Photo above: Jennie Nevin presenting at the 2019 TEA Thea Awards with a custom projection mapping effect on her evening gown
In my mind, Jennie Nevin has been a fixture within TEA for as long as I can remember. During her seven-year tenure at the association she has expanded the global reach of TEA, expanded membership numbers exponentially, and helped secure financial stability for the growing organization. She has elevated TEA’s stature within the industry and created a welcoming environment for people, companies and ideas to flourish.
As a publication, InPark has enjoyed writing about the many TEA events and activities Jennie has been a part of (here’s a recent example). As a photographer at many of these events, I’ve enjoyed capturing her warm smile time after time.
Jennie has left TEA in an enviable position for future leadership and I know whichever organization benefits from her skills next is truly lucky.
-Martin Palicki
Official Press release from TEA
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA, USA (12 Nov. 2020) – Today, the Themed Entertainment Association announced that Chief Operating Officer, Jennie Nevin, is stepping down after seven years, effective November 30, 2020. Nevin will consult with the TEA during the transition period toward new leadership.
Since Nevin joined TEA in 2013, the Association has reached new milestones in many aspects of its operations and programming, including membership growth, member services, brand identity, financial stability, internal organization, staffing, and global awareness.
During her tenure, Jennie Nevin stewarded the Association to achieve its goals of financial recovery, stability and to reach new levels of sponsorship and membership growth; TEA was able to eliminate its debt, significantly increase annual income, establish a large operational reserve, more than quadruple its membership, expand its sponsorship base, and dramatically enhance the quantity and quality of its member events worldwide. She also took steps to foster a greater emphasis on diversity within the association.
Nevin led the development of several new policies and procedures. This development included the introduction of board governance training, as well as the establishment of code of conduct, antitrust, and conflict of interest policies. She also worked to elevate the TEA brand, spearheading the creation of a new website, logo, and brand guidelines, as well as raising the profile of the TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index, TEA Summit and Thea Awards, and global SATE conferences.
In response to the global pandemic, Nevin successfully pivoted the Themed Entertainment Association’s programming from in-person to virtual, helping to produce over 55 TEA Digital events, including the inaugural Thea Awards Digital Case Studies. She also drafted guidelines to safely reintroduce in-person events when appropriate, made the TEA Job Board free of charge to companies and job seekers, and worked to extend memberships for those companies and individuals financially struggling. During this time she also helped create and formalize TEA’s new mentor program. Jennie’s focus on financial management and sponsor engagement throughout the past seven years has allowed TEA’s finances to remain stable even in the midst of the current economic crisis.
Jennie Nevin has been a familiar presence in the global attractions community, helping TEA to reflect and support the global expansion and evolution of the industry. She represented and promoted the TEA year-round at conferences and trade gatherings around the world, building relationships and establishing partnerships with other industry organizations and sponsors.
Nevin will assist in executing the current initiatives of the TEA, while a member of the TEA Headquarters staff will manage the day-to-day functionality of the Association. An Executive Search Committee is in the process of formulation, led by incoming TEA International Board President, Chuck Fawcett of Animax Designs.
“Jennie has been instrumental in the growth and stabilization of the TEA since she was brought on board seven years ago,” said Michael Blau, outgoing President of the TEA International Board. “She managed to formalize and professionalize the TEA through tremendous efforts, dedication, time, and unwavering commitment. Without her, we would not have been able to serve our members to the great extent that we have during her tenure. I want to very much thank Jennie, and I wish her success in her next role.”
“It has been an honor to serve the Association and its members worldwide for the past seven years,” said Nevin. “I care deeply for the TEA and for the leaders and members who have supported me throughout my time here, and I know there is a bright future ahead.”
