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Sally Dark Rides announces the retirement of long-time Vice President of Technical Services John Stegall, a respected industry leader whose technical expertise and steady leadership helped shape more than two decades of innovation at the dark rides and animatronics company. Stegall officially retired at the end of 2025 after 22 years with Sally and a distinguished career of service both to his country and to the themed entertainment industry.
Stegall joined Sally in 2002 as Technical Services Manager, earning the title of Vice President in 2015. Over the course of his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the design, specification, and execution of more than 50 dark rides around the world. His responsibilities spanned ride infrastructure planning, systems integration, and procurement of control systems, audio, lighting, special effects, and interactive technologies. He also led Sally’s in-house electronics production team, ensuring innovative projects were delivered with precision and reliability.
Prior to joining Sally, Stegall served in the U.S. Navy as a Technical Manager and Supervisor supporting aircraft carrier USS Roosevelt and air wing electronics operations, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. His military background laid the foundation for the disciplined technical leadership that became a hallmark of his work at Sally.
“Stegall’s impact on Sally Dark Rides and the attractions industry as a whole cannot be overstated,” said John Wood, President and Chairman. “His technical knowledge, integrity, and commitment to excellence have left a lasting legacy in every project he touched and in every team member he mentored.”
John is looking forward to spending time with his wife Tammy who has supported him in both of his careers. They look forward to planning weekday road trips throughout Florida and the east coast and are planning to have a family vacation in Hawaii.
As the company honors Stegall’s retirement, Sally Dark Rides is pleased to welcome Shawn Wiggins to the team as Technical Designer, ushering in the next chapter of technical innovation.
Wiggins brings more than six years of experience in mechanical engineering, design, prototype development, and project management. His expertise spans low-voltage power systems, automation controls, sensors, inputs/outputs, and programming.
He holds Engineer in Training (EIT) and Yellow Belt Lean Six Sigma credentials and is known for his strengths in problem-solving, design for manufacturing, prototyping, and SolidWorks modeling, bringing both technical precision and hands-on creativity to his work. His passion for innovative and sustainable design reflects the ingenuity and practicality he now brings to Sally’s projects.
“Shawn’s engineering background, systems mindset, and hands-on experience make him a strong addition to our technical team," says Stegall. "I’m confident he will help carry forward Sally’s commitment to technical excellence and immersive guest experiences.”
Sally Dark Rides continues to deliver world-class interactive dark rides and attractions for parks and destinations around the globe, driven by a legacy of technical mastery and a future-focused team dedicated to innovation.
