National Aquarium Names New Vice President of Government Affairs

Ryan Fredriksson will begin his new role for the National Aquarium after previously serving as director of government affairs. Ryan joined the Aquarium in 2017 and has worked to coordinate government affairs strategies that generate public support and advance the Aquarium's goals as a leading conservation and education organization. He will continue this work by leading the National Aquarium's strategic relationship building with community, political, and government leaders.

As the vice president of government affairs, Ryan will also direct the Aquarium's engagement of local, state and federal policymakers in support of and to encourage the organization's conservation efforts. Ryan and the government affairs team will advocate on behalf of policies that promote the National Aquarium's conservation priorities, including stopping plastic pollution, combatting climate change and saving wildlife and habitats.

"Ryan has been an integral part of the government affairs team’s success for the past four years and is incredibly skilled at working with teams throughout the organization," said National Aquarium Chief Mission Officer Jennifer Driban. "I look forward to having his continued support, as he is a true champion for the Aquarium’s mission with our external audiences."

Prior to working at the National Aquarium, Ryan served as a research analyst at the William Donald Schaefer Center for Public Policy where he developed strategic solutions to challenges facing several public and nonprofit organizations. Before that, Ryan served as a legislative aide in the Maryland General Assembly.

Ryan holds a bachelor's degree in history and political science from Towson University and a master's of public administration from the University of Baltimore.