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Jeanette Bennett has been connected with Thanksgiving Point for almost all of her professional career. Her first cover story, when she launched Utah Valley Magazine, was on Karen Ashton and the newly-formed Ashton Gardens in 2000. She was an official steward when Thanksgiving Point broke the world record for most flower bulbs planted in one hour. Her family even reunited for the first time post-COVID at the Ashton Gardens in 2021. So, it is no surprise that her career eventually led her to become Thanksgiving Point's new chief visionary officer.
"I've always been drawn to innovation and Thanksgiving Point has always been a place of gratitude, joy, happiness, and innovation. I am so drawn to all of the amazing venues and people at Thanksgiving Point. I'm excited to envision how we can make the organization even better," Bennett says.
Bennett has been the community cheerleader of the Wasatch Front throughout her career. She started as a reporter for the Deseret News but soon formed her own media company – Bennett Communications, which houses Utah Valley Magazine, Utah Valley Business Quarterly Magazine, Utah Valley Bride, Prosper Magazine, custom publishing and UtahValley360.com.
Bennett also currently serves on the board of trustees for Utah Valley University, is chair-elect of United Way of Utah County and has served on boards of multiple organizations. In 2019, she was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Utah Valley University and was named the Top Woman Entrepreneur in Media 2018 at a luncheon in New York City. Most recently, she was inducted into the Silicon Slopes Hall of Fame 2022.
Her career has been defined by her love for Utahns. "I love to tell the stories of the people and culture in the area. Each time I do, I fall more in love with this community," Bennett says.
"Thanksgiving Point has a great story. It's not just a spot, but a feeling, a connection – it's curiosity defined," she says.
In her role with Thanksgiving Point, she's tasked with helping lead the organization to its next generation. "We are on a path of growth and revitalization, and we've been seeking the right visionary for our future," says McKay Christensen, CEO and president of Thanksgiving Point. "I'm certain we will grow exponentially under Jeanette's leadership."
Bennett's vision for Thanksgiving Point's future is all about growing the organization's presence in the community. To start, she's going to lead the charge in opening Thanksgiving Point's newest attraction – a carousel at the Museum of Natural Curiosity. She's also going to work on expanding the Every Kid Counts program, which offers free admission to kids of families on WIC or SNAP benefits.
Some of her future initiatives include:
Revitalizing the guest experience: Bennett's goal is to make Thanksgiving Point the premiere destination in Utah through consistent and elevated guest experiences.
Expanding Thanksgiving Point's reach: As a nonprofit, Thanksgiving Point serves communities throughout Utah. Her hope is to expand that outreach and create satellite campuses that will bring science learning to all kids in the state.
Planning for the future: With new opportunities, new venues, and new locations on the horizon, Thanksgiving Point's new chief visionary officer will imagine what could be and take the necessary steps to make it happen.
Thanksgiving Point serves as a place for kids to get curious about the natural world. And under Bennett's leadership, the organization is further committed to its mission of bringing the joy of learning and wonders of the natural world to life.
"While we may never know the ripple effect we will have on the community, it's our responsibility to carry on the Ashtons' vision and help build the next generation of Utahns," Bennett says.
