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Tennessee Aquarium

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 581837154 ✦ Chattanooga, TN ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Tennessee Aquarium?

The Tennessee Aquarium, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a renowned attraction with a significant impact on the local economy. With over 318 employees, this nonprofit organization has been consistently rated highly in guest satisfaction and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for over 28 years. The Aquarium welcomed approximately 772,000 visitors in 2022 and offers captivating exhibits displaying the fascinating stories of life above, around, and below the water. These exhibits feature 12,000 animals representing 800 species, many of which are part of species survival plans. The Aquarium's mission is to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. In addition to immersive exhibits, the Aquarium operates an IMAX 3D theater and has been dedicated to achieving the highest standards of animal care for over three decades.


Official website here: www.tnaqua.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 98%

The Tennessee Aquarium has achieved an impressive Four-Star out of Four Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong performance in accountability and finance with a score of 98%. The organization demonstrates a robust governance structure, with an entirely independent board and a solid commitment to transparency, evidenced by its clear financial practices and policies. Additionally, the aquarium allocates a significant portion of its expenses to program services, showcasing its dedication to impactful educational and conservation initiatives.

User feedback highlights the aquarium's positive influence on education and community engagement. Donors appreciate the aquarium's role in fostering a love for the environment among visitors, particularly children. Many reviewers emphasize the value of the aquarium's educational programs that focus on freshwater ecosystems, which are often overlooked yet vital to the environment.

While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, the reviews suggest that continued support and funding are essential for the aquarium's future endeavors. The organization is recognized not only for its educational initiatives but also for its commitment to conservation and community development, making it a valuable asset to the region.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.

Is Tennessee Aquarium legitimate?

Tennessee Aquarium is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Tennessee Aquarium submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $1,189,676
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $0

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.tnaqua.org

What is the mission statement of Tennessee Aquarium?

The Tennessee Aquarium is dedicated to bridging the gap between people and nature, enabling individuals to make knowledgeable decisions regarding water and wildlife. Through captivating and unique exhibits, the aquarium transports visitors into the intriguing narratives of life above, around, and below the water. With over 12,000 animals representing 800 species, many of which are part of conservation programs, the aquarium provides an immersive experience for its guests. Moreover, an IMAX 3D theater showcases educational and inspiring films daily. The organization has been accredited by the AZA for twenty-eight consecutive years, underscoring its commitment to achieving the highest industry standards for animal welfare.


Official website here: www.tnaqua.org

Who is the CEO of Tennessee Aquarium?

Keith Sanford is the Principal Officer of Tennessee Aquarium.


Official website here: www.tnaqua.org

What is the revenue of Tennessee Aquarium?

Tennessee Aquarium's revenue in 2022 was $28,377,535.


Official website here: www.tnaqua.org

Who are the executives of Tennessee Aquarium and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Tennessee Aquarium during 2022 was $3,741. There are 318 employees and 350 volunteers at Tennessee Aquarium.


Here are 18 key members and their salaries:


Walter K Sanford (President)
  • Compensation: $330,184
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $32,305
Jackson C Andrews (Former Coo)
  • Compensation: $221,525
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $24,214
Gordon A Stalans (Coo,Cfo, Cio)
  • Compensation: $216,395
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $24,155
Anna George (Chief Conservation/Education Officer)
  • Compensation: $163,171
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $22,179
Julie M Piper (Chief Hr Officer)
  • Compensation: $152,237
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $12,845
Thom Benson (Chief Marketing Comm Officer)
  • Compensation: $140,468
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $18,773
Val Armstrong (Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Scott Pierce (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Patrick Stowe (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Catherine Colby (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Harrison Lewis (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Stacy Lightfoot (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cameron Doody (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Wade Hinton (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Matthew Rasmussen (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Candy Johnson (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Daphne Kirksey (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Shalin Tejani (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.tnaqua.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Tennessee Aquarium?

Tennessee Aquarium's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.tnaqua.org

Learn more at the official website: www.tnaqua.org

Mission Statement of Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium, a highly-visited attraction, strives to bridge the gap between people and nature. By immersing visitors in the captivating tales of life above, around, and below the water, the Aquarium empowers them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. With over three decades of operation, the Aquarium continues to be a significant catalyst for economic development, delivering substantial fiscal and economic impacts on the region.

In 2022, more than 772,000 visitors were welcomed to the River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings. The engaging and unique exhibits, home to 12,000 animals representing 800 species, transport visitors to intriguing underwater worlds. Many of these animals are crucial components of species survival plans managed by zoos and aquariums across the country. The Aquarium's commitment to the highest standards of animal care is affirmed by its continuous accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for twenty-eight years. This accreditation underscores the Aquarium's dedication to upholding the best practices within the industry.

Through its vibrant and distinctive displays, the Tennessee Aquarium brings the wonders of the natural world to life for its guests. The Aquarium's educational mission extends beyond its exhibits, with an IMAX 3D Theater offering daily screenings of informative and inspiring films. These experiences not only captivate and educate visitors but also instill a deep appreciation for the importance of preserving our planet's aquatic ecosystems.

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Impact




October, 2024

The Tennessee Aquarium plays a vital role in connecting people with nature and fostering environmental stewardship. With a mission dedicated to empowering visitors to make informed decisions about water and wildlife, the Aquarium has become a cornerstone of Chattanooga’s community and economy.

In 2022, the Aquarium welcomed over 772,000 guests to its River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings, showcasing a diverse array of exhibits that house 12,000 animals from 800 species. Many of these species are part of essential survival plans, emphasizing the Aquarium's commitment to conservation and education.

Ranked highly in visitor satisfaction, the Aquarium's vibrant exhibits immerse individuals in the intricate stories of aquatic and terrestrial life, inspiring a deeper appreciation for nature. Additionally, the presence of an IMAX 3D theater enhances the educational experience, providing daily screenings of captivating and informative films.

For over twenty-eight years, the Tennessee Aquarium has maintained continuous accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), underscoring its dedication to high standards for animal care and welfare. This commitment not only reflects industry best practices but also enhances the overall visitor experience.

Economically, the Aquarium has positioned itself as a major catalyst for development in the region, contributing significantly to local fiscal growth and employment. As a highly visited attraction, it reinforces Chattanooga's status as a destination for education, entertainment, and conservation, ultimately influencing both the local economy and the broader community's engagement with the natural world.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Tennessee Aquarium. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$28,377,535 (2022)
Expenses
$25,640,537 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $473,247
  • Program Service Revenue: $22,815,463
  • Gross Receipts: $31,248,531

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $81,816,889
  • Total Liabilities: $18,239,281
  • Net Assets: $63,577,608

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

ADMISSIONS REVENUE

Revenue

$18,464,679

AUXILIARY SERVICES

Revenue

$2,287,047

PARKING FEES

Revenue

$934,935

PHOTOGRAPHY FEES

Revenue

$743,427

EDUCATION PROGRAM FEES

Revenue

$385,375

Organization Details

Founding Year

1989

Principal Officer

Keith Sanford

Main Address

ONE BROAD STREET PO Box 11048, CHATTANOOGA, TN, 37402

NTEE Category

Code: D500 - Animals

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