President and CEO of the Tennessee Aquarium announces retirement

President and CEO Keith Sanford / Doug Strickland, Tennessee Aquarium

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — President and CEO of the Tennessee Aquarium Keith Sanford announced his retirement.

Sanford announced his retirement to the Aquarium staff and board members today.

“I’m proud of the entire team. Thanks to our visitor services and education staff, we are continuously ranked as one of the world’s top aquariums. We have innovative animal experts who provide the highest standards of care and a group of leading freshwater scientists who conduct vital research and restoration projects throughout the Southeast,” said Sanford. “And during some of our most challenging days in 2020, everyone was able to work together in a truly inspiring way to push past the uncertainty of that time and bounce back stronger than ever.”

Sanford was the Tennesssee Aquarium’s fourth president and CEO.

Their Board of Trustees elected him CEO and president on February 23, 2016.

Sanford has been working the downtown Chattanooga area for 44 years not only for the aquarium, but also for First Tennessee as their marketing president.

Sanford thanks his team for their dedication towards the Chattanooga community, and the region around.

“I have been extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated team. They continuously push themselves to drive positive change. We’re embarking on an exciting master plan that features some bold ideas for the Aquarium over the next 10 to 20 years,” said Sanford. “I’m confident that my successor will find themself surrounded by an energized team and supportive philanthropic community. Together, they’ll tackle some incredible projects that will be immeasurably impactful for the organization, the city, and region.”

Sanford will officially retire from the aquarium in December.