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 Our Team of American Resort Management - Grand Prairie Texas

Meet Our Executive Team

Meet our executive team of expert hospitality consultants and waterpark consultants who specialize in creating profitable, long-term business plans and achieving excellence in the hospitality and waterpark industries.
Richard Coleman

Richard Coleman

CHA - CEO/CO-Founder
Read Bio of Richard Coleman
Richard Coleman

Richard Coleman

CHA - CEO/CO-Founder

Mr. Coleman has been involved in the hospitality and amusement industries for over 25 years and has been part of $1.5B in development. His career has encompassed all aspects of hotel, food and beverage, conference center, amusement and indoor waterpark operations. He has extensive experience ranging from development, financing, branding, launch and daily management of single and multi-unit properties, representing various nationally flagged and independent locations. 

Over the past decade, Mr. Coleman has been directly involved in numerous large-scale hotel, resort and themed attraction projects totaling over $500M in development. Mr. Coleman has extensive experience in EB-5, USDA and other non-traditional funding programs. 

Mr. Coleman has focused his career on providing the best guest experience possible through the efforts of recruiting, training and motivating management and staff. He has written, produced and implemented dozens of orientation, training and retention programs. 

A frequent lecturer and guest speaker, Mr. Coleman works tirelessly to promote a more personalized and "old world" service. Mr. Coleman has written and delivered dozens of property specific orientation programs for managers and associates that motivate individuals to reach for excellence. Mr. Coleman also created and developed the "Aloha Spirit" Orientation and Training Programs as well as the "Housekeeping Games" Employee Retention Program. 

Mr. Coleman holds the following certifications and memberships: 

  • Certified Hotel Administrator from the American Hotel & Lodging Association
  • Member of International Association of Amusement Parks and Attraction
  • Certified Ride Inspector for the State of Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Frank Pracukowski

Frank Pracukowski

Frank Pracukowski

Frank Pracukowski

President

Mr. Pracukowski has been in the Native American casino gaming industry for over 25 years. He opened Foxwoods Resort Casino in 1992 and was a key member of the executive team through the casino's numerous expansions. He has 17 years of experience in information technology and casino operations, being responsible for their proprietary casino management system (CMS) and led the effort to integrate all the computer systems into the CMS. He also worked closely to procure software for the gaming commission, marketing, cage, busing, credit, junkets and bingo. 

He spent the last 8 years at Foxwoods in Business Development, where he consulted and managed agreements with Native American Tribes. Mr. Pracukowski ran Foxwoods Interactive, the division of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to explore, develop and implement a real money igaming and social gaming solution. He was one of the first to launch a social gaming app, which proved to the casino industry that a B2B social gaming platform solution could be successful. 

Mr. Pracukowski also managed all of the on-and-off reservation developments for Foxwoods Development Company, as well as identified potential casino, resort and water park projects for investment and management opportunities. One of his many accomplishments was bringing in Tanger Outlet Stores at Foxwoods. He is a graduate of Gibbs College with a degree in casino operations. 

Michael Hays

Michael Hays

Vice President of Attractions
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Michael Hays

Michael Hays

Vice President of Attractions

Mr. Hayes is General Manager of Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark in Grand Prairie, Texas, with over 20 years of experience in the aquatic amusement industry. He has played an instrumental role in opening and operating ARM's premier property as well as providing his wealth of operational knowledge with additional facilities within the company. From design through construction and into operation, his ability to establish set guidelines and procedures has ensured successful start-up operations.

Being financially responsible, while ensuring the guest experience is never affected, has always been the driving force in his decision-making and leadership. His operations continue to win service awards including acknowledgement from the World Waterpark Association. Along with these accolades, his fiscal responsibility has ensured a positive return for the facilities that Mr. Hays has operated. 

His dedicated focus to providing exceptional service and memorable experiences continues to drive sales. He has trained and operated facilities across the country working for companies such as Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resorts, Jeff Ellis and Associates as well as Marriott. Mr. Hays understands and equips his staff with the necessary training and understanding of how to provide a fun and enjoyable experience without the expense of neglecting safety.

Prior to managing Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, Mr. Hays was director of operations for The Pump House at Jay Peak Resort, another retractable roof indoor waterpark. There he performed the role of managing all operations associated with the waterpark including admissions, aquatics, maintenance and food and beverage. At the time, it was the first indoor waterpark in the country with a curved retractable roof until Epic Waters opened in 2018.

Michael Wampler

Michael Wampler

Vice President of Sales
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Michael Wampler

Michael Wampler

Vice President of Sales

Michael Wampler is the Corporate Vice President of Sales for American Resort Management, LLC. His responsibilities include evaluating, developing, and implementing the company's sales strategies at our portfolio of attractions across the country. Additionally, Michael oversees the search for exceptional sponsorship opportunities.

Affectionately nicknamed "WAMP" by friends and coworkers, Michael comes to ARM with over 40 years' experience and a proven record of attendance growth, sales leadership, and staff development. His "can do" attitude and attention to detail, creativity, and resourcefulness are just a few of his strengths. WAMP brings a wealth of experience building, executing, and maintaining successful sales and marketing programs.

While attending the University of Georgia pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, WAMP was also a walk-on for both the Georgia Bulldogs Football and Wrestling teams. A knee injury compelled him to leave Georgia prior to his senior year at which time he accepted a fulltime Security Officer position with Six Flags Over Georgia; the theme park where he had worked part-time for, the past four summers. WAMP spent the next 22 years rising to Security Management, Sales Representative and finally Regional Sales Manager. During that same time, he returned to college and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Georgia State University with minors in both Public Relations and Criminal Justice. Sadly, changes within the Six Flags Corporation found WAMP's position eliminated.

Believing the adage "that when one door closes another open's"; WAMP was invited to Houston, Texas as Marketing Manager for Space Center Houston, The Official Visitor Center of NASA'S Johnson Space Center. Over the next 19 years he and his team grew annual attendance for the non-profit from 325,000 to over one million visitors annually. Looking for one last challenge WAMP left Houston to assume the role of Director of Marketing for Premier Parks, LLC at their newly acquired property, Magic Springs Theme & Water Park located in Hot Springs, AR. Fast forward 5 years to find WAMP's position eliminated due to COVID-19. As it would happen lightning does strike twice and he was tapped for his many years of experience and leadership skills by American Resort Management CEO Rick Coleman to become the Director of Marketing for their project in Grand Prairie, TX, Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark and this past summer WAMP was promoted to the new role of Corporate Vice President of Sales.

WAMP continues to be an AVID Georgia supporter. He and his wife Faye enjoy spending time with their five grown children as well as spoiling their 13 grandchildren. "GO DAWGS!"

Carl Foy

Carl Foy

Vice President of Marketing
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Carl Foy

Carl Foy

Vice President of Marketing

Carl Foy is the Corporate Vice President of Marketing for American Resort Management. Mr. Foy is responsible for leading and working with all Marketing staff and General Manager on all aspects of marketing, including advertising, media relations, public relations, and social media.

Previously, Mr. Foy has worked at Texas Renaissance Festival, Grand Texas, Traders Village and Six Flags as well as partnered with numerous organizations, non-profits, chambers of commerce, Texas Tourism Alliance (TTIA or TTA), and media groups. He also serves on the Attractions Committee for the Texas Travel Alliance. Starting at age 16 as a roller coaster operator, Mr. Foy got the attractions bug early on. Working through management roles in operations, food service, and retail, Mr. Foy eventually found his calling in marketing.

Originally from New Jersey, Mr. Foy attended New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, NJ. He moved to Houston in 2002 when he was offered a position at Six Flags Astroworld. Over the years, Mr. Foy has and maintains several certificates in Google Analytics, Social Media, Tourism & Attractions, and Marketing.

Marc Kapiloff

Marc Kapiloff

Vice President of Food & Beverage
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Marc Kapiloff

Marc Kapiloff

Vice President of Food & Beverage
Marc Kapiloff 
American Resort Management 
Food & Beverage Director Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark 
 
Marc Kapiloff has been with Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark since April 2017. He was part of our pre-opening team. He oversees all food and beverage outlets, which includes concessions, bars, birthdays and catering events. Recently, we have taken over the Epic Rec Center, where Mr. Kapiloff oversees the café, bars and catering events. 
 
His many years of experience includes F&B director of Lone Star Park Thoroughbred Race Track; F&B director of Remington Park Racetrack, in Oklahoma City; vice president of F&B for Grande Catering, at Retama Park, in San Antonio; vice president of concessions for Kwik Kafe in Omaha, Nebraska, overseeing the Omaha Civic Auditorium, the Iowa State Football Stadium and the Lloyd Noble Arena, at the University of Oklahoma; general manager of F&B for Odgen Food Service at Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, Louisiana Downs Racetrack and Kirkwood Meadows Ski Resort; general manager of F&B for Volume Services at San Jose Convention and Cultural Center, Kiel Auditorium, in St. Louis, Kemper Arena, in Kansas City; and Mr. Kapiloff started his career as manager trainee and assistant manager of Royals and Arrowhead Stadiums in Kansas City. 
 
In these many years of experience, in the recreational feeding field, he has managed many high-end events, such as Breeders Cups; MLB playoff games; NFL playoffs and Super Bowl; the Preakness; the Charismatic Convention, during which they served over 250,000 meals per day utilizing Royals and Arrowhead Stadiums, Kemper Arena and The American Royal. 
 
His many experiences have given him the opportunity to serve many entertainers, profession athletes and politicians, including both President Bushes and Vice President Walter Mondale. 
 
Mr. Kapiloff is a graduate of Kansas State University, with a bachelor of science in hospitality management. He has three children and four grandchildren. 
Mark Ventresca

Mark Ventresca

Vice President of Operations - Houston and SI Development
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Mark Ventresca

Mark Ventresca

Vice President of Operations - Houston and SI Development
Mark was born and raised in Fairfield County Connecticut and attended University of Bridgeport where he majored in business. Mark moved to Miami Beach where he launched his career at the world famous Turnberry Isle Resort & Club. During his 13 years tenure at Turnberry Isle , Mark worked under the Mandarin Oriental and Fairmont hotel brand management companies. Mark worked in numerous positions such as beverage manager, banquet director, group sales & catering, and as food & beverage director. Mark then went to work for the Stronach Group at Miami's famed Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino. During his 12 years at the Stronach Group, he also worked at various other properties in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Baltimore Maryland where he spearheaded all of the F&B for the Preakness Stakes from 2012 to 2019 feeding over 138,000 guests in various restaurants, suites, and private bungalows. Mark was recently at JACK casino in Cleveland Ohio for the past 3 years where he was the Executive director of Food & Beverage & events before joining ARM in April of 2023. Besides food & beverage, Mark also has vast amount of experience in sales & marketing, sponsorships, resort management, openings, memberships, catering, and group sales.
Gary Yakesch

Gary Yakesch

Vice President of Administration
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Gary Yakesch

Gary Yakesch

Vice President of Administration

Gary brings over 30 years of experience to American Resort Management. Gary's career started in the hospitality industry as property controller for the DoubleTree/Guest Quarter Hotel brand and progressed to corporate operations with American General Hospitality/Meristar/Interstate Hotels & Resorts. While serving on the corporate side, Gary garnered increasingly responsible experience in property audit and owner required reviews, financial analytics with specific focus on the financial viability of proposed acquisitions, and SOP development and execution for stand-alone and resort golf operations held in the corporate portfolio.

Gary's career found a new trajectory in 1999 with a role in the public sector. Serving as City Controller, Gary learned the many facets of government finance and the application relative to the principal operation of government. Gary spent 15 years as Assistant Director Of Business tasked with managing a fund portfolio of over $58M across seven unique fund structures. Of particular note, Gary had primary oversight of designated public/private management operation agreements, ground and commercial lease agreements, partnership contracts, and other like agreements. Gary held primary oversight in the management of the voter approved sales tax for the development and operation of a multi-million dollar Recreation Center (The Epic) and indoor water park (Epic Waters operated by American Resort Management). Principal to this role, Gary served as Owner's Representative specific to management agreements, managed the dedicated sales tax fund related to management agreements, and prepared annual proposals for the benefit of city management and elected officials on the use and management of the dedicated sales tax subject to statutory limitations and requirements.

In addition to his public and private sector experience, Gary developed his private real estate practice concurrent with his municipal career. A licensed Texas Real Estate Salesperson for more than 22 years, Gary has extensive experience specific to residential real estate in the State Of Texas. Gary holds a Bachelor Of Science from Texas A&M University and is an avid NASCAR and dirt track race fan.

Dan Williams

Dan Williams

Vice President of Hotels
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Dan Williams

Dan Williams

Vice President of Hotels

Mr. Williams has been in Hotel & Resort operations for over 17 plus years. He has led multiple opening teams, accomplishing record pre-opening review scores and cost savings for the principals. Dan has been involved in both individual property management, as well as overseeing as many as 120 properties for major real estate REITS. Through the years, he has worked in both flagged and independent hotels & resorts.

In his previous roles he has accomplished record GOP and revenue growth through cost controls, revenue management and recruiting & developing exceptional talent. During the pandemic Dan and his previous corporate team achieved year over year growth. Opening 5 new builds and beating budgeted portfolio revenue by $28 million dollars while maintaining a GOP of 65%.

In Dan's time working as an individual property general manager, and task force general manager for multiple companies. He has always been able to achieve increased revenue, GOP and both guest and employee satisfaction. One of his properties in Galveston, TX had seen $2.5 million in budget surplus with a 60% GOP.

Overall, Dan's operational planning, cost controls and associate development. Have had a proven success for every company he has worked with.

He also has extensive knowledge in property management systems, both build outs and functionality. As well as extensive knowledge in both facilities and vendor management.

Gerald Cermak, CPA

Gerald Cermak, CPA

CPA - Director of Financial Services
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Gerald Cermak, CPA

Gerald Cermak, CPA

CPA - Director of Financial Services

Mr. Cermak is a certified public accountant and a graduate of Edinboro University with a bachelor of science in business administration/accounting. He has more than 26 years of experience as a dedicated professional in accounting and finance at some of the most elite companies in the country where he filled various roles from accounting manager, financial analyst for consolidation and reporting as well as internal and external auditor.

Prior to joining American Resort Management, Mr. Cermak has held both the director and chairman positions with American Foundry Society Northwest PA Chapter as well as the director position for the Allegheny Recovery Corporation.

Debbie Constable

Debbie Constable

Senior Financial Analyst
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Debbie Constable

Debbie Constable

Senior Financial Analyst

Debbie attended Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Her time at Gannon provided her with a strong foundation in accounting principles, tax regulations, and business administration. She graduated with the skills and knowledge needed to launch her career in accounting.

Debbie has worked with a diverse range of clients, from small businesses to large corporations; she specializes in business taxes and administration. Her understanding of the field allows her to provide valuable insights, helping businesses optimize their financial strategies while remaining in accordance with the law.

Debbie has dedicated numerous years to auditing business clients and managing the day-to-day and monthly accounting operations. This invaluable experience has provided her with the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of businesses. Additionally, she has effectively supervised payroll activities for over 50 clients, diligently handling the filing of monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports.

In addition to Debbie's career in tax accounting, she and her husband have been small business owners for 30 years. This hands-on experience has given her a unique perspective, understanding the trials and triumphs that business owners face on a daily basis. Debbie has learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of building relationships with clients.

Judy New

Judy New

Human Resource Director
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Judy New

Judy New

Human Resource Director

Judy is a HR professional with a decade of experience working within the intricacies of people management. Successfully developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything she does, both professionally and personally. She began her career working in Human Resource with healthcare, pharmacy and a nonprofit Hospice agency. Judy is regularly a part of creating internal programs to assist employees with effectiveness in the work place. She is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking. Currently she is working to complete her Human Resources certification (PHR).

Outside of work, Judy enjoys doing voiceovers and participating in leadership seminars to mentor and enhance the life of young women and can be found on bike rides in her community with friends and family.

Chad Lagomarsino

Chad Lagomarsino

Director of Development - Southeast Region
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Chad Lagomarsino

Chad Lagomarsino

Director of Development - Southeast Region

As ARM's director of development for the Southeast Region, Mr. Lagomarsino is involved in many aspects of the expansion of American Resort Management's portfolio including identifying and analyzing potential hotel and resort investments, and securing third-party management contracts for hotel, resort and entertainment projects and joint-venture hotel, resort and entertainment projects. Throughout his career, he has developed solid relationships with owners, brokers and financial institutions in the region, which assist him in identifying opportunities for our investment partners and contracts for ARM. 

Prior to joining American Resort Management, Mr. Lagomarsino was a founding partner of Georgia Land and Commercial Solutions (GLS). Under his leadership, GLS grew into an industry giant, which was empowered by over 700 licensed agents working in the virtual properties division. GLS was responsible for brokering and closing large tracts of land throughout Georgia. He has been successful in closing a variety of land and commercial properties, from an 8,800-acre timber tract outside of Athens, Georgia, to numerous raw land developments in Northeast Georgia. 

Mr. Lagomarsino has owned and operated 65 prime acres in Gwinnett County, creating plans to bring the first indoor water park mixed-use project to Georgia. He also has developed many small projects in the panhandle of Florida and helped raise financing for 2,700 acres in Pensacola. His company allowed buyers to pursue their dreams. 

Donna Capoverde 

Donna Capoverde 

Senior Financial Analyst
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Donna Capoverde 

Donna Capoverde 

Senior Financial Analyst

Donna Capoverde is a Senior Financial Analyst in the corporate finance group of American Resort Management (ARM).

She is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting for a variety of hospitality properties within ARM's portfolio, working directly with property General Managers to ensure accurate & timely financial reporting and budgetary compliance.

Prior to joining ARM in June 2022, Donna was the Managing Director of Finance for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN), owners, and operators of Foxwoods Resort & Casino. Donna was responsible for the financial reporting of the $150 million Tribal government ensuring the integrity of all financial data along with the cash management and debt compliance filings for both MPTN and Foxwoods.

Prior to that Donna spent 9 years at Little & Co., Inc as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and 4 years at Ernst & Young as a Senior Tax Supervisor.

Donna earned an MBA from Bryant University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting & Finance from the University of Rhode Island. She is a Certified Public Account.

Leticia Evans

Leticia Evans

Director of Risk Management and Legal Affairs
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Leticia Evans

Leticia Evans

Director of Risk Management and Legal Affairs

Letty brings years of progressively responsible legal experience as a practicing attorney as well as hands-on business and financial management experience for large recreational facilities.  She is a Certified Public Manager and Certified Government Financial Officer.  Her legal experience includes roles as a former magistrate judge, adjunct professor of legal systems, and city prosecutor.   She recently transitioned from the public sector where she was the former Assistant Director of Parks, Arts & Recreation - Finance and Business, handling a $58 million-dollar departmental budget.  She is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio and Southern Methodist Law School in Dallas and lives with her family and two rescue dogs in Arlington, Texas.