National Aquarium Announces Two Key Vice President Appointments
Jamie Barnett has been hired as Vice President of Planning and Design, and Jacqueline Bowie has been promoted to Vice President of Board Engagement and Chief of Staff
The National Aquarium is strengthening its team with two key appointments that reflect its commitment to thoughtful growth, exceptional guest experiences, and strong organizational governance. Jamie Barnett joined the Aquarium in November 2025 to lead the strategic alignment of the organization's campus planning infrastructure and guest journey experience as VP of Planning and Design, and long-time staffer Jacqueline Bowie was promoted to Vice President of Board Engagement and Chief of Staff.
Barnett directs a multidisciplinary division that includes Experiential Design, Exhibit Fabrication and Operations, and Facilities. In this role, she provides leadership for the framework planning and operational stewardship of the National Aquarium's campus.
Her leadership focuses on building cross-functional teams to maintain and enhance the Aquarium's existing campus while actively shaping its future roadmap. Barnett ensures the Aquarium's physical environment fosters an intuitive sense of place that inspires a deeper connection to conservation.
"Jamie, in her new role, brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to shaping environments that support both operational excellence and meaningful guest experiences," shared Ginna Newton, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer at the National Aquarium. "Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to invest in our campus and ensure it reflects our mission, values, and long-term vision."
Before joining the Aquarium, Barnett owned and led her own design consultancy and held leadership roles at Ayers Saint Gross and Gensler, where she specialized in architecturally integrated environments and wayfinding. She has a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Communication from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia.
In addition to Barnett's appointment, the Aquarium announced the promotion of Bowie to Vice President of Board Engagement and Chief of Staff. In this expanded role, Bowie works closely with the National Aquarium Board of Directors and the National Aquarium Foundation, fostering strong relationships and advancing strategic initiatives that support the Aquarium's mission.
Bowie began her journey with the Aquarium more than a decade ago, in January 2013, as a volunteer diver, a role she still holds today. She joined the organization full-time in 2014 as an assistant in the Philanthropy department and has since advanced through several leadership roles, including Manager of Major Gifts, Director of Donor Relations, and Director of Board Engagement. In 2016, Bowie received the Aquarium's highest employee honor, the Frank A. Gunther, Jr. Community Service Award/Employee of the Year.
Bowie has also served on the Joseph and Vera Douglas Family Foundation Advisory Council, the Minorities in Aquarium and Zoo Sciences Board, and the Chesapeake Conservation Corp Advisory Board. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Bates College and a master's degree in environmental law and policy from Vermont Law and Graduate School, along with professional certifications in nonprofit board consulting from BoardSource, diversity and inclusion from Cornell University, and women's leadership from Towson University.