James Seay, owner and president of Premier Rides Inc. in Millersville, Md., has been appointed chairman of ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices.  The 480-member committee is responsible for 17 standards that cover design, manufacturing, maintenance, inspection and operations for traditional amusement rides, water-related rides and devices, and special rides and attractions.

A resident of Baltimore, Md., Seay has been an ASTM International member since 1989.  He is an active member of Committee F24 and serves on several subcommittees.  Seay says, "I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the F24 committee as we focus on developing and improving standards that have such a profound global effect.  .The diverse talent that makes up the committee is passionate regarding guest and worker safety and the high quality of the product demonstrates that fact."

Seay, who holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., began his career as a project engineer at Hughes Aircraft.  In 1988, he joined the staff at Six Flags Theme Parks Inc. as corporate engineering manager, where his focus was guest safety with regard to ride attractions.  He joined Premier Rides Inc. in 1995 as executive vice president of engineering and was named president the following year.  A designer and manufacturer of roller coasters and other amusement rides and attractions, Premier Rides Inc. has worked with some of the largest theme park companies, including Universal Studios and Disney. 

In addition to ASTM International, Seay is a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA); Amusement Industry Manufacturers and  Suppliers International (AIMS); the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA); Themed Entertainment Association (TEA); the National Safety Council (NSC); the Recreation Access Board; the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (NEAAPA); the New Jersey Amusement Association (NJAA), and Pennsylvania Amusement Parks and Attractions (PAPA).   

Release #7908