Rob Gavel

Rob Gavel has been working as a safety consultant for the amusement and entertainment industries for 18 years. He began his career as an inspector for the State of Maryland and went on to become the Supervisor for the Amusement Ride Safety Unit. He then took the position of Program Manager for the Maryland State Safety Unit overseeing inspections of not only amusement attractions but elevators, boilers, pressure vessels, and railroads operating within the jurisdiction of Maryland. Gavel left the State of Maryland in January of 2018 to work full time as the principle of GCS Safety, a third-party consulting firm as well as working with LJM & Associates, Inc. as a contract consultant conducting various inspections and facility audits. In January of 2023, he purchased LJM & Associates, Inc. and serves as President of the company. He has been an instructor at the Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers, International (AIMS) and National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO). Gavel holds certifications with NAARSO in Level 3 Inspections and Level 2 Operations as well as AIMS Level 2 Professional Ride Inspector. He remains active in the industry, serving both as a leader and contributor to professional development. He is an educator in industry organizations for ride inspection and maintenance fields and joined the AIMS Board in April of 2025. He also is a voting member of several ASTM F-24 Committee on Amusement Rides and Devices.