John Racanelli
About John Racanelli
John Racanelli serves as the CEO of the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, a position he has held since 2011. He has a background in environmental planning and marine biology, and he has led significant conservation initiatives during his tenure.
Work at National Aquarium
John Racanelli has served as the CEO of the National Aquarium since 2011. Under his leadership, the aquarium has welcomed over 50 million guests. Racanelli has been instrumental in launching and overseeing various initiatives, including a global ocean conservation program aimed at transforming public perception of ocean conservation. His role involves strategic planning and leadership to enhance the aquarium's impact on environmental advocacy.
Education and Expertise
Racanelli holds a Bachelor's degree in Strategic Management from Dominican University of California, where he studied from 2004 to 2007. He also studied Environmental Planning at the University of California, Santa Cruz for one year and Marine Biology at UC San Diego for three years. His educational background supports his expertise in transformational leadership, environmental advocacy, and strategic planning, which are essential for his role at the National Aquarium.
Background
Before joining the National Aquarium, Racanelli held several significant positions in the aquarium sector. He served as the CEO of the Florida Aquarium from 1993 to 1997 and as Vice President of Marketing at the Monterey Bay Aquarium from 1984 to 1993. Additionally, he worked as Senior Director at the Alliance of Chief Executives from 2004 to 2011. His extensive experience in the field has shaped his approach to leadership and conservation.
Achievements
During his tenure at the National Aquarium, Racanelli has been a key figure in launching a robust conservation program. This program focuses on changing humanity's view of the ocean and emphasizes the importance of ocean conservation. His leadership has contributed to the aquarium's mission of environmental advocacy and public education regarding marine ecosystems.