The National Aquarium has named Jennifer Driban 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.
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.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the National Aquarium’s next president and CEO as well as the first female leader in the organization’s history,” Driban said in a statement. “For the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary team of staff and volunteers and a dedicated board of directors. As a lifelong Marylander with fond memories of visiting the National Aquarium as a child, I couldn’t be more excited to lead the Aquarium in this next chapter, through a period of growth and transformation. Together, we will build on our strong foundation, deepen our impact and inspire future generations to connect with nature and care for our ocean planet.”
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. Run as a private, non profit organization (aqua.org), it draws 1.2 million visitors a year and generates more than $430 million a year in economic impact to the state. With a paid staff of more than 350 employees and another 500 volunteers, its mission is “to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet.”
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.
Prior to joining the National Aquarium, Driban held leadership positions in the public sector, working with Maryland state and local governments and serving on the senior staff of former U.S. Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, where she collaborated with Maryland’s congressional delegation.
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.
Driban earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and metropolitan studies from Towson University and holds an MBA from Towson University and the University of Baltimore. She lives in Baltimore City with her family.
In addition to John Racanelli, 2011 to 2025, past National Aquarium leaders include James Kepley, 1978 to 1981; Peter Pelham, 1982 to 1983; Nicholas Brown, 1984 to 1995, and David Pittenger, 1995 to 2011. Pittenger started with the National Aquarium in 1979, two years before its first building opened to the public, and served as its original Director of Education.
“The National Aquarium is entering one of the most exciting chapters in its 45-year history as we endeavor to modernize the campus for generations to come,” said Board Chair Meredith Mowen, in a statement. “We searched far and wide for a leader who could match that ambition, and it became clear, time and again, that the right person was already on our team. Jennifer leads with heart, with strategy and with a genuine love for this place — and we couldn’t be more excited to see what she builds next.”
“Anyone who has worked alongside Jennifer knows her energy is contagious,” said Board Vice Chair and Executive Search Committee lead, Jennifer Reynolds, in a statement. “As interim president and CEO, she didn’t just hold things steady during a pivotal moment for the Aquarium, she led with clarity, confidence and genuine enthusiasm for what’s ahead. She loves this mission and this city, and that passion shows in everything she does. We are thrilled to see her officially step into this role.”
