New Park President Named for Six Flags Magic Mountain, Hurricane Harbor-LA, and Hurricane Harbor Phoenix
The last thing we expected was to hear some high management movement during theme park shut downs here in Southern California. But here we are! Recently announced, Neil Thurman has left his position as Park President at Six Flags Magic Mountain and Don McCoy will be stepping into the vacant spot. We are sad to see Neil go, after we’ve spent so much time with him at the park and seeing the tremendous changes that were being implemented. But we wish him well and hope his new job turn out perfect. We are also excited to see a veteran employee like Don step into this roll. Excited to see what plans he has in store for our favorite coaster capital. Below, you’ll find information about the change in management directly from Six Flags.
Six Flags Veteran Don McCoy Promoted to New Role
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, today announced that Don McCoy has been named Park President of Los Angeles-based theme parks Six Flags Magic Mountain, Hurricane Harbor-LA, and Hurricane Harbor Phoenix. McCoy succeeds Neal Thurman who has left the company to pursue other opportunities. McCoy is a 35-year Six Flags veteran who most recently served as Park President of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and Hurricane Harbor Concord in Northern California. He also previously served as Park President of the Great Escape Resort property in Lake George, NY.
“Don is an outstanding leader with vast knowledge of theme park operations. He has a proven track record and a dynamic, collaborative management style that brings out the very best in people,” said Six Flags SVP of Park Operations Bonnie Sherman Weber. “We feel very fortunate to have Don leading one of our largest properties. He understands the California market, and we look forward to unprecedented growth under his strategic leadership.”
McCoy began his theme park career in 1983 as part of the park service team at Wet n Wild Orlando before moving in 1992 to Wet n Wild in Texas, now Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. He quickly rose through the ranks while earning his BA in Finance from the University of Central Florida. “I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity. Six Flags Magic Mountain is recognized throughout the world for its signature brand of innovative, record-breaking thrills and I am honored to join this incredible team,” said McCoy. “Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix is a rising star in our portfolio, and I am equally honored to work alongside our team there as we continue to offer guests the best waterpark experience in the region.”
Prior to his first Park President role at the Great Escape, Don served in a number of leadership positions throughout the company including at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor-Arlington, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Six Flags Over Georgia, and Six Flags White Water.
Theme Park Duo 