Jerry Merola serves as Managing Partner and Chief Financial Officer and of Amusement Entertainment Management, L.L.C, a position he has held for twenty-five years.  He has focused much of his efforts on analyzing and enhancing the performance of the firm's client portfolio, which includes owners of entertainment venues, water parks, theme parks, casinos, and financial institutions.  He has developed feasibility studies, business plans, business valuations, operating plans, and funding programs for some of the most notable names in the entertainment industry and performed business audits in almost all markets and sectors.  Jerry and the firm have developed one of the most comprehensive attractions databases available, allowing its clients to obtain "real world" performance results and earnings capability for virtually any entertainment component. 

Earlier in his career, Jerry served ten years in the commercial banking industry as Vice President of one of the Northeast's largest commercial banks, where he managed a team of lenders that controlled the bank's Fortune 1000 client portfolio.  Additionally, he served as a key member of the bank's lending committee, where he steered the investment focus for specific regions.   A holder of bachelors and masters degrees in corporate and international finance from Fordham University and Fairleigh Dickinson University respectively, Jerry brings to the table a wealth of experience in financial markets, project and land development, budgeting, and risk management.  He has authored over 250 articles in both the entertainment and financial services industries and is an accredited instructor for the American Banking Institute.  Jerry has testified on various legal matters within the United States, serving as an entertainment expert for companies such as GE Capital, New York Life, and Utica Insurance Company.   Jerry maintains a seat on the Advisory Board of Citizens Bancorp, a $222 billion institution based in New York City.

Jerry has served as a key speaker and member of the faculty at numerous seminars on behalf of The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions,  Amusement and Music Operators Association, and The International Association of the Leisure Entertainment Industry on topics ranging from project development to operations management.   At present, he serves as Regent of Foundations Entertainment University, the Industry’s longest running education program, and has previously served on IAAPA’s FEC and Education boards.