Image: Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
The Board of Trustees of The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, has appointed Jonathan Abbott as its CEO and Maurice Marciano Director, effective September 24, 2026, following an extensive international search. Abbott succeeds Ann Goldstein, who will remain through November as Advisor to the CEO and Director.
Abbott joins MOCA as the museum builds on what the announcement describes as strong artistic momentum and looks toward its 50th anniversary. He will work with MOCA’s leadership and curatorial teams to support ambitious exhibitions and programs, expand audiences, and strengthen the museum’s long-term sustainability.
Abbott most recently served for fifteen years as President and CEO of GBH, described in the announcement as the country’s largest producer of multiplatform content for PBS, a partner to NPR and PRX, and the organization behind programs including FRONTLINE, NOVA, American Experience, and Masterpiece. During his tenure, he led an organization of nearly 800 employees and a $225 million annual operating budget, led a $215 million fundraising campaign, and oversaw a period in which GBH’s assets grew from approximately $225 million to $1 billion.
He also steered GBH’s digital transformation and expanded access to its journalism, educational resources, and cultural programming.
“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.
