What Does Tennessee Aquarium Do?

Total employees201
HeadquartersChattanooga
Founded1992

The Tennessee Aquarium, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a renowned non-profit public aquarium that opened its doors in 1992. It features two main buildings: River Journey, which showcases the rich biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems, particularly focusing on the Tennessee River and southeastern US habitats, and Ocean Journey (opened 2005), which transports visitors to diverse saltwater environments from coral reefs to the deep sea. The Aquarium is a leader in aquatic conservation, research, and education, actively participating in species survival programs and community outreach through its Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute. Its mission is to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. It stands as a major tourist attraction and a significant contributor to Chattanooga's revitalization and educational landscape, offering engaging experiences for all ages.

Where Is Tennessee Aquarium's Headquarters?

Tennessee Aquarium officeTennessee Aquarium officeTennessee Aquarium officeTennessee Aquarium office
*Images sourced via web search. Rights belong to original owners

HQ Function

The headquarters serves as the primary operational center for all aquarium activities, including exhibit management, animal care, educational programming, guest services, and administrative functions. Conservation research is largely based at a separate institute.

Notable Features:

Iconic glass-peak architecture of the River Journey building, expansive freshwater (River Journey) and saltwater (Ocean Journey) galleries, an IMAX 3D Theater, and direct access to the Chattanooga Riverwalk. Home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species.

Work Culture:

A mission-driven environment focused on conservation, education, and exceptional guest experience. It fosters collaboration among biologists, educators, researchers, and guest service professionals, united by a passion for aquatic life and environmental stewardship. Emphasis on scientific integrity, community engagement, and continuous learning.

HQ Significance:

The Tennessee Aquarium is a cornerstone of Chattanooga's cultural and tourism landscape, a leading institution for freshwater conservation and research globally, and a vital educational resource for the region. It played a pivotal role in the economic and cultural revitalization of downtown Chattanooga.

Values Reflected in HQ: The facility's design, exhibits, and operations reflect its core values: conservation, education, scientific research, community engagement, and providing an exceptional visitor experience. The strong focus on regional ecosystems, particularly the Tennessee River, highlights local pride and stewardship of biodiversity.

Location:

While deeply rooted in the Southeastern United States' aquatic biodiversity, the Tennessee Aquarium has a global impact. It participates in international conservation efforts through partnerships with other AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) accredited institutions and contributes to numerous Species Survival Plans (SSPs) which cooperatively manage populations of threatened and endangered species worldwide. The Aquarium exhibits ecosystems and animals from diverse global regions such as the Amazon River, Gulf of Mexico, and Madagascar. Its research and conservation findings, particularly in freshwater ecology and species propagation, contribute to the global body of scientific knowledge and conservation practices.

Street Address:

1 Broad Street

City:

Chattanooga

State/Province:

TN

Country:

USA

Where Else Does Tennessee Aquarium Operate Around the World?

Cohutta, Georgia, USA

Address: 1500 N. Tibbs Rd., Cohutta, GA 30710

TNACI's location provides access to critical freshwater habitats in the biologically diverse Southeast. It facilitates hands-on conservation work, including breeding programs for endangered species like Lake Sturgeon and Sicklefin Redhorse, reintroduction efforts, and watershed studies, extending the Aquarium's scientific impact well beyond its public exhibits.

Buying Intent Signals for Tennessee Aquarium

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Tennessee Aquarium? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Tennessee Aquarium' leadership includes:

Keith Sanford - President and CEO (Retiring 2024)
Charles Arant - Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Anna George - Vice President, Conservation Science and Education
Michelle Shory - Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer
Thompson B. Hord - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Ross K. Pospisil - Vice President & Chief Development Officer
Tim Young - Vice President & Chief Hospitality Officer

Who's Investing in Tennessee Aquarium?

Tennessee Aquarium has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Individual Donors and Memberships
Corporate Sponsorships
Foundation Grants (e.g., Benwood Foundation, Lyndhurst Foundation - historically significant)
Government Support (City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, State and Federal Grants)
Earned Revenue (Admissions, Gift Shop, IMAX)

What Leadership Changes Has Tennessee Aquarium Seen Recently?

Hire3
Exits1

Tennessee Aquarium announced the upcoming retirement of CEO Keith Sanford in 2024 and strengthened its leadership with three key Vice President appointments in Hospitality, Marketing, and Development over the past year.

Departures

Keith Sanford, Keith Sanford announced his upcoming retirement, planned for 2024, after leading the Aquarium since 2018.

New Appointments:

Tim Young, Tim Young appointed as new Vice President & Chief Hospitality Officer.
Michelle Shory, Michelle Shory promoted to Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer.
Ross Pospisil, Ross Pospisil appointed as new Vice President & Chief Development Officer.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byTennessee Aquarium?

Discover the tools Tennessee Aquarium uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Tennessee Aquarium Email Formats and Examples

The Tennessee Aquarium generally uses professional email formats associated with its domain tnaqua.org. For specific inquiries, it is recommended to use the official contact forms or general contact email addresses provided on their website, such as WEBREQUEST@tnaqua.org. Direct email addresses for individual staff are not broadly published.

Likely formats include [first_initial][last]@tnaqua.org (e.g., jdoe@tnaqua.org) or [first].[last]@tnaqua.org (e.g., jane.doe@tnaqua.org).

Format

jsmith@tnaqua.org

Example

60%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Tennessee Aquarium?

Tennessee Aquarium Newsroom • February 20, 2024

Tennessee Aquarium Scientists and Partners Work to Restore Imperiled Sicklefin Redhorse Fish

The Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute is collaborating with various partners in a significant effort to study and restore populations of the Sicklefin Redhorse, a rare fish native to the Southern Appalachian region. This initiative involves advanced breeding techniques, genetic research, and habitat restoration strategies to protect this imperiled species....more

Chattanooga Times Free Press • November 1, 2023

Tennessee Aquarium CEO Keith Sanford to retire in 2024

Keith Sanford, who has served as President and CEO of the Tennessee Aquarium since January 2018, announced his plans to retire in 2024. The Aquarium's board of directors will conduct a national search for his successor to continue leading the renowned institution....more

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