Franceen Gonzales is vice president of risk management at Great Wolf Resorts, based in Madison, Wis. She directs operations for waterpark, resort maintenance, safety and security for 11 resorts. Gonzales has 25 years’ experience in the amusement and waterpark industries. She is an associate of Jeff Ellis & Associates and a CPO Instructor. She’s also on several committees and boards, including the Model Aquatic Health Code and National Swimming Pool Foundation.
Kathy Fisher is an industry veteran whose career spans more than 30 years. She currently serves as aquatic director at the West Morris Area YMCA in Randolph, N.J. She specializes in the field of aquatic fitness, wellness and rehabilitation. Fisher currently is working to create an advanced aquatic rehabilitation and fitness program addressing two of the key challenges of our time — obesity and an aging population. A trainer, speaker and author, Fisher was awarded the 2010 YMCA Character Development Award.
Louis S. Fruia is natatorium coordinator at the Conroe(Texas) Independent School District, and administrator of district-wide and community aquatics programs. His 30 years of experience includes work within the United States and abroad on all levels — from age group to university swimming. Fruia is affiliated with a number of interscholastic, athletic and instructional public and private governing organizations, including the University Interscholastic League; American Red Cross; American Swimming Coaches Association; National Recreation and Park Association; and USA Swimming. He was NPRA’s 2005 Excellence in Aquatics recipient, and a 2007 Aquatics International Power 25 honoree.
Tara Eggleston is the countywide aquatics coordinator for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Department of Parks and Recreation. She oversees program development, marketing and training initiatives for the department’s aquatics specialty. Eggleston has a master’s degree in sports business and has been involved in aquatics for more than 15 years. She holds American Red Cross WSIT, WSI, LGIT and LGI certifications, and also serves as a member of the Supervisory Committee for her local American Red Cross chapter.
Maureen McGinty is the general manager of SouthWest Aquatics, a family-owned facility in Winter Garden, Fla., specializing in swim lessons and swim teams. She received a master's in business administration from Rollins’ Crummer School of Business and holds an undergraduate degree in marketing from the University of Florida, where she competed as a springboard and platform diver. McGinty was a national springboard and platform diver for 12 years and remains active in the Central Florida aquatics community. She serves as a board member for The Gift of Swimming a charitable organization established in 2003 that provides lifesaving swim lessons to children with special needs. She enjoys her free time in the water, whether it is on the Butler Chain of Lakes, at the ocean or in the pool.
