYSTAL LAKE, IL – May 14, 2024 – During its 2024 Annual Membership Meeting in Las Vegas, AMOA paid tribute to late AMOA past president Don Hesch (1998) who passed away on January 14. Hesch was pivotal in guiding the association through some serious and unprecedented challenges in the late nineties.

Former AMOA executive vice president, Jack Kelleher, was invited to the annual gathering to deliver a fitting tribute to the late past president. Hesch and past president Jim Stansfield (1999) hired Kelleher as the association’s staff lead to help address and eventually overcome the challenges faced by the then 50-year-old association.

“Don made such a profound and long-lasting impact—not only on this now 76-year-old trade association and countless individuals in the industry—but his family, of course, his legion of friends…and me,” said Kelleher.

AMOA president Luke Adams presiding over the association’s annual meeting added, “Had it not been for Don Hesch—and Jim Stansfield—AMOA may not be standing here today serving as a relevant and primary voice of this great industry. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the late Mr. Hesch and Mr. Stansfield who stood for us when we were at our weakest. They are perfect examples of what it means to be Operators as well as respected leaders of the AMOA.”

The AMOA membership acknowledged Don’s significant contributions to AMOA with resounding applause.

About the AMOA The AMOA is a national not-for-profit 501(c)6 trade association dedicated to serving owner operators, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers within the amusement entertainment industry throughout North America. The organization supports industry growth and its membership through programs that include representation in government/legislative affairs, industry education, outreach/training initiatives, membership cost saving benefits, and professional development programs.

For more information about the AMOA, visit www.amoa.com