MOCA Appointed Jonathan Abbott as New Director

The Los Angeles museum selected the former GBH president to lead the institution into its next chapter.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a minimalist concrete museum entrance with angular geometric stairs and sharp shadows, evoking contemporary institutional design. — The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles has appointed former GBH president Jonathan Abbott as its new chief executive and director. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles has appointed Jonathan Abbott as its new chief executive and director. Abbott, who previously spent 15 years as president of GBH, officially assumed the leadership role on Thursday.

Why it matters

The board of trustees selected Abbott for his proven track record in leadership and building mission-driven cultural institutions. His appointment comes as the museum prepares for its upcoming 50th anniversary in 2029.

Abbott successfully led a $215 million fundraising campaign and managed $1 billion in total assets during his time at GBH. He succeeds Ann Goldstein, who held the interim director position for 13 months.

The players

Jonathan Abbott

He is the new chief executive and director of the Museum of Contemporary Art who previously spent 15 years as president of GBH.

Ann Goldstein

She served as the interim director of the museum for 13 months and will remain as an adviser through November.

Museum of Contemporary Art

This Los Angeles-based cultural institution is preparing to reach its 50th anniversary in 2029.

GBH

This is a prominent public media organization based in Boston that Abbott led for over a decade.

The details

The museum board of trustees introduced Abbott following a search for a leader experienced in institutional growth. To ensure a smooth handover, Goldstein will continue to serve as an adviser to the new director until November.

Jonathan Abbott officially became the director of MOCA on September 24, 2026.
Ann Goldstein will conclude her service as an adviser at the museum in November 2026.
The Museum of Contemporary Art will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2029.

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Market Landscape

This leadership transition signals a pivot toward aggressive institutional growth as the museum approaches its 50th anniversary in 2029. By recruiting a veteran of large-scale fundraising, MOCA is positioning itself to compete more effectively for major endowments and donors.

For members and patrons, this change represents a new administrative direction for the museum's upcoming programming and outreach. Visitors may observe shifts in fundraising initiatives and long-term institutional goals as Abbott settles into his new role.

The takeaway

The appointment of an experienced fundraiser suggests that the museum is prioritizing financial stability and expansion in the coming years. Abbott's success in managing significant assets provides a blueprint for how the institution intends to scale operations before its 50th anniversary.