Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is excited to reintroduce park presidents at 10 key parks, bringing dedicated leadership closer to the rides, teams and guests.
At Six Flags, thrills may be global — but great leadership is local. That’s why Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is excited to reintroduce park presidents at 10 key Six Flags parks, bringing dedicated leadership closer to the rides, the teams and — most importantly — our guests.
This move strengthens park-level decision-making, enhances day-to-day operations, and reinforces Six Flags’ commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, world-class thrills, and locally inspired fun across North America.
Every Six Flags park has its own personality, traditions and community. Reintroducing park presidents ensures each location has a single, accountable leader focused on performance, innovation and guest satisfaction — right where the action happens.
This updated operating structure allows parks to:
As Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly explained:
“By strengthening park-level leadership, we’re empowering our teams to move faster, innovate locally and deliver exceptional experiences every day.”
The result? Stronger parks, happier guests, and unforgettable memories — every visit.
These park presidents bring decades of amusement industry experience, deep operational expertise, and a passion for creating memories that last a lifetime.
Park President, Carowinds & Carolina Harbor
With 36 years of industry experience, Bridgette Bywater is known for operational excellence, safety leadership and a people-first culture. She previously served as General Manager of Kings Dominion & Soak City and as Corporate Director of Operations for Cedar Fair, where she led enterprise-wide COVID response efforts. Her leadership philosophy centers on precision, empathy and intentional experiences.
“Details matter, and I’m passionate about delivering exceptional experiences to both guests and associates. It’s an honor to be part of the Carowinds legacy.”
Park President, Cedar Point & Cedar Point Shores
A 31-year amusement industry veteran, Colleen Brady has grown her career at Cedar Point, America’s Roller Coast®. From Park Manager to Vice President of Operations, her leadership focuses on developing strong teams and delivering consistent, world-class thrills.
“I’m excited to empower our team to innovate and deliver experiences that keep guests coming back year after year.”
Park President, Six Flags Over Texas & Hurricane Harbor Arlington
With more than 30 years at Six Flags, Pete Carmichael began as a ride operations intern and rose through leadership roles across the company. Now leading Six Flags’ founding flagship park, he is focused on honoring legacy while raising the bar on thrills and entertainment.
“I couldn’t be more proud to join the team at our founding flagship park and continue our traditions of summer fun and thrills.”
Park President, Kings Island & Soak City
Tony Carovillano’s 42-year career began as a ride operator at Kings Island. His leadership emphasizes operational excellence, associate engagement and preserving Kings Island’s reputation as a premier family destination.
“Kings Island is a cherished family tradition, and I look forward to keeping what makes it so special for our associates and guests.”
Park President, Six Flags Great Adventure, Wild Safari & Hurricane Harbor New Jersey
Starting as a seasonal associate in 1992, Mike Fehnel brings more than three decades of experience across park operations, revenue strategy and corporate initiatives. He now leads Six Flags Great Adventure with a focus on growth, innovation and an elevated guest journey.
“This park holds a special place in my childhood memories and in the hearts of our guests. I’m excited to help write its next chapter.”
Park President, Knott’s Berry Farm & Knott’s Soak City
With 47 years in the amusement industry, Raffi Kaprelyan brings steady leadership and deep expertise to Knott’s Berry Farm. His career balances historic preservation with innovation, ensuring Knott’s continues to delight generations of guests.
“Knott’s is a very special place with a unique history, and I look forward to helping guests make lifelong memories.”
Park President, Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor
John Krajnak brings 32 years of industry experience and returns to lead Six Flags Great America during its 50th Anniversary season, focusing on celebrating legacy while delivering next-level thrills.
“This is a special park with an amazing team, and I look forward to making this anniversary season spectacular.”
Park President, Canada’s Wonderland & Soak City
With 24 years of experience, Christopher Mortensen began his career on the front line at Canada’s Wonderland. Returning as Park President is a full-circle moment built on deep operational expertise and personal connection.
“Stepping into this role is an incredible honour — and a true full-circle moment.”
Park President, Six Flags Magic Mountain & Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles
Brian Oerding brings 26 years of experience across operations, rides, entertainment and safety. His focus is empowering teams and ensuring Magic Mountain continues to lead the industry in record-breaking thrills.
“My focus is on elevating the guest experience — from unforgettable family moments to world-class thrills.”
Park President, Six Flags Over Georgia & Hurricane Harbor
With 17 years of industry experience, Richard Pretlow brings expertise in revenue strategy and operational discipline to Six Flags Over Georgia, driving exceptional guest experiences and disciplined growth.
“I look forward to building on the park’s legacy with a relentless focus on guest experience.”
This leadership evolution positions Six Flags for continued growth while staying true to what guests love most — thrills, family fun, and unforgettable experiences. With park presidents leading locally, the future of Six Flags is faster, stronger and more guest-focused than ever!
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At Six Flags, creating unforgettable moments has always been at the heart of everything we do. Every twist, turn, splash, and scream-worthy drop is driven by one mission: bringing joy to millions of guests and families year after year.