CELEBRATING VISIONARY LEADERSHIP
WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER VISIONARY TOURISM AWARD
JOHN RACANELLI
Like its namesake , this award is reserved for a select group of visionaries whose leadership and commitment to growing Baltimore has lifted us all up , and made strong Visit Baltimore ’ s ability to promote our city as a distinctive destination .
John Racanelli is a Baltimore hospitality industry visionary , serving as president and CEO of the National Aquarium since 2011 . Welcoming more than one million guests annually , the Aquarium is one of Baltimore ’ s top attractions and continues to be a dedicated partner to Visit Baltimore .
Under John ’ s leadership , the Aquarium has been unwavering in its mission to inspire conservation of the world ’ s aquatic treasures . Extending far beyond the vibrant exhibit spaces and underwater habitats in the Aquarium itself , this includes opening a state-ofthe-art Animal Care and Rescue Center , announcing plans for North America ’ s first dolphin sanctuary , reintroducing wetland habitats and biodiversity in the Aquarium ’ s Inner Harbor waterfront campus and hosting education programs to inspire the next generation of ocean conservationists . Most recently , the National Aquarium and the Maryland Zoo partnered to bring the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to Charm City for its annual convention — a huge success by all accounts . John ’ s vision , leadership and commitment to our blue planet are an inspiration to his team and to leaders throughout the region .
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