Jennifer Driban

In her role as interim president and CEO, Jennifer oversees the day-to-day operational management of the National Aquarium and its mission to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet during a critical period of transition.

As the Chief Mission Officer, she leads the Aquarium's government affairs strategy and conservation policy work, education programs and partnerships, and our learning and engagement programs which include the Aquarium's conservation education, tours and experiences, and guest engagement teams. By collaborating with local and regional conservation leaders, Jennifer and her team strategically grow the Aquarium's mission impact by advocating for innovative conservation policies and conducting effective conservation and educational programming that empowers people to take conservation action within their lives and communities.

Jennifer has extensive professional experience in strategic planning, developing high-functioning teams, community engagement, external affairs, capital planning, fundraising, advocacy and policy development. Prior to joining the National Aquarium, she led an impactful career in public service from Maryland's State Capital in Annapolis to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. In addition to working for and with Maryland state government, the Maryland General Assembly, Baltimore City and surrounding counties and municipal governments, Jennifer served as a member of Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger's senior staff working in partnership with Maryland's federal delegation. She is often consulted for her political acumen and extensive network in Baltimore and beyond.

Jennifer serves on the boards of directors of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore and Waterfront Management Authority, and AZA Action. She volunteers with various community nonprofit organizations and resides with her family in Baltimore City. She completed the rigorous Ted A. Beattie Executive Leadership Development Program with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and The Leadership Baltimore program. She is an active alumna of the Professional Leadership Program for Women at Towson University where she earned a bachelor's degree in political science and metropolitan studies. She also holds an MBA from Towson University and the University of Baltimore.