originally posted on 3/10/2025
Every ACE member belongs to a region, fostering a local community within the organization. Led by dedicated volunteers, regional teams connect with parks, engage members and organize events. At the heart of this effort are our regional representatives — key contributors to ACE’s mission.
A select few go above and beyond, shaping both their regions and ACE as a whole. Recently, two long-time regional representatives received ACE’s highest honor for their tireless efforts: honorary membership. This distinction, awarded to only 96 members, grants lifetime ACE membership and a year of complimentary registration to organization-wide events.
Rus Ozana and Elizabeth Ringas.
Photo: Rus Ozana collection. View full-sized image.
Rus Ozana – New England Region
After 12 years as New England’s regional representative, Rus Ozana has transitioned to assistant representative. His meticulous organization and dedication strengthened ACE’s relationships with area parks and expanded regional events. Beyond his leadership, Rus is the editor of ACE News Now, keeping enthusiasts informed of breaking news, and serves on the editorial staff of ACE News. ACE salutes his unwavering commitment.
Jason Knutson and Elizabeth Ringas.
Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.
Jason Knutson – South Central Region
For 15 years, Jason Knutson has led ACE South Central with excellence. Under his leadership, the region consistently hosts the most events each year, including the renowned SchlitterCon at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels. Jason’s innovative approach fosters strong relationships across the amusement industry, beyond just roller coasters. ACE applauds his dedication to community building.
We are grateful for Rus’s and Jason’s contributions and proudly recognize them as honorary members. If you see them at an event, don’t forget to thank them for their service to our organization.
— Elizabeth Ringas, ACE President
American Coaster Enthusiasts
is proud to recognize
Rus Ozana
as an
Honorary Member
ACE salutes Rus Ozana for his many contributions to ACE and for his dedication to its mission.
Rus joined ACE in 1993 and quickly made friends and became active in the New England region. When the regional rep resigned in 2011, Rus took over and began a long tenure, which only ended in 2023 when he stepped down to become assistant regional rep. Under his leadership, the number of regional events grew so that now events are scheduled regularly in all the parks in the region. Relationships with the region’s parks have improved thanks to Rus’ thoroughness and organizational skills in planning events — and then writing the event reports.
In addition to his regional work, Rus joined the publications team and became editor of ACE News Now, for which he supplies brief reports on breaking coaster and park news on ACE’s website. He also is a member of the ACE News editorial team, which edits articles for the weekly posts. His cooperative spirit, dependability, writing and editing skills and sense of humor are appreciated by everyone on the team.
ACE thanks Rus for his many years of service and for his commitment to ACE and the New England region.
June 18, 2024
American Coaster Enthusiasts
is proud to recognize
Jason Knutson
as an
Honorary Member
With heartfelt gratitude and admiration, we honor Jason Knutson for his unwavering dedication, steadfast commitment and remarkable consistency as a regional representative of American Coaster Enthusiasts since 2009.
For 15 years, Jason has set the gold standard for regional representatives, quietly and diligently executing every responsibility with grace and excellence. His leadership has enhanced his region’s standing as one of the most active in the organization, hosting outstanding events that consistently engage and inspire members.
Jason’s creativity and innovation are evident in his efforts to expand beyond roller coasters, embracing waterpark events and fostering new relationships that enrich the ACE community. His exceptional communication skills through emails to members, strategic mindset, teamwork with assistant representatives and tireless work ethic have strengthened bonds with parks and members alike.
January 25, 2025
#ACENews