Jonathan Abbott Named CEO & Maurice Marciano Director of MOCA Los Angeles

Jonathan Abbott, former President and CEO of public media organisation GBH, has been appointed CEO & Maurice Marciano Director of The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA), effective 24 September 2026. He joins as the museum builds on its artistic momentum and looks towards its 50th anniversary in 2029.

Following an international search, MOCA’s Board of Trustees announced Abbott’s appointment on 24 September. A nationally recognised leader in public media, Abbott brings a commitment to the role of arts, culture, and education in strengthening communities and helping people understand the world around them.

At MOCA, he will help shape the museum’s next chapter by building support for ambitious exhibitions and programmes, deepening its role as a place for art, ideas, and public dialogue, and expanding its audiences and philanthropic community.

Abbott most recently served for 15 years as President and CEO of GBH, a major producer of content for PBS and a partner to NPR and PRX. During his tenure, he led an organisation of nearly 800 employees with a $225 million annual operating budget, oversaw a $215 million fundraising campaign, and steered its digital transformation. Before becoming President and CEO in 2007, he served as GBH’s Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. He previously held senior roles at PBS and KQED.

“Jon is a builder of mission-driven institutions and a deeply collaborative leader who understands that great creative work depends on trust, resources, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose,” said Carolyn Clark Powers, Chair of MOCA’s Board of Trustees. “He brings the experience and imagination to help MOCA extend its reach, deepen its relationship with Los Angeles, and give artists and curators the strongest possible platform for their ambitious work.”

Abbott joins a curatorial team led by Clara Kim, Chief Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs, alongside Senior Curators Bennett Simpson and José Luis Blondet. “I’m excited to work with Clara and MOCA’s curatorial team, whose ambition and deep relationships with artists are among MOCA’s great strengths,” Abbott said. “I want to help bring broader support and audiences to work that is urgent and thought-provoking.”

Abbott succeeds Ann Goldstein, who has served as Interim Director since August 2025. Goldstein will remain with MOCA through November as Advisor to the CEO & Director to support the transition. During her interim tenure, the museum presented MONUMENTS and acquired more than 150 works for its collection.

Image: Jonathan Abbott. Photo by Owen Kolasinski for MOCA.