At their recent meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz., ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices presented the Dr. Richard H. “Doc” Brown Memorial Exceptional Service Award to Greg B. Hale, chief safety officer and vice president of worldwide safety and accessibility for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Hale was recognized for his numerous contributions to improving the level of safety within the amusement industry; his high level of integrity, fairness and technical expertise; and for his dedication and outstanding efforts in promoting the worldwide use, application and adoption of Committee F24 standards. A member of ASTM International since 1989, Hale currently serves on the F24 executive committee and as chairman of Subcommittee F24.80 on Harmonization. He is also a member of Committee F15 on Consumer Products.
Hale joined Walt Disney World Co. in 1988 and has held several key positions since then, including director of facilities and attractions for regulatory compliance and director of ride and show engineering. Prior to assuming his current role, he was vice president of design and engineering and regulatory compliance.
As chief safety officer and vice president of worldwide safety and accessibility, Hale leads a global team of ride design, operations, maintenance and safety professionals around the world that keep Disney on the leading edge of theme park safety, with a focus on accessibility for guests with disabilities and technology advancements.
A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Oxford Miss., Hale is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Florida and has been recognized for his work on accessibility standards for persons with disabilities and for amusement ride safety standards and training. He serves as chairman of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Safety and Maintenance Committee and International Standards Harmonization Committee and on the board of delegates of the National Safety Council.
Established in 1978, ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices develops test methods, performance specifications, definitions, maintenance, operations, and practices and guides for amusement rides and devices. Membership in the committee is open to all who are passionate about safety in the amusement industry.
ASTM Staff Contact: Leonard Morrissey, Phone: 610-832-9719; lmorriss@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org
Release #8719