Jonathan Abbott Takes Helm at MOCA Los Angeles
Jonathan Abbott, the former president and CEO of Boston’s public media broadcaster GBH, started as the new director and chief executive of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles on 24 September 2026. He replaces interim director Ann Goldstein, who will assist through November to ensure a smooth transition. Abbott is the first leader to hold the joint director and CEO title at MOCA since 2010, marking a significant shift in the museum’s leadership structure.
Abbott’s appointment follows a yearlong search and signals MOCA’s intent to broaden its audience and deepen its community ties. His background in public media brings a new strategic dimension to the institution, reflecting a commitment to cultural accessibility and institutional growth.
Public Media Expertise Meets Contemporary Art
Before joining MOCA, Abbott led GBH for 15 years, overseeing the largest producer of Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) content and a major partner of National Public Radio and the Public Radio Exchange. During his tenure, he spearheaded a $215 million fundraising campaign and increased GBH’s assets from $225 million to $1 billion, showcasing his capability in managing large-scale institutional growth.
Abbott’s three-decade experience in public media, including roles at PBS and San Francisco’s KQED, equips him with skills in audience engagement and fundraising that are pivotal for MOCA’s future. His vision emphasizes expanding MOCA’s role as a public cultural space deeply connected to its community.
Ann Goldstein’s Interim Leadership and Legacy
Ann Goldstein, who served as MOCA’s interim director since August 2025, will step aside after more than a year in the role but remain involved during the transition period. Goldstein originally began her career at MOCA in 1983 and dedicated 26 years to the museum, underscoring her deep institutional knowledge.
Goldstein expressed her ongoing commitment to MOCA, describing the institution as part of her “DNA” and emphasizing her pleasure in advising Abbott. Her leadership helped stabilize the museum during the search for a permanent director, maintaining continuity in a period of significant change.
Leadership Change Amidst Institutional Challenges
The leadership transition occurs against a backdrop of internal tensions at MOCA, including stalled wage negotiations with union members and reported resistance to diversity initiatives. These challenges highlight the complexities Abbott faces in balancing administrative demands with staff and community expectations.
Abbott’s public media background, which involved managing diverse stakeholder interests and large fundraising goals, may offer fresh approaches to navigating MOCA’s organizational dynamics. His success in expanding institutional assets and audiences will be critical in addressing these internal challenges.
Strategic Vision for MOCA’s Future
Abbott has articulated a clear goal of making MOCA an inclusive cultural institution that serves and reflects its community. His statement emphasized the museum’s origins “built here by artists and civic leaders” and his commitment to sustaining that legacy by fostering broader support and engagement.
This strategic direction aligns with MOCA’s efforts to remain relevant and accessible in Los Angeles’ diverse cultural landscape. Abbott’s leadership style, shaped by public media’s emphasis on outreach and public service, positions the museum to strengthen its public role and expand its impact.
Takeaway: Jonathan Abbott’s appointment as MOCA’s director and CEO marks a deliberate move toward leveraging public media expertise to grow the museum’s community engagement and institutional capacity.