National Aquarium names Jennifer Driban as next CEO in Baltimore

The National Aquarium has named Jennifer Driban its next president and CEO, setting up a July 1 leadership change at one of Baltimore’s most visible Inner Harbor institutions. Driban has served as interim president and CEO since 2025, and the aquarium said the decision followed a nationwide search led by its board of directors and external advisers.

The appointment matters well beyond the aquarium’s offices on Pier 3. The nonprofit draws more than 1 million visitors a year, passed 60 million guests in November 2024 and says it generates $430 million in annual economic impact statewide. It also says it reaches about 100,000 Maryland students each year through education programming, while offering free or reduced-rate access to tens of thousands of local guests. Because the aquarium receives no dedicated annual operating support from the city, state or federal government, Driban’s first tests will be how she balances ticket revenue, philanthropy and affordability for Baltimore families.

Driban joined the aquarium in 2016 and previously served as chief mission officer and vice president of government affairs. She is the first female leader in the institution’s 45-year history, and has described herself as a lifelong Marylander with childhood memories of visiting the aquarium. Her board work also gives her a wider civic footprint in Baltimore, where she serves on the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Waterfront Management Authority and AZA Action.

Board chair Meredith Mowen, who was elected in March and announced publicly in April, said the aquarium is in one of the most exciting chapters in its history as it continues to modernize the campus for future generations. Board vice chair Jennifer Reynolds, who led the executive search committee, said Driban had already shown clarity and confidence while serving in the interim role.

Driban takes over from John Racanelli, who announced on October 23, 2025, that he would retire by the end of that year after nearly 15 years as chief executive. Racanelli joined the aquarium in 2011 and oversaw Dolphin Discovery in 2012, Blacktip Reef in 2013, Living Seashore in 2015, the Animal Care and Rescue Center in 2018 and Harbor Wetland in 2024, projects the aquarium credits with strengthening its standing in conservation, animal care and rescue. The transition comes as the institution continues major capital and sustainability work across its waterfront campus, a project Baltimore leaders and visitors alike will watch closely.