Chattanooga, Tenn. (Jan. 19, 2024) – The Tennessee Aquarium has hired Jamie Gross to be the nonprofit organization’s next director of finance, overseeing the day-to-day business operations of three of Chattanooga’s top attractions.
“The Tennessee Aquarium has played a vital role in Chattanooga’s tourism economy, helping to drive more than $4.88 billion in local spending since the facility opened its doors in 1992,” says Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Gordon Stalans. “We are excited to add Jamie to our team, providing the strong financial stewardship that will be essential for the continued success of our mission to connect guests with water and wildlife as we look ahead to our next decade on Chattanooga’s riverfront. Jamie’s skills as a CPA and his experience in the nonprofit world will make our team stronger.”
Gross will be responsible for the Aquarium’s finance department, where he will manage daily financial operations, cash control, tax filings, financial auditing, accounting and recordkeeping, and fiscal policy compliance. His responsibilities extend to the Creative Discovery Museum and Hunter Museum of American Art, which share business services with the Aquarium.
Gross, a certified public accountant by the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy, brings a wealth of experience to the role with his background in nonprofit accounting. The former director of finance and administration for the Chalmers Center at Covenant College, Gross also previously served as VP of finance and chief financial officer of Bryan College and as controller of Covenant College.
Gross holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Westminster College and certificates in not-for-profit accounting from the Association of International CPAs. He serves on the finance committees of the Southeastern Climbers Coalition and Woodland Park Baptist Church.