Jim Seay, president and owner of Premier Rides, Inc. was elected to the National Aquarium’s Board of Directors. Jim also holds several volunteer positions in the attractions industry where Premier Rides conducts business.
“Jim brings a wealth of knowledge to the National Aquarium from the attraction industry and we look forward to his contributions as a member of our Board of Directors, ” commented Executive Director David Pittenger. “Jim shares in our passion to provide superior visitor experiences, and we are particularly looking forward to his ideas in helping the Aquarium maintain an innovative edge as we grow as a conservation education organization.”
“I am extremely honored to be associated with such a prestigious organization”, noted Jim Seay. “I have always been impressed by the National Aquarium’s focus on conservation and the quality of the guest experience”.
Jim Seay joined Premier Rides as Executive Vice President in 1995 from Six Flags Theme Parks, where he was an engineering and maintenance executive. At Premier Rides, he focuses his team on cutting edge technology to bring an unforgettable ride experience to millions of guests. His philosophy centers on innovation, quality, and superior customer service.
After completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Cornell University and graduate studies at California State University, Seay first explored the outer limits of flight technology as a project engineer for Hughes Aircraft, working primarily on stealth missile technology. Shifting from the aerospace industry to the amusement industry was a natural progression for Seay as many of the same principles apply to both.
In addition to his newly elected position at the National Aquarium, Jim serves as Chairman of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) F24 Committee as well as volunteers as an industry representative to the Recreation Access Board which focuses on providing ride access to people with disabilities. Jim also serves on the Board of Directors of the Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers (AIMS) organization and is involved in several committees within the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).
ABOUT PREMIER RIDES, INC.
Premier Rides is best known for its high-tech linear induction motor (LIM) roller coasters. The company is also a global supplier of traditional roller coasters, round rides, towers, water rides and custom designed attractions. The company offers a comprehensive service division supplying engineering support, ride and train rehab, and parts on a 24-hour emergency basis. The company is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland and has additional U.S., European and Asian offices. For more information, visit www.premier-rides.com or call 410/923-0414.
ABOUT NATIONAL AQUARIUM
The National Aquarium is an aquatic education and conservation organization with two locations and one mission: to provide transforming experiences that inspire people to enjoy, respect and protect the aquatic world. In 2003, separate aquariums in Baltimore, MD, and Washington, DC, joined as one “National Aquarium.” The National Aquarium venues together hold living collections that include more than 16, 000 animals from more than 660 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and marine mammals living in award-winning, naturalistic habitats. The Aquarium’s education teams reach thousands of students each year with activities in schools and in the field; conservation crews and volunteers restore habitats and preserve species around the Chesapeake Bay and around the world; and the National Aquarium venues continue to serve as an economic engine for tourism in the city of Baltimore and as a unique draw in downtown Washington, DC. Through all of its work, the National Aquarium maintains its long-time commitment to serving the surrounding communities. For more information, visit www.aqua.org.
