Overview
- Jonathan Abbott started at MOCA on Thursday and holds the combined title of director and chief executive, replacing interim director Ann Goldstein who will assist with the transition through November.
- Abbott comes from public media where he led GBH for 15 years, ran a $215 million fundraising campaign, and helped grow assets from about $225 million to roughly $1 billion.
- MOCA’s board emphasized that Abbott was hired for his track record as a builder of mission-driven institutions and for skills in fundraising, digital strategy, and audience growth.
- The hire departs from the usual museum-internal choice, reflecting a deliberate shift toward operational and revenue-focused leadership after years of turnover, controversies, and pandemic-era staffing cuts.
- MOCA holds about 8,000 objects and plans to use Abbott’s stewardship to rebuild financial stability, restore staff and public confidence, and broaden community ties ahead of its 2029 50th anniversary.