Although Stephanie McFarland, a spokesperson for the fair commission, acknowledged that the management changes were directly linked to the reports issued April 12 by Witt Associates and Thornton Tomasetti, she also asserted that Hummel’s retirement was voluntary, according to published reports.
The state fair had commissioned the reports from Witt Associates and Thornton Tomasetti in the wake of the Aug. 13, 2011 collapse of staging elements that killed seven and injured dozens.
McFarland noted that, as chief operating officer, Shaw’s top priority would be to scrutinize the findings from the reports and apply what was discovered in an effort to improve safety in the future for both fair attendees and those working at the site. Shaw will also have the direct authority to cancel any event in progress if deemed necessary for public safety.
Andre Lacy, the state fair commission’s chairman, added that Shaw will be responsible for coming up with fair-wide emergency response protocols and Olvera would also supervise employee training and public safety to minimize decision-making confusion if emergencies arise.
Shaw reports to the fair’s executive director, Cindy Hoye, who retains her position.
Olvera, who previously worked as a training and exercise coordinator for the precursor to today’s Indianapolis Division of Homeland Security, will be working to put any new safety provisions into effect.
For more information, please go to http://plsn.com/wp/news/21-news/9043-reports-cite-ambiguity-of-authority-rigging-flaws-in-staging-collapse.html.
