Darien Lake appoints new general manage, marketing director

30-year industry veteran Bob Montgomery to lead park 

Darien Lake Theme & Water Park Resort has named Bob Montgomery as the park's new vice president and general manager. Montgomery was employed by Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), the management company of Darien Lake, for more than a decade. Prior to HFE, Montgomery worked as vice president of operations and development at LEGOLAND, director of operations at Toronto's C.N. Tower, and director of attractions at Canada's Wonderland - the top two attractions in Canada.

Darien Lake also appoints marketing veteran and Rochester native Steve Hallowell as director of marketing. He has 25 years of marketing experience and a long tenure at Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, most recently serving as director of consumer experience marketing.

"The combination of entertainment and accommodations offered at Darien Lake are unique in the industry, and I am excited about this opportunity," Montgomery said.

Prior to moving to Darien Lake, he worked at Wild Adventures, also an HFE property, as vice president and general manager. "The community has a lot of enthusiasm for Darien Lake, and I look forward to leading this great vacation destination, especially as we introduce three new family rides this year," Montgomery said.

In his new role, Montgomery oversees all aspects of the park. Chris Thorpe now serves as assistant general manager at the park, reporting directly to Montgomery. Thorpe is responsible for employee development and relations.

Hallowell leads the marketing department with a unique local perspective.

"I look forward to working with the marketing team and the Buffalo and Rochester communities to attract even more guests to our park and accommodations," he said. "As a father of two teenage boys who love to visit the park with their friends, this job definitely promotes me to 'cool dad.' "