Nat Geo's New Era: Finance Titan and Amazon Explorer Take the Helm

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2026 – The National Geographic Society is charting a new course for its future, appointing two leaders who embody a strategic fusion of high-finance acumen and on-the-ground conservation grit. The 138-year-old institution announced the election of private equity veteran Kevin J. Maroni as the new chair of its board of trustees, alongside the appointment of celebrated aquatic ecologist Fernando Trujillo as its new Explorer trustee.

These leadership changes come at a pivotal moment for the Society, which is preparing to open its landmark National Geographic Museum of Exploration this summer. The appointments signal a deliberate strategy to bolster the organization’s financial and strategic growth while deepening its commitment to the core mission of exploration and protection. Maroni, the eighth board chair in the Society's history, succeeds Jean Case, who made history as the first woman to hold the position and served as chair for a decade.

"We are entering a truly historic year for the Society: one that calls for leaders who can meet the scale of our ambition and continue accelerating our mission by elevating the work of our Explorers on a global stage," said Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society. "Kevin embodies that kind of leadership. With his strategic thinking and dedication to our mission, Kevin will build on a legacy of audacious leadership and help guide the Society into a new era of impact."

A Financial Architect for a Storied Institution

Kevin J. Maroni brings a formidable resume from the worlds of private equity and philanthropy to his new role. As the managing partner of Maxply Capital Management and a founding principal at Spectrum Equity, a leading growth capital firm, Maroni has spent his career identifying and scaling innovative companies. His experience extends to corporate development at Time Warner and previous service on the board of National Geographic Partners, the joint venture with The Walt Disney Company, giving him intricate knowledge of the brand's commercial and non-profit arms.

Having joined the Society's board in 2019, Maroni is no stranger to its inner workings. He has chaired both the strategy and finance committees and, since December 2024, served as co-vice chair. This background positions him to steer the organization through its next phase of strategic growth, which includes capitalizing on the public engagement opportunities presented by the new museum.

His extensive philanthropic service underscores a deep-seated commitment to mission-driven organizations. Maroni has held significant leadership and fundraising roles at institutions like Massachusetts General Brigham Hospital, where he served on the executive committee for a $4 billion capital campaign, and the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, where he was treasurer. This blend of financial expertise and non-profit governance is precisely what the Society appears to be banking on to secure its future.

"After six years as a trustee, I am most inspired by the board's deep commitment to advancing the Society's mission and increasing our impact," said Maroni. "As chair, I am honored to advance that perspective, collaborating with my fellow trustees, the Society's leadership and our exceptional community of Explorers to ensure this iconic organization remains trusted, inspiring and well-positioned for its next chapter."

The Explorer's Voice in the Boardroom

Balancing Maroni's boardroom expertise is the vital field perspective of Fernando Trujillo, the newly appointed Explorer trustee. An aquatic ecologist who has spent over 35 years working in the Amazon, Trujillo represents the heart of the Society's mission. His life's work has been dedicated to the conservation of Amazonian pink river dolphins, manatees, and otters, a mission that has earned him the title of 2024 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year.

Trujillo’s work is a model of modern conservation. He and his team collaborate closely with local and Indigenous communities, tracking dolphin migrations and analyzing mercury contamination in the food web to gauge the health of the entire Amazonian river system. His leadership extends beyond research; as a lead Explorer for the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Amazon Expedition, he was instrumental in spearheading a first-of-its-kind global declaration for the protection of river dolphins in 2023, a landmark achievement in international conservation policy.

The Explorer trustee role, established in 2022, was created specifically to ensure that the voices and experiences of the Society's global community of scientists, conservationists, and storytellers are represented at the highest level of governance. Trujillo is the third Explorer to hold the position, following ecologist Paula Kahumbu and filmmaker Sandesh V. Kadur. His appointment reinforces the Society’s commitment to grounding its strategic decisions in the realities of fieldwork.

"Fernando is a visionary who has worked hand in hand with local communities and governments across South America to protect endangered aquatic wildlife and vital ecosystems in the Amazon," Tiefenthaler noted. "A true collaborator and trusted leader, Fernando will be a powerful voice for our community of Explorers."

Trujillo himself sees the role as a continuation of the collaborative spirit that has defined his career. "The National Geographic Society has stood with my colleagues and me in the Amazon for years, a partnership that has always been rooted in collaboration," he said. "This role is an incredible honor and opportunity to listen, contribute and work together, so Explorers' experiences and voices help guide how the Society moves forward."

Charting a Course for the Next Era

The dual appointments of Maroni and Trujillo represent a carefully constructed leadership team designed to navigate the complexities of the 21st century. By pairing a leader skilled in building and scaling ventures with a world-renowned scientist deeply embedded in one of Earth's most critical ecosystems, the National Geographic Society is preparing to amplify its impact on a global scale. This new chapter builds upon the transformative tenure of outgoing chair Jean Case, a philanthropist and impact investing pioneer who broke barriers as the first woman to lead the board.

As the Society looks toward the summer opening of its Museum of Exploration and continues to fund thousands of changemakers in over 140 countries, this new leadership structure aims to ensure that the organization not only maintains its legacy but also innovates for the future. The combination of strategic financial oversight and authentic mission-driven perspective is intended to empower the next generation of Explorers and bring their stories of science, conservation, and discovery to an even wider audience, fulfilling the organization's enduring promise to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.