National Aquarium President and CEO John Racanelli Announces Retirement

After nearly 15 years of transformational leadership, John Racanelli, president and CEO of the National Aquarium, has announced plans to retire from the Aquarium by the end of the year.

Since joining the Aquarium in 2011, Racanelli has guided the organization through a period of growth and evolution, expanding its role as a national leader in conservation, animal care and animal rescue.

During his tenure, the Aquarium introduced several signature exhibits and projects that redefined the guest experience and advanced the organization's mission to inspire compassion and care for the ocean planet. These include Dolphin Discovery (2012), Blacktip Reef (2013), Living Seashore (2015), the Animal Care and Rescue Center (2018), and Harbor Wetland (2024). The projects were part of a series of capital and sustainability improvements that strengthened the Aquarium's position as an industry leader.

"John's impact on the National Aquarium and the greater Baltimore community cannot be overstated. He brought a visionary approach to leadership that elevated our mission, strengthened our team, and positioned the Aquarium as a leading force for environmental stewardship. We are deeply grateful for his years of service and his unwavering commitment to our organization and its future," said Colleen Dilenschneider, chair of the National Aquarium's Board of Directors and Founder & Managing Member of IMPACTS Experience.

As part of a planned leadership transition, Senior Vice President and Chief Mission Officer Jennifer Driban will become interim president and CEO upon Racanelli's departure. The Board of Directors has begun a national search for the organization's next president and CEO, led by a committee of board members and external experts.

"My years at the National Aquarium have been among the most fulfilling of my career," said Racanelli. "Together, we've transformed the organization into a model for advancing conservation, animal welfare and community engagement. With strong leadership in place and a clear vision for the future, this is the right moment to pass the baton."

Racanelli also led the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping ensure the Aquarium's continued success as one of Maryland's top economic drivers. Today, the National Aquarium remains one of the state's leading tourist destinations and a major contributor to Baltimore's downtown vitality, welcoming more than a million guests each year and supporting jobs across the region.

During his tenure, Racanelli and the National Aquarium earned numerous awards and distinctions, including recognition from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for world-class exhibits, conservation innovation and sustainability programs. The National Aquarium is consistently ranked one of the top aquariums in the United States.