Nathaniel Tannehill

Nathaniel Tannehill brings his high standards and expertise in finance and operations to both his professional life and service to the community.

His career began at Caesars/Harrah's New Orleans as a corporate auditor before joining Pinnacle Entertainment in 2013 where he was appointed Vice President of Finance & Operational Excellence for L’Auberge Baton Rouge and other properties in the Gulf region. In 2018, he joined Wampold Companies Hospitality Collection as Regional Finance Director and in 2019 was named General Manager of the Collection’s flagship Baton Rouge hotel, the Renaissance. He was a driving force in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the reopening of Harrah's New Orleans, and in response to the Baton Rouge flood of 2016, he worked with a team to raise $400,000 to help over 100 team members impacted by the disaster.

But service and volunteering are equally important to him. “In order to have a community where my family and children can thrive, we have to give back,” he says. His own family was instrumental in instilling in him a drive to better himself and his community. He serves on the board of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Foundation and the Baton Rouge Lodging Association. He also serves as Chairman on Mary Bird Perkins’ Joint Development Committee (JDC), a committee composed of Cancer Center Foundation board members, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center board members and at large members focused on fund development strategy and implementation. He also serves on the Joint Development Committee-Corporate Engagement/Events Task Force where he helps develop relationships with individual and corporate donors.

In his role as part of the JDC Corporate Engagement/Events Task Force, he looks for fun and out-of-the-box ways to connect younger people to Mary Bird Perkins’ mission. For example, he worked with a local brewery to create a special craft beer in honor of the Cancer Center’s 50th anniversary with the proceeds from its sales donated to the organization.

At home, he enjoys spending time with his family and just about any outdoor activity. He enjoys golf as well as hiking in two of his favorite places Asheville, North Carolina and Vail, Colorado. He also enjoys cheering on both of his boys at their sporting events.

My Mary Bird Perkins Story

What makes Mary Bird Perkins unique?
It’s 100% the people. They are what separates Mary Bird Perkins from everyone else. Although the Cancer Center certainly has leading-edge technology, it’s the brilliant minds, kind hearts and devoted staff inside the buildings that provide such exceptional care for patients.

Why do you support Mary Bird Perkins?
When I originally moved to Baton Rouge, I knew I wanted to be part of volunteering at the Cancer Center. I sought out ways to help serve its mission. For me, it’s personal. My best friend growing up died of cancer in 2004. After witnessing what he went through during his illness, what his family and friends went through, I knew I wanted to put my efforts toward fighting the disease. And I knew Mary Bird Perkins was the best place to do that. The organization’s mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer for patients and their families is unparalleled. They truly bring this purpose to life.

Why is a gift to the endowment so important?
A gift to the Foundation allows Mary Bird Perkins to continue building on everything the Cancer Center has accomplished in its 50-year history and ensures state-of-the-art-care continues right here in the Gulf South. Giving to the endowment provides the backbone of support Mary Bird Perkins needs to thrive.

For me, I enjoy being part of the Investor Collective. It’s a great way for professionals to get involved in such a worthy cause and to find like-minded men who want to make a difference and support the Cancer Center’s work. It is a privilege to invest in and serve Mary Bird Perkins’ mission.

If someone asked you why he/she should make a gift to Mary Bird Perkins, what would you say?
You would be hard-pressed to find someone whose life hasn’t been impacted by cancer. Giving a gift to Mary Bird Perkins helps ensure that you or your loved ones can receive exceptional, leading-edge cancer care right here at home where most peoples’ support systems exist.

What is your vision for MBP and how do you think philanthropy can drive that vision?
My vision for Mary Bird Perkins is that we continue to grow, not only as Louisiana’s leading cancer care organization, but as one of the leading cancer centers in the Gulf South. With top-notch cancer professionals, we are able to provide innovative research programs, breakthrough treatments and life-enhancing supportive care services - we’re leading the way in cancer care. And philanthropy is key in making that happen.

What motivated you to accept the invitation to serve on the MBPCF Board of Directors?
Not accepting was never an option. Originally, I was motivated by my personal connection to the mission, but once I became engaged and saw how passionate and driven everyone’s dedication to the mission is, I realized that the importance of this work went well beyond what I could have anticipated. I’m honored to serve.