KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Longwood Gardens has appointed former SeaWorld executive Jeffrey M. Davis as vice president of hospitality and commercial outlets, placing its food service, retail, events, and selected commercial partnerships under an executive with more than 30 years of experience managing major attractions.
Davis will oversee the Chester County botanical garden’s earned-revenue operations, a portfolio that generates income through visitor spending and events.
He most recently served as park president of SeaWorld San Antonio and Aquatica Waterpark in Texas, where he directed strategic planning, expansion initiatives, event development, and operational efficiency across both properties.
The appointment brings an executive with extensive experience in Pennsylvania’s attractions industry back to the region.
Davis spent much of his career at Sesame Place in Langhorne, advancing from a seasonal employee to vice president of operations. His responsibilities included strategic planning for capital investments intended to increase attendance and revenue.
He subsequently held leadership positions at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, as well as Playland in Rye, New York; Palace Entertainment; Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut; and American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The appointment places Davis in charge of commercial activities that complement Longwood Gardens’ horticultural exhibitions and visitor programming.
“His expertise will be instrumental as Longwood continues to enhance our amenities and further elevate our guest experience,” said Nico Dagnino, Longwood Gardens’ chief operating officer.
Davis holds a Master of Business Administration from Holy Family University and a bachelor’s degree in operations management from Penn State University.
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