The Team Powering Vantage


Michael Jungen

President

Michael has a 25-year track record implementing cutting-edge technologies for the attractions and hospitality industries. Playing a key role in the Disney Parks Next Generation Experience (NGE) project, Michael led the implementation of several innovative initiatives including MagicBand and MyMagic+, as well as single-finger biometrics at park entrances and the Disney Gift Card. Michael was also instrumental in developing and delivering Carnivals Ocean Medallion guest experience platform. Most recently, as Global Vice President of CX Solutions Technology for Aristocrat Gaming, his unprecedented credentials helped shape the future of customer experience engagement platforms. Michael is passionate about helping to make venues welcoming, engaging places for all who enter.


Aaron Mendelson

Senior Vice President

Aaron’s expertise in building world-class guest experiences that drive operational insight has been acquired through a combination of hands-on experience and product vision. Starting with a degree in science and technology, he served in a leadership role at Universal Orlando’s entertainment division. From there, Aaron spent over 10 years creating technology-driven experiences within the hospitality industry at Marriott Hotels as the Director of Special Events and Entertainment. In this position, Aaron was responsible for the strategy, execution, marketing, operation, and financial success of each entertainment event. Using RFID, Bluetooth Low Energy, and interactive video, Aaron created a themed attraction that helped cement his ability to blend guest journey with operational excellence. Since 2012, Aaron has been part of the WhiteWater family to successfully drive technology across multiple product lines, with each one of them contributing to the client-focused product vision and stability that Vantage enjoys today.

Clayton Rogers
Director, Engineering

Clayton has over 25 years of leadership experience in engineering, software architecture, systems design, and agile product development. Among his most recent accomplishments, Clayton built a core agile software engineering capability in his previous role at HP. In his current role with Vantage, his responsibilities lie in shaping technical strategy, leading hardware and software development, and ensuring all internal systems operate securely and effectively. Clayton takes a hands-on management approach, providing an on-the-ground perspective that helps boost team morale and business agility. He is passionate about leading a high-performing team that consistently delivers its best to clients.

 

David Black

Director, Technology

David is a proven innovator and a business savvy project manager who began his career with a BSc in Computer Science from the University of British Columbia. His expertise in systems and software engineering, product design and architecture, and real-time embedded functions has led him to create cutting-edge solutions over 30 years for a variety of applications, including telecommunications, medicine, entertainment, intelligence, security, and surveillance. David has worked with WhiteWater since 2015. His ability to envision and develop technology for both the corporate world as well as aerospace and the U.S. military means that Vantage clients will benefit from his creative, cross-functional thinking and a sharp eye for operational details.

Eric Dunaway
Senior Software Development Engineer

Meet Eric Dunaway, our Senior Software Development Engineer with over a decade of hands-on experience in the US Military and six years as a technical team leader. Bringing his passion for event-driven and data platforms, Eric has been a key player in various successful projects since joining Vantage in 2018. From tackling different roles to his current position as Senior Software Development Engineer, Eric’s knack for engineering-focused problem-solving and impressive technical skills have been crucial in the triumph of complex projects. His commitment to excellence and deep technical knowledge not only make him an asset to the team but also add a touch of expertise to the mix. Eric is the go-to person for turning challenges into triumphs in the world of software development at Vantage.


Corey Anthony

Front-End Developer/Team Lead

Corey’s leadership and development work in IT and applications technology began in 2004. With a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix and the completion of an apprenticeship as an Information Technology Specialist, Corey has demonstrated the ability to produce high-quality software and lead development teams in well-known companies. During his ten years supporting the United States Antarctic Program while employed at Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, Corey oversaw a web development team and directly contributed to a host of specialized applications and related websites. Corey’s extensive experience in different technical environments ensures excellence in Vantage’s software, enabling clients to provide a world-class level of service to their customers.


Lucas Appratto

Customer Success Manager

Lucas has had a presence in the hospitality industry for over 5 years. He has been instrumental in helping parks define solutions to their unique challenges. Most recently, he helped devise the innovative virtual pass processing system for passholders at Island H2O water park, enabling passholders to skip queues and seamlessly enter the park for a more convenient experience. Lucas applies his creative, outside-the-box thinking to his role as the Vantage Customer Success Manager. He ensures that clients are maximizing the full potential of their park’s technologies in harmony with the Vantage platform.


Zac McCallum

Senior Project Manager

Zac is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) who graduated from Colorado State University in 2015 with a degree in Economics. His studies in formal project management methodology, along with his background in economics, helped him develop a keen eye for efficiency. Zac’s prior life in design, construction, and engineering saw him managing complex projects featuring new technologies. This background sharpened his attention to detail and provided him valuable technology integration experience, which gave him all the tools for success as a Vantage Project Manager. Zac focuses on process creation and implementation to drive results while maintaining a focus on creativity and innovation.


Vladan Pantelic
Project Manager, MENA

With an MBA in International Business Management from the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management and extensive experience in research and in the corporate world, Vladan brings a sharp eye for opportunities. Prior to joining Vantage, he led a cross-functional team as Head of Revenue Operations in the Jumeirah Group, where his improvements in operating efficiencies delivered impressive measurable results. Vladan’s expertise encompasses digital strategy, experience management, business intelligence, and agile solutions for data-driven decision making. He regularly shares his knowledge through speaking and lecturing at conferences and educational institutions. With a versatile skillset spanning business and technology, Vladan has the right blend to help Vantage clients unlock competitive advantages driven by behavioral insights.

 

Lenique Bossr

Project Coordinator, MENA

Lenique brings her extensive background in the hospitality and water park industries with a deep understanding of client and guest experiences. Having specialized in guest-centric markets with a people-first approach, Lenique cultivates good business working relationships with all relevant stakeholders through open communication and highly organized processes. Lenique holds a Bachelor of Technology in PR and Communications Management.


Eduardo Henne

Marketing Manager

With over 10 years of experience delivering highly successful marketing strategies and branding initiatives, Eduardo endeavors to deliver the right messages across the right channels at the right times. Understanding human behavior and the consumer journey is one of his greatest skillsets. Through his years of experience, he has had the opportunity to design and implement high-performing targeted campaigns for brands such as Whirlpool, General Mills, Nestlé, Mondelez, Boeing, P&G, and Kimberly Clark. Currently, Eduardo’s interest lies in developing marketing solutions to meet the growing demands of the amusement technology space. “The leisure and technology industry is an exciting challenge for my career. I look forward to helping Vantage achieve its goals and help drive the joy economy.”


Shay Babaki

Performance Marketing Lead

With a background in digital marketing and communications, Shay’s passion for technology shines through in her work bringing Vantage to market. She enjoys applying creative, value-led strategies to drive messaging around the digital transformation of the amusement industry. Shay is currently pursuing a Digital Marketing Associate Certificate from the British Columbia Institute of Technology and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Sociology from the University of Victoria.

Harmony Liau Mueller
Internal Communication & Content Manager

Harmony holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and a Certificate in Digital Marketing Management from the University of Toronto. Having lived in five different countries speaking three different languages—including German and Mandarin Chinese, she brings a cross-cultural perspective to communications. Harmony has worked in advertising at a state exhibition center in Germany, served as a magazine editor in China, and later headed marketing and communications at a prestigious international school. She loves creating content that helps clients understand the benefits of a product or service and is currently pursuing a Certificate in Strategic Copywriting.