Six Flags Park President Dies At Age 57

LIBERTYVILLE — Charles "Hank" Salemi, the park president at Six Flags Great America, died unexpectedly earlier this month at the age of 57.

Salemi is being remembered by his family as funny, warm and clever. Salemi worked for Six Flags Great America for 24 years, serving as a chief marketing officer for 40 parks worldwide before becoming park president of Six Flags Great America in Gurnee.

Salemi of Libertyville is survived by his wife of 21 years, Kathleen, and his daughter Claire, as well as his mother, Barbara Salemi, sister, Debra Salemi, and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held Monday for Salemi.

"He had the rare ability to make everyone around him feel valued, and his wit and wisdom made us all better people. Hank taught us to treasure family, genuinely 'see' the people around us, listen to all perspectives before making a decision, live with integrity, lead with kindness..." according to his obituary.

The Gurnee Six Flags is one of the largest worldwide and several of the most innovative rides were introduced while Salemi was at the helm, including "Goliath, which broke world records for wooden coaster after its launch in 2014, according to the Daily Herald. The news roller coaster, Maxx Force, opened in 2019 set the record for fastest accelerating launch. It also boasts the fastest inversion in the world at 60 miles per hour and the tallest double inversion in the world at 175 feet.

He was well-respected among leaders in his industry. Hal McEvoy, president and CEO for the Global Association for the Attractions Industry, said he was shocked when he first learned of Salemi's death.

“Hank was an excellent leader in our industry who brought passion and care to his team at Six Flags Great America and their guests," McEvoy said in a statement. "He could always be counted on to be there, whenever he was needed. As we go forward, I’ll always have his voice in my head and heart … and I will smile, knowing he left his mark on me and many others in making this world a better place.”