Omar Rivera
Maitland
Summary
Digital and technology strategy executive with 20+ years of experience leading enterprise transformation across global organizations. Recognized for integrating AI, ML, and digital platforms into scalable services that improve member engagement, operational efficiency, and organizational visibility. Proven success aligning digital services with marketing, events, and membership teams to deliver measurable ROI, while managing enterprise-level budgets up to $1.8M. Currently serving as Interim Global Head of Digital Strategy at IAAPA, where I lead AI/ML-first innovation, global platforms, and enterprise governance. Known for board-level communication, implementing new ways of working, and mentoring teams while bridging business goals with digital capabilities.
Overview
2024
2024
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Web Services
International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA)
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Built IAAPA's first global digital services team, supporting marketing, membership, and event operations worldwide.
- Directed the redesign and relaunch of IAAPA.org, improving member experiences and enterprise-level scalability.
- Launched the early version of NEAL chatbot, reducing service volume while enhancing user support.
- Partnered with marketing and sales teams to support integrated digital campaigns that drove event engagement.
- Championed accessibility, compliance, and governance standards across global digital platforms.
Manager, Web Services
International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA)
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Optimized CMS workflows and digital content processes to accelerate campaign delivery.
- Improved SEO, taxonomy, and analytics to strengthen visibility and measurable engagement.
- Oversaw vendor contracts and enterprise-level project delivery.
Lead Drupal Developer / Intranet Manager
Scholastic Inc.
New York
01.2010 - 01.2018
- Directed content, eCommerce, and digital technology initiatives across Scholastic's platforms.
- Led the migration to Adobe AEM, delivering the project ahead of schedule.
- Partnered with business units on digital campaigns, collateral, and proposal development.
- Managed global and offshore teams, ensuring timely delivery of enterprise initiatives.
Interim Global Head of Digital Strategy
International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA)
Orlando
- Defined and executed IAAPA's first AI/ML-first digital strategy enterprise-wide, aligning global marketing, membership, and events under a unified vision that drives member value, revenue growth, and long-term scalability.
- Partnered with Satisfi Labs to design and launch NEAL, a flagship AI-powered chatbot built from the ground up, integrating multiple enterprise systems with CRM to deliver personalized conversations, guided registration, and conversational search.
- Sponsored adoption of AI and Generative AI tools across the organization, embedding automation, efficiency, and governance practices that modernized IAAPA's global digital operations.
- Established and communicated a global digital roadmap that incorporated cross-committee and executive needs, ensuring enterprise priorities and accountability at the board level.
- Served as a strategic advisor to executives and the board, presenting the digital transformation agenda, securing funding, and shaping long-term digital capabilities for IAAPA.
- Directed a $1.8M budget and global vendor ecosystem, optimizing resources to balance innovation, compliance, and enterprise growth.
- Enhanced organizational transparency by creating executive reporting frameworks that tied digital progress directly to board and leadership oversight.
- Stepped in to rescue and realign high-stakes initiatives, including safety, compliance, and platform stability, protecting IAAPA's brand integrity and operational timelines.
- Mentored and scaled a senior digital team, implementing a new operating model that shifted digital work from ad hoc requests to structured, sprint-based planning - improving visibility, prioritization, and accountability across the enterprise.
Multimedia Producer
Tribune Inc.
Chicago
- Launched and managed Enginehead.com, an online automotive magazine generating $2M revenue in three years.
- Directed B2B content and digital operations across Tribune media properties.
- Managed budgets, P&L;, and alignment between sales and digital operations for growth.
Education
Coursework -
Valencia College
Orlando, FLCoursework -
SNHU’s College For America
OnlineSkills
- AI and generative innovation
- Digital strategy and governance
- Global team leadership
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
- Cross-functional collaboration
- CRM and data personalization
- Lead nurturing and demand generation
- Data-driven decision making
- Agile methodologies and operating models
- Strategic thinking and problem solving
- Project management and budget oversight
- Team mentorship and training
- Web accessibility standards
- Content management systems
- Technical oversight: Drupal development
Websites
Certification
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- AI for Everyone - Coursera (Foundational AI/GenAI Certification)
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Director of Web Services
International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA)
01.2021 - 01.2024
Manager, Web Services
International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA)
01.2018 - 01.2021
Lead Drupal Developer / Intranet Manager
Scholastic Inc.
01.2010 - 01.2018
Interim Global Head of Digital Strategy
International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA)
Multimedia Producer
Tribune Inc.
Coursework -
Valencia College
Coursework -
SNHU’s College For America