National Aquarium Announces Three New Board Members This Spring

The National Aquarium proudly welcomed three distinguished leaders—Carolyn E. Howell, Katherine A. Klausmeier, and Kerry Watson—to its Board of Directors this spring. Their diverse backgrounds in business, government, and civic service bring a shared commitment to community impact that will strengthen the Aquarium's mission to inspire conservation, education and engagement.

Two former directors also rejoined the board: Marc Bunting, CEO of the Blue Jar Family Council and Chuck Tildon, vice president of external affairs for the University of Maryland Medical System.

"It's a privilege to welcome these established leaders to our board," said Aquarium President and CEO John Racanelli. "They each bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and a deep-rooted commitment to equity, innovation, and public service—values central to the Aquarium's mission."

Howell is the founder and CEO of Events USA, a nationally recognized event planning and production firm. With nearly 30 years of experience and over 2,600 events produced—from summits and trade missions to galas and award shows—Howell is known for her strategic vision and creative execution. She has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including being named a Women in Business Champion of the Year by the D.C. Chamber of Commerce and a Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise by the Capitol Region Minority Supplier Diversity Council.

Beyond her professional achievements, Howell serves on several boards and organizations, including the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, Skal International Washington, D.C., the Mansion on O Street and O Museum, and the Caribbean Americas Single Economy (SEDI-CASE) Advisory Board.

Klausmeier was sworn in as Baltimore County's 15th and first female County Executive on January 7, 2025. Before her historic appointment, she served in the Maryland State Senate from 2003 to 2024, representing District 8. During her tenure, Klausmeier held numerous leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Finance Committee and the Baltimore County Delegation Senate Chair, where she has advocated for safer, stronger, and more equitable communities.

Her longstanding commitment to public service has earned her recognition among Maryland's Top 100 Women, along with honors from the Maryland Association of Counties, the Mental Health Association of Maryland, and the Maryland Retailers Association for her efforts to improve the quality of life for residents across Maryland.

Watson is the Baltimore Orioles' executive vice president of public affairs, overseeing government relations and community engagement. He brings decades of experience in public service, including as Regional Vice President of Government Affairs at MGM Resorts International and as a senior advisor to Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker. His early career includes 20 years with the Prince George's County Police Department, where he held roles such as K9 handler and vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police.

He is deeply involved in community advocacy, serving on the boards of MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center (Chair), the Problem-Solving Courts of Prince George's County (President), and the National Center for Victims of Crime (Treasurer). He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Maryland, University College.

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. As Maryland's largest paid tourist attraction, it serves as a beacon of Baltimore tourism, an important economic engine for the city and state, and a hands-on advocate for local and global conservation initiatives. To learn more about the Aquarium's recent accomplishments and community impact, view the 2024 Impact Report.