Flushing Town Hall Director to Step Down in 2026

Ellen Kodadek will conclude her 19-year tenure at the Queens arts organization at the end of 2026.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration showing an ornate brick building facade with an arched window, representing organizational transition in Queens. — Ellen Kodadek will step down as executive and artistic director of Flushing Town Hall in late 2026, with Jessica Nash succeeding her. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe long-serving leadership is best for the health of your local non-profit organizations?

Ellen Kodadek will step down as the executive and artistic director of Flushing Town Hall at the end of 2026. She has led the organization for 19 years, overseeing significant financial restructuring and growth.

Why it matters

The leadership change marks the conclusion of nearly two decades of administrative stability for the Queens arts hub. The transition aims to sustain this foundation as the organization approaches its 50th anniversary.

Ellen Kodadek has served for 19 years since joining in 2008, while the organization prepares for its 50th anniversary as an arts council in 2029.

The players

Ellen Kodadek

She has served as the executive and artistic director of Flushing Town Hall for 19 years.

Jessica Nash

She is the current chief external affairs officer at Flushing Town Hall and will become the next executive director.

JoAnn Jones

She was the founder of Flushing Town Hall who passed away in 2005.

The details

The Board of Directors selected current chief external affairs officer Jessica Nash to succeed Kodadek through an internal promotion. Nash, who joined the team in January 2020 as director of development, is set to take the helm in 2027.

2005: Founder JoAnn Jones died.
2008: Ellen Kodadek joined Flushing Town Hall.
January 2020: Jessica Nash joined as director of development.
End of 2026: Ellen Kodadek steps down.
2027: Jessica Nash becomes executive director.

Market Landscape

This transition marks a significant shift for the organization, building on the long-term stability established after the death of founder JoAnn Jones in 2005. The move positions the arts council for its upcoming 50th anniversary.

Patrons and community members can expect continuity as the organization promotes from within to fill its top executive role. The shift is designed to maintain current financial and artistic programs for local residents.

The takeaway

Internal promotions often serve as a strategy to preserve institutional knowledge during long-term leadership successions. Non-profit stakeholders should look for upcoming programming announcements as the organization moves toward its 50-year milestone.