The National Aquarium has named Jennifer Driban as its new president and CEO, effective July 1. Driban replaces John Racanelli, who retired at the end of 2025 after nearly 15 years in the position. She joined the aquarium in 2016 and has been serving as interim president and CEO since his departure.

Leadership and Experience

Driban’s appointment as permanent president and CEO follows a nationwide search led by the aquarium’s board and external advisors. She is the first female leader of the National Aquarium, which turns 45 on August 8, and the sixth in its history.

As president and CEO, Driban will be in charge of one of the top aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland. The aquarium draws 1.2 million visitors a year and generates more than $430 million a year in economic impact to the state.

Before she was named interim President and CEO, Driban was the aquarium’s senior vice president and chief mission officer and vice president of government affairs. In these leadership roles, she has shaped the organization’s approach to public policy and advocacy while overseeing conservation education and programs, government affairs and guest engagement.

Community Involvement

In addition to her work at the National Aquarium, Driban serves on the boards of directors for the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore; Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore; Waterfront Management Authority and AZA Action. She is also active with several community nonprofit organizations and has completed the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Ted A. Beattie Executive Leadership Development Program; Towson University’s Professional Leadership Program for Women, and Leadership Baltimore.

Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.