The National Aquarium in Baltimore has announced Jennifer Driban as its new president and CEO, effective 1 July.
Driban, who joined the aquarium in 2016, was named interim president and CEO in 2025. She has also served in roles such as chief mission officer and vice president of government affairs.
“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.
"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."
The National Aquarium in Baltimore has announced Jennifer Driban as its new president and CEO
"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," she added.
The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.
It welcomes more than 1.2 million visitors every year, and generates more than $430 million annually in economic impact to the state.
"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 Meredith Mowen, the aquarium's board chair.
New leader for top US aquarium
"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."
Jennifer Reynolds, the board's vice chair and lead of the executive search committee, said: "Anyone who has worked alongside Jennifer knows her energy is contagious.
"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."
Images courtesy of the National Aquarium
