Lion Country Safari recently announced the appointment of 17-year employee Jennifer Berthiaume as vice president. Berthiaume previously served as the park’s managing director since early 2018, and the public relations and marketing director since 2002. Berthiaume is the park’s first female managing director and now officer in 52 years. Lion Country Safari looks forward to further success under Berthiaume’s leadership as vice president.
In her role as managing director, Berthiaume and the management team have guided Lion Country Safari through numerous improvements and changes, including Safari Falls, the park’s recent and popular new water attraction. Conservation efforts have grown substantially, and a number of beautification efforts are also underway under the leadership of Berthiaume and park CEO Marc Unterhalter.
Prior to Lion Country Safari, Berthiaume spent six years working in the public relations industry, including at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in mass communications in 1996.
Due to her experiences throughout her tenure with the park, Berthiaume has been recognized by her attraction industry colleagues throughout Florida for her leadership qualities. She currently serves as the chair-elect of the Florida Attractions Association Board of Directors. She serves as one of only 18 board members, representing nearly 250 industry businesses.
Berthiaume’s list of recognitions during her career includes Florida Attractions Association Member of the Year (2017), finalist for Women of Worth by the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce (2016), the South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Top Workplace Professional (2015) and finalist for the Athena Young Professionals Award (2013). She has also been a frequent speaker at the Florida Festival & Events Association Conference and the Florida Attractions Association Conference.
