Powering Exploration With Jenelle Findley, SVP of Operations and Planning
With a career that spans finance, project management and operations, Jenelle Findley brings a broad perspective to her role as Senior Vice President of Operations and Planning at Lindblad Expeditions. She focuses on the work behind the scenes that makes each voyage possible—ensuring teams, plans and partnerships come together to deliver seamless expedition experiences. Drawing on both her professional experience and her commitment to community, she is motivated by the impact thoughtful travel can have on people and places alike.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your life outside of work.
I live in Seattle with my husband and our two kids. Outside of work, it’s really about maximizing time together as a family—whether that’s traveling, playing games or baking.
I’m also very passionate about giving back to the community. For the past eight years, I’ve been involved with Mary’s Place, a local organization that supports families experiencing homelessness, through both volunteering and serving on the board. Their mission—that no child sleeps outside—continues to inspire me.
Tell us about your professional journey. How did you come to work with Lindblad Expeditions?
I started my career as an external auditor and, through a passion for learning about and improving operations, moved into roles across finance, project management and now operations and planning.
Along the way, I’ve had mentors who believed in me and encouraged me to take on new challenges across different parts of the business. Early exposure to expedition cruising sparked my interest in the unique destinations and experiences it offers, which ultimately led me to Lindblad. I was drawn to the opportunity to work in a smaller company where I could bring experience from different areas of the business to help drive success.
Findley and her family in her hometown of Seattle, Washington.
What about the Lindblad Expeditions mission resonates most with you?
The commitment to responsible exploration and the way we partner with and support the communities we visit. Since joining, I’ve been inspired by the shared passion across the organization for that mission.
Why do you love to travel?
I love being introduced to new cultures and food, and experiencing the natural wonders of the world. Travel broadens my perspective and continues to inspire me, and it’s something I’m especially excited to share with my kids as they get older.
Do you have a favorite voyage with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions?
So far, I’ve had the opportunity to take one voyage—aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion in Alaska—and it was hugely impactful, both personally and professionally.
What stood out most was the sense of community on board, both among the crew and with guests. It also completely changed how I experienced a destination I had visited many times before. Being with Lindblad allowed me to connect with the natural environment in a way I hadn’t experienced previously.
My next voyage is hopefully Southeast Greenland, where I’m excited to experience our blue water ships in action and see firsthand how we bring guests to places that are otherwise inaccessible.
Findley with Lindblad Expeditions CEO Natalya Leahy and the crew of the National Geographic Sea Lion.
What advice would you give to women who aspire to leadership roles in your field or in travel?
Don’t be afraid to take the ball and run with it—even in areas where you may not have experience. Those are often the moments where you learn the most. If you see a need or a gap, step into it. Collaborate, stay curious and focus on how you can make a meaningful impact.
What excites you most about the future of exploration with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions?
I’m excited about continuing to find new ways to explore the world’s most unique destinations and to build on the expertise and passion of our people and partners. There is so much opportunity to deepen how our guests experience and connect with places they might not otherwise have the chance to visit.
