Tennessee Aquarium
Thom Demas has a diverse work experience in various roles within the aquarium and retail industry. Thom started their career at Rose Auto Stores in 1985 as a Store Manager, where they successfully managed staff, inventory, sales, merchandising, and customer service. In 1994, Thom transitioned to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo as an Aquarist before joining the Tennessee Aquarium in 1997. At the Tennessee Aquarium, Thom held multiple positions, including Volunteer Diver Coordinator, Senior Aquarist, Curator of Fishes/Manager of Life Support Systems, Director of Aquatic Collection and Life Support Systems, and currently holds the role of VP, Chief Husbandry and Exhibits Officer. Thom's work experience demonstrates their expertise in aquarium operations and management.
Thom Demas earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Missouri Western State University between 1990 and 1993. Additionally, they obtained a Certificate of Completion in MANAGEMENT SKILLS FOR NEW MANAGERS from the American Management Association in October 2003.
Tennessee Aquarium
Located on the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga and surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains, the Tennessee Aquarium tells the story of the river – following the path of a raindrop from the streams of an Appalachian Forest to the Gulf of Mexico – from the mountains to the sea. Although the Aquarium has grown in size and in animal population since it’s opening in 1992, its story and its mission as a private, non-profit institution have remained the same; ‘to inspire wonder, appreciation and protection of water and all life that it sustains.’