A new chapter is unfolding on the Memphis riverfront—and it’s one that blends imagination, science, and storytelling on a scale unlike anything the city has seen. Baron Von Opperbean (BVO), the Memphis-based creative company reimagining the former Mississippi River Museum on Mud Island into a 33,000-square-foot immersive adventure, has announced Jee Vahn Knight as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Vahn Knight’s appointment marks a pivotal step for BVO as the team accelerates toward its opening milestone and continues its mission to turn Mud Island into a destination where curiosity and creativity meet.
A Leader Who Bridges Worlds
If her résumé sounds like it came straight out of a movie, that’s because Jee Vahn Knight has spent her career helping others build them.
From NASA rocket restoration to Titanic artifact conservation, Vahn Knight began her career at the intersection of construction, preservation, and storytelling, helping restore Saturn V rockets at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and conserve artifacts for the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.
Her path later led her into entertainment, where she directed marketing and digital programs for global icons like Disney, NBCUniversal, Paramount Pictures, OPI, and the Television Academy.
“In every great city, art always precedes economic development,” said Vahn Knight. “What’s happening here isn’t a recovery story—it’s a creative one. The energy, the collaboration, the sheer will to build something new—that’s the real engine of Memphis’s growth. I’m proud to be in the trenches with the people who are shaping what comes next.”
Vahn Knight also helped launch Meow Wolf, one of the most successful immersive art collectives in the U.S., and served as Director of Marketing Strategy during its national expansion. Her ability to merge creative vision with business acumen positions her perfectly for BVO’s ambitious plans.
What Is BVO?
If you haven’t heard of it yet, Baron Von Opperbean and the River of Time (BVO) is one of the most exciting projects currently in development in Memphis.
Imagine a hybrid between a theme park, an escape room, and a choose-your-own-adventure story. A massive, interactive experience where guests explore physical and digital environments, meet live performers and AI-driven characters, and uncover stories hidden throughout the labyrinthine space.
When complete, BVO will be the largest immersive playground in the Mid-South, turning Mud Island into a destination for families, tourists, and anyone seeking a little magic close to home.
“Baron Von Opperbean is about reimagining what Memphis can offer families and visitors. Jee brings both the operational discipline and the imaginative reach to make that vision real. From NASA rockets to cinematic worlds, she’s led teams that blend precision and wonder—exactly what this project demands.”
Memphis at the Center of Imagination
Vahn Knight’s arrival coincides with growing investment and momentum. BVO has raised $450,000 toward its $1 million Phase 1 goal, with support from Memphis Tourism, the Downtown Memphis Commission, and a successful Wefunder campaign. The first 8,000-square-foot portion of the attraction is expected to open early next year, introducing guests to BVO’s sprawling universe
“The Memphis story is bigger than the headlines,” she said. “This city has never waited for permission to create—it just builds, plays, and reinvents. The riverfront has the bones of history and the soul of reinvention. Christopher’s vision and the team he’s built are a mirror of how much brilliance lives here. Memphis has circled the globe before. We’re just picking up the next verse.”
A Leadership Team Built to Scale
As Vahn Knight steps in as CEO, former CEO Reuben Brunson transitions into the role of Chief Development Officer and Chairman of the Board, focusing on long-term growth and capital strategy. Joining the board are Michael Scarbrough, former Chair of the Greater Memphis Chamber’s Chairman’s Circle, and Ken May, former CEO of Topgolf and FedEx Office.
“Baron Von Opperbean is exactly the kind of bold, imaginative project Memphis needs and deserves. I’ve seen firsthand how BVO is attracting top talent, inspiring partners, and creating momentum. Memphis has a long history of innovation, and BVO is carrying that spirit forward in a way that will put our city on the national stage. I have every confidence in this team to deliver.”
Learn More
Follow BVO’s journey and upcoming announcements at baronvonopperbean.com or on social media at @bvoexp.
Stay tuned! Memphis’s next big adventure is getting ready to open its doors.
