Baltimore Aquarium Names Jennifer Driban As New President & CEO

BALTIMORE, Md. — The National Aquarium in Baltimore has named Jennifer Driban as its new president and CEO, where she will be tasked with leading one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions.

Driban joined the National Aquarium in 2016, where she served as a senior vice president and the chief mission officer before being appointed interim president and CEO, replacing John Racanelli. Driban’s appointment will begin July 1.

“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 press release provided to The BayNet. “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.”

Driban grew up in Maryland and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and metropolitan studies from Towson University, as well as an MBA from Towson University and the University of Baltimore. She currently resides in Baltimore City with her family.

The aquarium draws 1.2 million visitors each year and generates an estimated $430 million economic impact. Driban won the role after the aquarium conducted a nationwide search and narrowed it down from 150 candidates. She is the first woman to hold the aquarium’s highest leadership position. She will be responsible for overseeing a major renovation at the aquarium to reimagine and renovate buildings and exhibits.

“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 the release. “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.”