Tennessee Aquarium welcomes new president & CEO, Andrew Wood

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Tennessee Aquarium is welcoming their new president and CEO, Andrew Wood.

Wood will begin duties starting March 31, 2025.

According to the Tennessee Aquarium, Wood is the fifth person in history to lead to the organization.

Wood will be taking the place of Keith Sanford, who retired at the end of 2024 after serving as the Tennessee Aquarium’s president and CEO for nine years.

“We are thrilled to have Andy Wood join us as our new leader.  Andy brings the vision, experience, and energy needed to guide the Tennessee Aquarium into the future. We also know that Andy’s collaborative and thoughtful leadership style will be an asset to the greater Chattanooga community.”

–Scott Pierce, Executive Vice President and COO of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and chair of the Aquarium’s Board of Trustees.

Wood is coming to Chattanooga from Florida, after serving as the CEO for the Florida Aquarium in Tampa for the past seven years.

“The Tennessee Aquarium is a prestigious leader in conservation, education, and guest experience.  I am honored to join such a talented team of professionals, volunteers, and community leaders as the organization’s next President and CEO. I look forward to collaborating with the Chattanooga community as we craft a bold vision to expand our shared impact.”

-Andrew W00d, new president and CEO of the Tennessee Aquarium