Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter Announces Departure After 11 Years

Rutter, the first woman to lead the institution, will step down at the end of 2025, leaving behind a legacy of expansion and innovation.

Deborah Rutter, president of the Kennedy Center since 2014, announced she will step down at the end of 2025 after 11 years in the role.
Under her leadership, the Kennedy Center underwent its first physical expansion with the opening of the $250 million REACH arts complex in 2019.
Rutter navigated the institution through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including an 18-month closure and significant financial hurdles.
She prioritized diversifying the center's programming, including elevating hip-hop as a core art form and launching initiatives like the Sound Health Network.
A search committee, assisted by consulting firm Spencer Stuart, will oversee the process of selecting Rutter's successor.