National Aquarium Announces New Member Mark Wasserman to its Board of Directors

Wasserman brings decades of experience in public service, economic development, and healthcare to the Aquarium

Published January 27, 2026

The National Aquarium proudly welcomed new member Mark Wasserman to its Board of Directors at its October 2025 session.

Wasserman brings a wealth of experience to the Board, having served years as the Senior Vice President for External Affairs and Development at the University of Maryland Medical System, where he played a key role in advancing institutional partnerships and strategic initiatives. Prior to that, he was appointed Secretary of Economic and Employment Development for the State of Maryland from 1991 to 1994, overseeing statewide efforts to strengthen economic growth and workforce development.

His career also includes service in the Governor of Maryland's Program Office, on the Governor's Special Committee on the Port of Baltimore, and with the City of Baltimore, underscoring his deep ties to the region and commitment to civic leadership.

"Mark's distinguished career in government, economic development, and healthcare brings important perspective to our Board," said Jennifer Driban, Interim President and CEO of the National Aquarium. "His deep roots and lifelong commitment to Baltimore, as well as historical knowledge of the creation and influence of the National Aquarium, will help shape our work as we continue to drive education, environmental, and economic impact for our region."

Wasserman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from George Washington University and a Master of Arts degree in Community Planning from the University of Maryland, College Park.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Wasserman has an extensive history of board service, including Chair of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and Vice Chair of the BWI Business Partnership. He has also served on the boards of the Babe Ruth Museum, Health Care for the Homeless, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Medical Mutual Liability Insurance Society of Maryland, and United Way Community Services of Central Maryland, among others.

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.