Tourism Leader Joins National Aquarium as Chief Marketing Officer

The National Aquarium is pleased to announce the appointment of Margot A. Amelia as senior vice president and chief marketing officer (CMO).

As CMO, Amelia will be responsible for the development and execution of the National Aquarium’s marketing plan to achieve financial and strategic objectives. As a member of the National Aquarium Leadership Team, she will actively participate in organization-wide policy decisions and cultivation of the National Aquarium mission and brand.

"Our renewed focus on ocean conservation requires no less than re-imagining the role of aquariums in the 21st century, and Margot brings exactly the right kind of talent and leadership to the task," said John Racanelli, National Aquarium CEO. "Her eight years as Maryland's chief marketer, coupled with an outstanding reputation for integrity and effectiveness, will elevate the National Aquarium as a local, national and global leader."

Amelia brings to the National Aquarium more than 25 years of experience developing and directing marketing strategies for both the private and public sector. Most recently, she served as executive director for the Maryland Office of Tourism Development, where she was responsible for marketing the State of Maryland as a destination. Amelia initiated consumer-driven marketing strategies, targeting key feeder markets through digital and traditional marketing channels, which led to record-breaking years of visitation, visitor spending and state sales tax revenue in Maryland. She also launched the Maryland Green Tourism certification program in 2009. Amelia sits as Vice Chair on the National Council of State Travel Directors (elected in 2012) and serves on the Board of Capital Region USA, the international marketing alliance between Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

"I believe in the Aquarium's vision to change the way people care for the ocean," said Amelia. "As an engaged resident and professional, I've witnessed how far the Aquarium has come, and I'm looking forward to being a part of its future."

Prior to the Maryland Office of Tourism, Amelia served as vice president of marketing for the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association (now Visit Baltimore), the official destination development and marketing leader for Greater Baltimore. From 1988 to 2001, Amelia worked for GKV (Gray Kirk Vansant Advertising) in various management positions. Prior to that, she worked for Smith Burke & Azzam and Amelia & Associates. Amelia earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania.