MOCA Appoints Public Media Veteran Jonathan Abbott as CEO and Director

Key points

• Jonathan Abbott begins his role as MOCA’s CEO and Maurice Marciano Director immediately, succeeding interim director Ann Goldstein.
• Abbott previously led GBH, the largest producer of multiplatform content for PBS, for 15 years, overseeing nearly 800 employees and a $225 million annual budget.
• During his tenure at GBH, Abbott led a $215 million fundraising campaign and grew the organization’s assets from $225 million to $1 billion.
• Ann Goldstein will remain at MOCA through November 2026 as an advisor to support the transition, having served as interim director since August 2025.
• MOCA’s board chair, Carolyn Clark Powers, described Abbott as a 'builder of mission-driven institutions' with the experience to deepen the museum’s relationship with Los Angeles.
• The appointment follows a more than year-long search and comes after a period of leadership turnover, including the unexpected departure of Johanna Burton in 2025.

Background

MOCA has experienced significant leadership instability since 2008, with six directors in that period. The museum faced challenges including staff layoffs during the pandemic and controversies over diversity. The current appointment follows the departure of Johanna Burton in 2025, who left for the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania, leading to Ann Goldstein’s interim appointment. The museum is approaching its 50th anniversary in 2029 and holds a collection of over 8,000 works.

How outlets are covering it

The Los Angeles Times emphasizes Abbott’s fundraising and organizational experience as a solution to MOCA’s historical turmoil, noting his background in public media as a strategic fit for stabilizing the institution. Artforum and MyNewsLA focus on the formal appointment details and Abbott’s credentials, highlighting his role in growing GBH’s assets and digital transformation. MOCA’s official announcement frames the appointment as a step toward broadening the museum’s audience and deepening its civic connections, with Abbott expressing enthusiasm for working with the curatorial team led by Clara Kim. All sources agree on the effective date and Abbott’s previous role at GBH, but the Los Angeles Times provides more context on the museum’s past instability, while the official statement focuses on future goals and collaboration with the curatorial team.

Why it matters

The appointment of Jonathan Abbott marks a potential turning point for MOCA, aiming to stabilize the institution after years of leadership turnover and controversy. His experience in fundraising and organizational growth could help MOCA expand its audience and strengthen its community ties ahead of its 50th anniversary. The transition from interim director Ann Goldstein to Abbott signals a shift toward long-term strategic planning and institutional stability.

What to watch

Abbott will begin his role immediately, working with the curatorial team led by Clara Kim to expand MOCA’s audience and strengthen its community connections. Ann Goldstein will remain as an advisor through November 2026 to support the transition. The museum will continue to build on its artistic momentum and prepare for its 50th anniversary in 2029.