KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (February 10, 2009) – Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, a leading hospitality provider with significant experience in hotel, retail, food service and recreation, has hired William Moore as chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Delaware North operates all food service, retail and guest services at the popular tourist destination.
In this role, Moore will oversee Delaware North operations at the Visitor Complex and work to leverage the company’s diverse capabilities to best serve guests. The Visitor Complex welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors annually who come to enjoy the Kennedy Space Center bus tour such attractions as the new Shuttle Launch Experience, Rocket Garden, IMAX® 3D space films and launches from NASA’s nearby launch facility. Delaware North has operated at the destination on behalf of NASA since 1995.
“I’m very excited to have Bill in this post and handling our operations at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex,” said Kevin Kelly, president of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts. “Bill has the right combination of skill and experience to help us strengthen our operations and better serve guests at this one-of-a-kind place.”
Moore brings more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment and tourism industry to his new post at the Visitor Complex. Most recently, Moore served as the president and CEO of Independence Visitor Center Corporation in Philadelphia. There, Moore oversaw operations for the Independence Visitor Center and directed the development of a new home for the historic Liberty Bell. Moore has also held senior executive positions with Six Flags Corporation. In all, Moore has considerable experience in all aspects of park operations, including marketing, finance, administration, food service, retail and maintenance.
“Bill has truly done some impressive things during his career and we’re excited to have him join our team,” said Kelly. “His efforts in Philadelphia regarding the Liberty Bell are tangible evidence of his ability to be a steward of special places. His experience personifies our company’s values.”
Moore served on numerous public committees in Philadelphia such as Historic Philadelphia, Inc., the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Welcome America, Inc. and the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Economic Advisory Council. Moore is also an FAA-licensed commercial pilot, private helicopter pilot and flight instructor.
About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings far-reaching NASA exploration events and triumphs to visitors – up close and personal. The journey takes NASA’s space exploration story to the next level through new technology and interactive experiences. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has been operated by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Inc. on behalf of NASA since 1995. More than 1.5 million visitors annually tour Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the gateway to a working space center and one of Florida’s most popular destinations. Admission includes the Shuttle Launch Experience, inspiring tours of NASA’s spaceport facilities, daily Astronaut Encounters, towering rockets, IMAX® space films and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®. For more information, call 321-449-4444 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.
About Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts
Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts is a subsidiary of Delaware North Companies, a leading hospitality provider with significant experience in hotel, retail, food service, recreation and transportation operations. The company’s portfolio includes historic properties in North America, such as the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; Yosemite, Sequoia, Yellowstone and Grand Canyon national parks; Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds; Tenaya Lodge; Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa; Niagara Falls State Park; Jones Beach; Plaza del Pasado in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park; The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake; The Balsams Grand Resort; and Gideon Putnam Resort. To learn more about Delaware North Companies’ expertise in the hospitality industry, visit www.dnchospitalitymgt.com.
About Delaware North Companies
Delaware North Companies is a global leader in hospitality and food service. Its family of companies includes Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, Delaware North Companies Sportservice, Delaware North Companies International and Delaware North Companies Boston, owner of TD Banknorth Garden. Delaware North Companies is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States with revenues exceeding $2 billion annually and 50,000 associates serving half a billion customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.DelawareNorth.com.
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