Adventure Park Insider—Boulder, Colo., Feb. 20, 2025—In the ACCT board of directors election in January, the association re-elected two members and selected a new member for the accredited operations seat. Jason Ong (general membership seat) and Erik Marter (accredited vendor seat) were re-elected to three-year terms, while JJ Stapleton gained the accredited operations seat. The board also established its executive committee and committee liaison positions for the year.
About the three elected board members:
Jason Ong, Eneres
Jason began his career in the outdoors with Outward Bound in Malaysia. He has played a key role in the evolution of the outdoor industry in the region, contributing to the development of various adventure camps, challenge courses, zip lines, and via ferrata. His expertise and dedication continue to shape safety standards and best practices in the outdoor adventure community. He will continue in his role as board liaison for the ACCT international committee.
JJ Stapleton, The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
JJ joined the challenge course industry almost 10 years ago, and found the home he’d been looking for his entire career. He worked is way through the ranks from part-time facilitator to director of operations at The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, a large commercial facility where JJ oversees training, facilitation, maintenance, and PPE.
Erik Marter, Synergo
Erik has been owner of Synergo for 30 years and has been involved in designing, installing, and operating challenge courses, commercial zip line tours, and adventure parks, as well as training for all. He started his career in 1980 working at a camp that serves youth and adults who live with disabilities, and is still involved with that camp. He will continue in his role as treasurer on the board.
The executive committee for the year has been set as follows:
- Chair: Korey Hampton
- Vice chair: Alicia Bourke
- Board secretary: Michael Smith
- Treasurer: Erik Marter
Additionally, the volunteer group board liaison roles have been established:
- Technical, Information, Research, and Education Committee: Leslie Sohl
- Consensus Body: Michael Smith
- Leadership & Nominations Committee: Alicia Bourke
- ACCT International Committee: Jason Ong
- Insurance & Risk Management Committee: Lauren Stover
- Finance Committee: Erik Marter
- Board Emeritus: Korey Hampton
- Accredited Vendor Liaison: Kennerly de Forest
- Accredited Operator Liaison: JJ Stapleton
The Accredited Vendor and Accredited Operator Liaison roles are new for this term.
The board thanked two retiring Board members for their years of service to the ACCT community: former Board member Rohan Shahani and former Board emeritus member Jim Wall.
