Jennifer Driban Selected for AZA Executive Leadership Development Program

The National Aquarium is pleased to announce Senior Vice President and Chief Mission Officer Jennifer Driban as a participant in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) 2022 Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP). The selective cohort aims to develop the executive and leadership talents of zoo and aquarium professionals poised to advance to directorship within an AZA-accredited facility in the next five years.

Driban is one of ten dedicated individuals identified through an extensive candidate selection process for participation in the ELDP, now in its eighth year. The ELDP works to develop the executive competencies, knowledge, skills and behaviors needed to be most effective in the role of a zoo or aquarium director. The program's competency model emphasizes three tiers that include the heart and values of an effective leader, being an effective executive participant in AZA forums and advancing the AZA mission, and having the skills and knowledge needed to provide executive oversight for operations at the institutional level.

"Our mission to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures is both urgent and compelling, and it takes innovative, effective leaders to communicate that vision locally, regionally and nationally," said National Aquarium CEO John Racanelli. "Jen brings the values, focus and commitment to accomplish that goal, so it's no surprise that AZA chose her for this dynamic program."

In her role as senior vice president and chief mission officer at the National Aquarium, Driban leads the effort to grow conservation awareness while building meaningful relationships with community, government and conservation leaders. She oversees the Aquarium's government affairs strategy, conservation policy work, conservation community engagement and field programs, and education and engagement efforts. By collaborating with local and regional conservation leaders, Driban 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.