Members of the Tennessee Aquarium’s board of trustees have selected Andrew Wood as president and CEO beginning March 31. Wood succeeds Keith Sanford, who retired at the end of 2024 after nine years of leadership at the nonprofit institution.
Wood has served as chief operating officer of the Florida Aquarium in Tampa for the past seven years. In his current role as executive vice president of strategic initiatives and COO, Wood guides teams in multiple departments, including aquarium operations, marine operations, design and engineering, marketing and communications, education and animal care, as well as the aquarium’s Center for Conservation. He is also serving as the Florida Aquarium’s project executive on a $45 million capital expansion.
Before joining the Florida Aquarium, Wood spent seven years as the senior vice president of external relations at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. There, he led several departments, including marketing, guest services, membership, exhibits development, government relations and sales.
In addition to his aquarium leadership, Wood has held several roles in local, state and national organizations. He is secretary of the Florida Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a member of the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s board of directors and has served on the Association of Zoos and Aquariums program committee, chaired the AZA Marketing Committee, chaired the Greater Mystic Tourism Marketing Committee and was president of the Barrington New Jersey Board of Education.
“The Tennessee Aquarium is a prestigious leader in conservation, education and guest experience,” Wood says. “I’m honored to join the 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.”
McDaniel leaves Chattanooga Red Wolves
Sean McDaniel is stepping down as general manager and president of the Chattanooga Red Wolves.
“This has been an incredible journey since I started in August 2018, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to launch this club. As the stadium and team continue to build momentum, I look forward to seeing them reach new heights in the years to come.
“My time with the Red Wolves has been a privilege, and I’m leaving with gratitude for the club, the fans and everyone who’s been a part of this expedition.”
Family Justice Center updates advisory board
New appointments to the advisory board of the Dr. Carol B. Berz Chattanooga Hamilton County Family Justice Center (FJC) include chairperson Brooke Weaver and board members Lee Helton and Kimberly Smith.
Weaver serves as Hamilton County’s clerk chief deputy and accountant. She has been a member of the FJC advisory board since 2022. She became chairperson following the death of Berz.
Helton is a Hamilton County commissioner and local businessperson. Smith is the business manager of the Chattanooga Red Wolves.
The FJC advisory board offers counsel and support for fund development to the agency’s executive director. The FJC provides services to survivors of intimate partner and family violence.