Getting to Know You: Jessica Naderman, Dorney Park’s New GM and Vice President
Ryan Eldredge
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In May it was announced that Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom would be getting a new General Manager and Vice President.
This month we are getting to know Jessica Naderman who succeeds Michael Fehnel and is the first woman to serve as General Manager of Dorney Park in our 138 years of operation.
Naderman previously served as assistant general manager of Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston in Texas, one of 13 properties in the United States and Canada owned by Cedar Fair. She brings more than 20 years of experience in theme and water parks to her new position. Naderman began her career in 1998 in ride operations at what was then called Paramount Kings Island in Cincinnati. She later spent nearly seven years as manager of operations at California’s Great America. After working for Herschend Family Entertainment and Palace Entertainment for seven years, she returned to Cedar Fair as director of park operations for Valleyfair in Minnesota. She was promoted to the assistant general manager role at Schlitterbahn in March 2021.
Below is a the transcript of a “Getting to Know You” interview she did with our public relations team:
Q: “How excited are you to be here and to be the new General Manager and Vice President of Dorney Park?”
A: “I am thrilled. It’s been a personal dream of mine to become a vice president and general manager and after being here for a week I couldn’t imagine a better place to do it. I’m an Ohio native so this is close to home. Pennsylvania is not too far. The park is beautiful. Well maintained and we have great associates and great guests.”
Q: “Why did you feel like Dorney Park was the right spot?”
A: “I was really just enamored with the region. We’re close to New York City and Philadelphia. I think that the Lehigh Valley is just a really cool place to live. It’s historic, steeped in history and culture. In general it’s just a really exciting place to be.”
Q: “Have you had a chance to explore the area?”
A: “Not a whole lot but I was looking for a place to live and I just have to say that I’m taken with the geography of the area. It’s beautiful. The fields, the rolling hills, mountains, historic architecture, it’s just a really pretty area. “
Q: “What kind of leader are you?”
A: “I try to be a really good person. I think at the end of the day kindness is very important and not to sound cheesy but leading with love or servant leadership… we’re here to serve our guests and the people that work with us and we should feel lucky every day that we get to do that. “
Q: “What is the first thing you noticed about the park?”
A: “It’s very well maintained. I was impressed with how good the buildings looked, including the park itself. The rides collection is dynamic and there is really a good inventory package.”
Q: “Do you know what your favorite rides are yet?”
A: “I will be honest. I have not been on any of our rides yet. That is on my to do list. I think Steel Force will probably be my favorite although Talon looks like it packs a punch and is unique with its ride experience. I’m looking forward to trying them. They’re probably the top two.”
Q: “What do you like to do in your free time?”
A: “I love sports. I’m a big sports fan. I like the Bengals but I did cheer for the Eagles in the Super Bowl. So… Fly Eagles Fly. But seriously, anything with competition. It’s the idea of working hard to achieve greatness is why I’m a big fan.”
Q: “Did you play any sports growing up?”
A: “I played soccer, basketball, softball, track and field, skiing, anything that had competition.”
Naderman encourages folks to stop and say hello if you catch her in the park and don't be afraid to offer feedback.
