National Aquarium names its first female president and CEO

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In a historical move, the National Aquarium has named Jennifer Driban its president and CEO, who will begin the role Wednesday. She is the first woman to hold the aquarium’s top executive role in its 45-year history.

Driban joined the organization in 2016 and was named interim president and CEO in 2025, the National Aquarium said in a statement released Tuesday. The nonprofit named Driban, a lifelong Marylander and Baltimore resident, after conducting a nationwide search led by its board of directors and external advisers. 

Other leadership roles Driban has held in her decade with the aquarium include 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 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.”

Outside of the National Aquarium and involvement with other community nonprofits, Driban – a Towson University and University of Baltimore graduate – serves on the boards of directors for the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Waterfront Management Authority and AZA Action, according to a release.

“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,” National Aquarium Board Chair Meredith Mowen said. 

“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.”

Driban earned a bachelor’s in political science and metropolitan studies from Towson University and a Master of Business Administration from Towson and the University of Baltimore.