Six Flags Over Georgia retires after 45 years with the company

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

[Ed. note: The following is an excerpt of a press release. -J]

Six Flags Over Georgia today announced the retirement of its park president, Melinda Ashcraft, capping an incredible 45 year career with Six Flags. Ashcraft has enjoyed a remarkable journey with Six Flags that began at Six Flags Over Georgia, where she worked as a ride operator the year the park opened. She continued to rise through the ranks, holding a number of managerial positions at parks in St. Louis, Mo.; Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.; Valencia, Calif.; Louisville, Ky.; and San Antonio, Texas. Melinda has served as park president at Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags White Water since January 2004.

In January of this year, Ms. Ashcraft became the fifth recipient of the prestigious Six Flags Angus G. Wynne lifetime achievement award in honor of her numerous organizational and community achievements.

“When I began my journey at Six Flags Over Georgia I never thought I would be where I am today; it has been a wonderful privilege,” said Melinda Ashcraft. “There are exciting plans on the horizon for the Six Flags Atlanta properties. I look forward to cheering Dale on as he leads our team to even greater heights.”

Industry veteran Dale Kaetzel, who most recently served as park president at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California has been named to succeed Ashcraft. Prior to joining Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Kaetzel served for eight years as a senior executive at four Paramount Parks, including Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto where he served as senior vice president and general manager. Kaetzel also spent 13 years in executive roles for Centre Management/MCI Center in Washington, D.C. and was the former marketing director of the San Francisco Giants.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Six Flags Over Georgia family and continuing the legacy of offering the most innovative rides, shows and attractions to our guests at the Atlanta properties,” said Kaetzel. “I look forward to taking Six Flags Over Georgia and White Water to the next level of success in years to come.”