SearchWide Global Seeking Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer for Nashville Zoo
January 9, 2026 – Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has been retained by Nashville Zoo to lead in its search for a chief marketing and public relations officer. Senior vice president Kellie Henderson is leading the assignment. This executive is responsible for leading the strategic marketing, communications, and public relations efforts of Nashville Zoo.
This role oversees all aspects of marketing, media relations, and digital engagement, while collaborating across departments to ensure cohesive messaging. As a key member of the leadership team, the chief marketing and public relations officer plays a vital role in advancing the Zoo’s mission through public outreach and donor engagement.
Candidates should have bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, business administration, or a related field (master’s preferred) as well as a minimum 10 years of experience in marketing and public relations leadership roles, preferably in the non-profit, cultural, tourism, or entertainment sectors. They must have a proven, comprehensive marketing background with hands-on experience across all marketing disciplines. Skilled in leveraging data, analytics, and research to drive decision-making is also desired as well as demonstrated leadership experience, ideally within a complex or public-facing organization. Expertise in crisis communications and reputation management is also desired.
Those applying for this role must have relationship-driven and collaborative with team, peers, community leaders, sponsors, and media partners. They should have proven success in developing and executing marketing and public relations campaigns that drive audience engagement and growth of earned revenue and philanthropic support.
With just 90 of 188 acres developed, Nashville Zoo is the 9th largest zoo in the country by landmass. The Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in the state and has been named the Best Regional Attraction and Best Day Trip by The Tennessean. It is home to more than 3,500 animals, representing more than 350 species and attracts more than 1 million visitors each year.
SearchWide Global, based in St. Paul, MN, is a full-service executive recruitment firm primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management, and experiential marketing industries. The firm specializes in C-level and director-level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations.
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Ms. Henderson works in all sectors of hospitality, travel and tourism. She has experience recognizing clients’ needs, identifying best-in-class talent. She also leads SearchWide Global’s industry-wide diversity initiative. She serves on the Destinations International Foundation board of trustees and is involved in several other industry organizations. Previously, Ms. Henderson worked in the destination marketing organization and hotel industry.
Visit Estes Park Search
SearchWide Global recently placed Sarah Leonard as the new CEO of Visit Estes Park (VEP) in Colorado. Ms. Henderson led the assignment. “After conducting an extensive nationwide search, the board was thrilled to select Sarah for this critical leadership role,” said Sean Jurgens, chair of the Visit Estes Park board of directors. “Her strategic approach to sustainable tourism, community engagement, marketing, and destination stewardship made her the perfect candidate. She brings a proven record of strong leadership, community collaboration, and a deep passion for tourism advocacy. She is going to be an incredible asset to our community.”
“We are delighted to welcome Sarah as VEP’s new CEO,” said Estes Park mayor Gary Hall. She brings a remarkable wealth of knowledge and experience from across the travel and tourism industry, particularly in sustainability, government relations, brand stewardship, and destination marketing and management. Her strategic, visionary, and humble leadership makes her the ideal individual to guide VEP to even greater heights.”
Ms. Leonard brings more than 20 years of tourism and destination leadership experience to the organization. Her background in travel and tourism began with Arizona State Parks, where she developed a passion for sustainability and responsible travel.
Situated about 90 miles northwest of Denver, at 7,522 feet above sea level, Estes Park sits in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Visit Estes Park, the name under which the Estes Park Local Marketing District operates, is the official destination marketing organization for Estes Park. The organization’s mission is to nurture visitor reverence of this vibrant mountain town for business success, environmental sustainability and community harmony.
Related: SearchWide Global Recruits CEO for the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
