National Aquarium Announces New Members and Incoming Chair-Elect to Board of Directors

At its March 2023 annual meeting, the National Aquarium Board of Directors welcomed its newest members, former Maryland House of Delegates Appropriations Chair Maggie McIntosh, and David Dardis of Constellation, while announcing the return of long-time member Colleen Dilenschneider of IMPACTS Experience as the new chair-elect.

"We're deeply honored that former Delegate Maggie McIntosh and David Dardis have chosen to officially commit their valuable time, experience and perspectives to the National Aquarium Board of Directors," said National Aquarium CEO John Racanelli. "This infusion of new talent onto our Board is further bolstered by the appointment of Colleen Dilenschneider as chair-elect. We look forward to the support of these gifted and committed professionals in continuing to make important strides in our mission to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures."

Ms. Dilenschneider has served on the Aquarium's Board since 2013 and has been actively engaged in priority National Aquarium projects ranging from the conceptualization and development of the Aquarium's Animal Care and Rescue Center (opened in Jonestown in 2019) to the Aquarium's ongoing efforts to establish North America's first natural-water dolphin sanctuary.

Throughout her nearly 30 years of public service, McIntosh acted as a champion for Baltimore City and a powerful advocate for conservation within our region, serving for over a decade as chair of the House Environmental Matters Committee before serving as chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Prior to serving within the state legislature, she was a teacher in the Baltimore City Schools System and, since her retirement from the legislature earlier this year, has worked as a senior consultant at the Cornerstone Government Affairs lobbying group.

The selection of Constellation Executive Vice President and General Counsel David Dardis to the Board builds upon the long-standing strategic alliance between the National Aquarium and Constellation, a critical partner in the Aquarium's work to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2035. As a member of the Constellation Executive Committee, he plays a lead role in setting future strategy and direction for the company, and he brings the Board considerable expertise in cutting-edge energy generation.

The National Aquarium's Board of Directors provides strategic, long-term planning and oversight for the organization, one of the top three aquariums in the United States and Maryland's largest tourist attraction, which serves as a beacon of Baltimore tourism and an important economic engine for the city and state.