Our Experts

National Aquarium - Spotted Lagoon Jellyfish

Meet Our
Experts

National Aquarium Experts

With more than 16,000 animals from 660 species, National Aquarium is an amazing and informative journey through the wonders of our aquatic world. It isn’t just animals, though, that make us who we are. Our on-staff experts are key to not only our day-to-day operations, but also to our successes outside our aquarium walls as we work to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures.

Jennifer Dittmar
Stranding Coordinator

Jennifer Dittmar

As a leader on our National Aquarium Animal Rescue team, Jenn has a wide range of job responsibilities! Anything and everything — from traveling up and down the Atlantic coast for stranding events to managing volunteer feeding schedules. Learn More

Ken Howell
Curator of Rainforest Exhibits

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As the Curator of Rainforest Exhibits, Ken starts his day early with an exhibit walkthrough to make sure everything is running smoothly. Learn More

John Racanelli
Chief Executive Officer

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A passionate advocate for the ocean, John Racanelli serves as chief executive officer of the National Aquarium, where he immerses himself in pursuing the Aquarium’s nonprofit mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. Learn More

Laura Bankey
Director of Conservation

National Aquarium - Laura Bankey

As the Director of Conservation, Laura works with our conservation staff to prepare for field events like tree plantings, coastline cleanups and more to restore vital wildlife habitats. Learn More

John Seyjagat
Curator of Australian Exhibits

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As Curator of the Australian Exhibits, John's daily tasks include managing the exhibit staff and making sure all of our animals are healthy and happy! Learn More

Allison Ginsburg
Manager of Marine Mammal Training

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As the manager of marine mammal training, Allison oversees the training, enrichment and health of our colony of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins! Learn More

Jack Cover
General Curator

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As the General Curator, Jack's role is to ensure that our living animal collections are thriving and diverse, to best exhibit the beauty of the wild habitats we represent here at the Aquarium. Learn More

Heather Doggett
Director of Visitor Programs and Staff Training

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As the Director of Visitor Programs and Staff Training here at the Aquarium, I get to really delve deeply into shaping a positive and informative experience for our guests. Learn More

Leigh Clayton
Director of Animal Health

Leigh Clayton

As the Director of Animal Health, a typical day for me includes overseeing any necessary animal procedures, checking on the animals, and dealing with any emergency cases that arise. Learn More

Holly Bourbon
Curator of Fishes/Diving Safety Officer

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As the Curator of Fishes, Holly's day-to-day responsibilities include managing our staff of Aquarists and making sure that all of the animals under our care are doing well! Learn More

Sarah Elfreth
Government Affairs

National Aquarium - Sarah Elfreth

As the Government Affairs Representative, Sarah advocates for the Aquarium’s mission at the local, state and the federal government levels. Learn More