Former Busch Gardens GM Promoted to Lead All SeaWorld Parks

By WYDaily Staff Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The man who ran Williamsburg's Busch Gardens and Water Country USA for five years has been named the chief operating officer of what used to be Busch Entertainment.

Donnie Mills, who ran the local parks from 2002-07, will now lead both Busch Gardens parks, Sesame Place, Adventure Island, Water Country USA, the company's Customer Contact Center, Culinary Operations, Safety and Risk Management and Information Technology. The new company name is SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

The Tampa native most recently served as general manager of Busch Gardens in Tampa and the Tampa-based Adventure Island water park.

“Donnie’s leadership helped develop the Busch Gardens parks in Williamsburg and Tampa into premier local and tourist destinations. I am confident he will further advance the company’s quality and guest service in his new position as Chief Operating Officer for Busch Gardens and Sesame Place,” said Jim Atchison, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment President and CEO.