Moca Los Angeles picks longtime public media executive as next director
Jonathan Abbott takes the helm at the museum after 15 years as chief executive of GBH in Boston
The Museum of Contemporary Art (Moca) in Los Angeles has appointed Jonathan Abbott as its new director and chief executive, following a year-long search. Abbott, a veteran of public media, previously served as president and CEO of the Boston-based broadcaster GBH. He assumed his new role on September 24, succeeding interim director Ann Goldstein, who will remain on board to aid the transition process through November.
Abbott is the first individual to assume both director and CEO positions at Moca since 2010. In a statement, he expressed his enthusiasm for broadening support and attracting diverse audiences to the museum's thought-provoking exhibits. "I grew up believing cultural institutions are public spaces for everyone. Moca was established by artists and civic leaders, and I am thrilled to help it remain deeply connected to and relevant for this community," Abbott stated.
Before joining Moca, Abbott spent 15 years at GBH, the largest producer of programming for PBS and a major contributor to National Public Radio and the Public Radio Exchange. Under his leadership, GBH successfully raised $215 million and saw its assets grow from $225 million to $1 billion. He departed GBH in 2022 after more than three decades in public media, which also included stints at PBS and KQED in San Francisco.
Goldstein, who served as interim director for over a year, will depart Moca after more than a decade of service. She first began her career at the museum in 1983 and worked there for 26 years. In a statement, Goldstein expressed her deep affection for the institution and her willingness to assist Abbott during the transition. "Moca is in my DNA, and it has been an honor to serve as interim director.
This extraordinary institution will always hold my affection, and I am pleased to support Jonathan during this change," Goldstein said.
The hiring process for Moca's new director faced delays, primarily due to negotiations over wages. Administrators proposed salary increases that were significantly lower than what union members had requested. Curators also cited management resistance to diversity initiatives and described the working environment as "hostile."
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