Andrew Wood has been named as the new President and CEO of the Tennessee Aquarium, effective March 31. He will be the fifth person to assume this leadership role, succeeding Keith Sanford, who retired after nearly nine years of service. Wood brings extensive experience from his current role at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, where he serves as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives.
During his tenure at The Florida Aquarium, Wood managed various departments such as Aquarium Operations, Marine Operations, Design and Engineering, and others. He also played a key role in a $45 million capital expansion. Previously, Wood worked at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, where he held the position of Senior Vice President of External Relations.
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Scott Pierce, Executive Vice President and COO of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and chair of the Aquarium’s Board of Trustees, expressed enthusiasm about Wood’s appointment, highlighting his vision, experience, and collaborative leadership style. Wood is also involved in several local, state, and national organizations, serving in roles such as Secretary of the Florida Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The recruitment process for the position was competitive, with candidates acknowledging the Tennessee Aquarium’s reputation in freshwater conservation and guest satisfaction. Wood, excited about his new role, emphasized the Aquarium’s leadership in conservation and education and expressed his eagerness to work with the Chattanooga community.
The announcement marks a new chapter for the Tennessee Aquarium, which has been a significant part of Chattanooga’s cultural and environmental scene. Previous leaders of the Aquarium include Bill Flynn, Jim Hill, Charlie Arant, and Keith Sanford.
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