Feb 25

Feb 25 Enjoy The Ride

New Six Flags Park President Richard Pretlow Assumes New Role for Six Flags America And Hurricane Harbor

By Cecil Merkerson III

It was announced Feb. 2 that Richard Pretlow will take the helm as new park president of the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of water parks in North America.

Pretlow succeeds Rich Howarth, who was promoted to a new position of vice president of procurement after more than ten years in charge at Six Flags of America. Pretlow, before his promotion, most recently served as director of the in-park services at the Six Flags Great Escape Resort, located in Lake George, NY.

The new director expressed his duty to be a good corporate citizen to the state and the county under his leadership. “Our goal is being committed to any type of partnerships that we can to help unemployment,” Pretlow said. “We are already the largest employer of youth in the county, and we will continue as long as I’m here. We will support those efforts to be the best we can.”

Pretlow wants potential park guests to know he’s committed to providing an excellent guest experience during his tenure. “I want to continue the tradition [of] my predecessor, but we are looking to do bigger and better things,” Pretlow said. “We understand we have to get out of COVID first, and need to understand what the business is going to look like. We have had a learning experience [because of COVID] where the theme park industry will prove it can operate safely, and folks can come have a good time.”

Six Flags America will open for its 22nd season on March 6—the earliest opening in park history.