What performing arts does the Kennedy Center present?

The Center presents classical music through the National Symphony Orchestra, opera via Washington National Opera, plus theater, dance, jazz, and contemporary performances. Multiple venues host over 2,000 annual performances ranging from Broadway shows to experimental works across all artistic disciplines.

How does the Kennedy Center serve as a national memorial?

Established as the living memorial to President Kennedy, the Center fulfills its mandate through artistic excellence, commissioning new American works, providing free performances, and serving diverse communities. It operates under congressional charter while receiving both federal appropriations and private support.

What education programs does the Center offer?

The Center operates Turnaround Arts supporting high-poverty schools, KC American College training emerging artists, NSO education concerts reaching students, and professional development for teachers. Programs serve both local DC communities and national audiences through touring and digital content.

How can audiences access Kennedy Center performances?

The Center offers ticketed performances across multiple theaters, free daily performances on the Millennium Stage, streaming content online, and touring programs reaching communities nationwide. Accessibility services and subsidized tickets expand access for diverse audiences.

John F Kennedy Center For The Performing

Washington, DC · Founded 1959

Presenting diverse performing arts and serving as the national cultural center in Washington DC

Primary audience

Arts Community

Work area

National Programming

Topic

Performing Arts

Contact

Ms Deborah F Rutter

Website Contact

About Organization

Operating with annual revenue of $306.9 million and employing 2,494 staff, the Center presents world-class performances across multiple theaters. Home to the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, it serves millions of patrons annually as America living memorial to President Kennedy.

What They Focus On

Performance Excellence

Presents over 2,000 performances annually across multiple disciplines featuring world-renowned artists and resident companies

National Leadership

Serves as living memorial to President Kennedy by commissioning new works and celebrating American creativity

Educational Impact

Delivers programs reaching students and teachers nationwide including Turnaround Arts supporting high-poverty schools

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2023)

$306.9M

+0% vs 2023

Assets (2023)

$691.4M

+0% vs 2023

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Employees
2023	—	—	—	—
2023	$306,877,220	$266,224,689	$691,411,783	2,494
2022	—	—	—	—
2022	$286,438,548	$279,943,484	$632,619,187	2,550
2021	—	—	—	—
2021	$239,686,348	$252,661,541	$619,695,551	1,747
2020	—	—	—	—
2020	$131,887,930	$138,496,216	$656,902,311	2,093
2019	$198,487,719	$196,242,584	$635,866,603	2,959
2018	$326,464,245	$254,886,291	$661,370,760	2,832

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

01

Artistic Excellence

Presents world-class performances across disciplines including orchestra, opera, theater, dance, and jazz
02

National Programming

Serves as living memorial through commissioning new works and celebrating American artistic achievement
03

Education Outreach

Delivers programs reaching students and teachers nationwide including professional training and school partnerships
04

Access Expansion

Removes barriers through free performances, streaming content, and programs serving diverse communities

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by John F Kennedy Center For The Performing

National Symphony Orchestra

Presents classical concerts featuring renowned conductors and soloists, offering education programs reaching diverse audiences nationwide

Washington National Opera

Produces grand opera productions showcasing international artists with innovative staging and commitment to developing emerging talent

Theater Productions

Hosts Broadway shows, original productions, and touring performances across multiple stages including Concert Hall and Opera House

Arts Education

Delivers arts education programs including Turnaround Arts initiative supporting schools and KC American College training emerging artists

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind John F Kennedy Center For The Performing.

Ms Deborah F Rutter

President

Full-time

Compensation: $1,416,175

Mr Timothy O'Leary

General Director, Wno

Full-time

Compensation: $413,385

Ms Barbara A Polk

Chief Administrative Officer

Full-time

Compensation: $410,023

Ms Jean Davidson

Executive Director, Nso

Full-time

Compensation: $353,159

Ms Stacey B Johnson

Chief Financial Officer

Full-time

Compensation: $339,717

Mr Kevin F Giglinto

SVP, Mktg & Sales(Thru 7/2023)

Compensation: $250,242

Ambassador Richard Grenell

CFO

Ms Leslie J Miller

Sr VP, Development

Full-time

Compensation: $446,680

Ms Nurit Bar-Josef

Nso Concertmaster

Full-time

Compensation: $429,933

Ms Aswathi Zachariah

Executive VP & General Counsel

Full-time

Compensation: $331,708

Mr Ralph Bellandi

VP, Information Systems

Full-time

Compensation: $312,535

Ms Monica S Holt

Sr VP, Artistic Planning

Full-time

Compensation: $308,908

Mr Ying Fu

Nso Associate Concertmaster

Full-time

Compensation: $307,727

Mr Jeffrey A Finn

VP, Theater Programming

Full-time

Compensation: $275,077

Mr Mark M Cohee

Head Electrician, Opera House

Full-time

Compensation: $265,003

Ms Eileen T Andrews

VP, Public Relations

Full-time

Compensation: $262,560

Mr Ross Richards

Sr VP, Operations

Full-time

Compensation: $255,627

Mr Glenn A Turner

VP, Production

Full-time

Compensation: $237,673

Ms Jordan C Lasalle

Sr VP, Education

Full-time

Compensation: $213,201

Mr David M Rubenstein

Chairman

1 hrs/week

Milestones

1971

Center Opens

1971

Dedicated as living memorial to President Kennedy, establishing national cultural center on Potomac River waterfront

2012

Organ Installation

2012

Rubenstein Family Organ installed in Concert Hall after four-year fundraising campaign replacing original instrument

2019

Expansion Complete

2019

REACH expansion added flexible performance spaces and education facilities extending programming capacity

2023

Post-Pandemic Recovery

2023

Revenue reached $307 million with 2,494 employees as programming rebounded from pandemic disruption

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

Mr Anthony Welters Vice Chair 0.5 hrs/week

Mr Brian D Ballard Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Mr Carl H Lindner III Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Mr David C Bohnett Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Mr Douglas Manchester Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Mr Jon Voight Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Mr Kelcy Warren Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Mr Lee Greenwood Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Mr Lewis Ferebee Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Mr Marc I Stern Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Mr Paolo Zampolli Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Mr Robert Castellani Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Mr Robert Drury Lenhard Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Mr Steven Witkoff Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Adrienne Arsht Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Andrea Wynn Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Billie Tsien Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Cari B Sacks Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Catherine B Reynolds Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Daryl Roth Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Denise Saul Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Hannah F Buchan Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Heather Washburne Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Hilda Solis Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Jacqueline Badger Mars Secretary 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Jennifer Fischer Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Karen Tucker Lefrak Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Kate Adamson Haselwood Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Kelly Roberts Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Lynnette Friess Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Mary Helen Bowers Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Michele Kessler Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Pamela Bondi Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Pamella Roland Devos Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Phefelia Nez Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Phyllis J Washington Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Shonda Rhimes Treasurer 0.5 hrs/week

Ms Tatiana Copeland Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Rep Hakeem Jeffries Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Rep Joyce Beatty Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Rep Julia Letlow Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Rep Kevin McCarthy Trustee (Thru 10/2023) 0.5 hrs/week

Rep Michael McCaul Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Rep Mike Johnson Trustee (As Of 10/2023) 0.5 hrs/week

Rep Rick Larsen Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Rep Samuel Graves Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Sen Chris Van Hollen Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Sen Chuck Schumer Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Sen Mark Warner Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Sen Mitch McConnell Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Sen Shelley Moore Capito Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Sen Susan Collins Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Sen Tom Carper Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

The Hon Antony Blinken Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

The Hon Carla Hayden Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

The Hon Charles F Sams III Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

The Hon Elaine Chao Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

The Hon Lonnie Bunch Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

The Hon Michael Huckabee Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

The Hon Miguel Cardona Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

The Hon Muriel Bowser Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

The Hon Xavier Becerra Trustee 0.5 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2023)

$6.7M

Highest Paid

$1.5M

MS Deborah F Rutter

Compensated Officers

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
MS Deborah F Rutter	President	$1,416,175	$43,920	$1,460,095	39.88
MS Leslie J Miller	SR VP, Development	$446,680	$42,920	$489,600	39.88
MS Nurit Bar-Josef	Nso Concertmaster	$429,933	$37,987	$467,920	40
MR Timothy O'Leary	General Director, Wno	$413,385	$50,907	$464,292	38.85
MS Barbara A Polk	Chief Administrative Officer	$410,023	$25,597	$435,620	39.94
MS Stacey B Johnson	Chief Financial Officer	$339,717	$35,862	$375,579	37.64
MS Jean Davidson	Executive Director, Nso	$353,159	$8,827	$361,986	38.85
MR Ying Fu	Nso Associate Concertmaster	$307,727	$47,737	$355,464	40
MR Mark M Cohee	Head Electrician, Opera House	$265,003	$84,347	$349,350	40
MS Aswathi Zachariah	Executive VP & General Counsel	$331,708	$17,579	$349,287	39.88
MS Monica S Holt	SR VP, Artistic Planning	$308,908	$34,168	$343,076	40
MR Ralph Bellandi	VP, Information Systems	$312,535	$18,834	$331,369	40
MR Jeffrey A Finn	VP, Theater Programming	$275,077	$48,805	$323,882	39.94
MR Kevin F Giglinto	SVP, MKTG & Sales(Thru 7/2023)	$250,242	$34,878	$285,120	—
MS Eileen T Andrews	VP, Public Relations	$262,560	$19,643	$282,203	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
MS Deborah F Rutter	President	$1,376,401	$40,076	$1,416,477	39.94
MS Barbara A Polk	Chief Administrative Officer	$504,856	$28,645	$533,501	39.94
MS Leslie J Miller	SR VP, Development	$419,253	$40,120	$459,373	40
MS Nurit Bar-Josef	Nso Concertmaster	$422,692	$36,109	$458,801	40
MS Lynne H Pratt	CFO (Thru 12/2021)	$433,702	$21,405	$455,107	—
MR Kevin F Giglinto	SR VP, Marketing & Sales	$401,242	$47,422	$448,664	39.94
MR Gary Ginstling	Executive Director, Nso	$401,437	$41,389	$442,826	38.85
MR Timothy O'Leary	General Director, Wno	$381,563	$30,086	$411,649	38.85
MR Ying Fu	Nso Associate Concertmaster	$296,241	$45,584	$341,825	40
MR Mark M Cohee	Head Electrician, Opera House	$255,306	$81,172	$336,478	40
MR Robert Van Leer	SR VP, Artistic Planning	$285,099	$34,105	$319,204	—
MR Ellery J Brown	SR VP, Operations	$275,901	$39,095	$314,996	—
MR Jeffrey A Finn	VP, Theater Programming	$254,088	$44,228	$298,316	39.94
MS Eileen T Andrews	VP, Public Relations	$248,708	$36,424	$285,132	40
MR Glenn A Turner	VP, Production	$227,909	$34,987	$262,896	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
MS Deborah F Rutter	President	$851,474	$35,328	$886,802	39.9
MS Barbara A Polk	Chief Administrative Officer	$381,995	$40,894	$422,889	39.9
MR Gary Ginstling	Executive Director, Nso	$356,349	$39,444	$395,793	38.9
MS Nurit Bar-Josef	Nso Concertmaster	$340,023	$29,805	$369,828	40
MR Kevin F Giglinto	SR VP, Marketing & Sales	$312,167	$40,893	$353,060	39.9
MR Timothy O'Leary	General Director, Wno	$319,970	$21,619	$341,589	38.9
MS Lynne H Pratt	CFO (Thru 12/2021)	$311,271	$29,309	$340,580	37.6
MS Leslie J Miller	SR VP, Development	$282,838	$34,969	$317,807	40
MR Robert Van Leer	SR VP, Artistic (Thru 09/2022)	$278,787	$34,710	$313,497	40
MR Ellery J Brown	SR VP, Oper. (Thru 09/2022)	$264,482	$39,423	$303,905	40
MR Jeffrey A Finn	VP, Theater Programming	$236,463	$37,455	$273,918	39.9
MR Ying Fu	Nso Associate Concertmaster	$233,346	$36,769	$270,115	40
MR Glenn A Turner	VP, Production	$225,885	$30,563	$256,448	40
MS Eileen T Andrews	VP, Public Relations	$221,246	$30,638	$251,884	40
MS Alicia B Adams	VP, Dance & International Prog	$212,517	$23,688	$236,205	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
MS Deborah F Rutter	President	$507,376	$34,343	$541,719	39.94
MR Gary Ginstling	Executive Director, Nso	$358,223	$37,556	$395,779	38.85
MR Timothy O'Leary	General Director, Wno	$321,530	$21,270	$342,800	38.85
MS Lynne H Pratt	Chief Financial Officer	$305,526	$34,283	$339,809	37.58
MR Kevin F Giglinto	SR VP, Marketing & Sales	$280,000	$38,981	$318,981	39.94
MS Leslie J Miller	SR VP, Development	$284,946	$33,861	$318,807	40
MR Robert Van Leer	SR VP, Artistic Planning	$280,688	$33,698	$314,386	40
MS Nurit Bar-Josef	Nso Concertmaster	$270,863	$28,326	$299,189	40
MS Barbara A Polk	Chief Human Resources Officer	$251,853	$25,929	$277,782	40
MR Ellery J Brown	SR VP, Operations	$230,636	$35,484	$266,120	40
MR Jeffrey A Finn	VP, Theater Programming	$227,535	$29,930	$257,465	39.94
MR Glenn A Turner	VP, Production	$211,545	$28,883	$240,428	40
MR Ying Fu	Nso Associate Concertmaster	$189,052	$34,109	$223,161	40
MS Eileen T Andrews	VP, Public Relations	$194,621	$27,615	$222,236	40
MS Nicole J Weaver	VP, Strategic Initiatives	$198,161	$19,932	$218,093	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
MS Deborah F Rutter	President	$1,368,831	$35,151	$1,403,982	39.94
MR Gary Ginstling	Executive Director, Nso	$459,456	$40,420	$499,876	38.85
MS Nurit Bar-Josef	Nso Concertmaster	$416,652	$30,156	$446,808	40
MR Timothy O'Leary	General Director, Wno	$413,125	$15,017	$428,142	38.85
MS Lynne H Pratt	Chief Financial Officer	$373,600	$33,572	$407,172	37.58
MR Robert Van Leer	SR VP, Artistic Planning	$351,069	$35,151	$386,220	40
MS Leslie J Miller	SR VP, Development	$340,098	$35,151	$375,249	40
MR Ellery J Brown	SR VP, Operations	$331,906	$40,420	$372,326	40
MR Kevin F Giglinto	SR VP, Marketing & Sales	$329,902	$39,882	$369,784	39.94
MR Mark M Cohee	Head Electrician, Opera House	$256,610	$77,235	$333,845	40
MS Nicole J Weaver	VP, Strategic Initiatives	$269,599	$28,160	$297,759	40
MR Ying Fu	Nso Associate Concertmaster	$261,766	$34,064	$295,830	40
MS Maria Kersten	General Counsel	$257,346	$34,630	$291,976	39.88
MR Mario R Rossero	SR VP, Education	$264,773	$26,415	$291,188	39.94
MR Jeffrey A Finn	VP, Theater Programming	$250,012	$38,200	$288,212	39.94

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$3.6M Grants Received

$405K Grants Given

32 Organizations

Top Funders

21 total

Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund

$893K

Aarp

$500K

National Symphony Orch Assn Of Washington Dc

$487K

Washington National Opera

$472K

Silicon Valley Community Foundation

$267K

American Gift Fund

$204K

Greater Washington Community Foundation 2 grants

$160K

Natl Christian Charitable Fdn Inc.

$101K

American Online Giving Foundation Inc.

$89K

Community Foundation Of Broward Inc.

$80K

+11 more funders

Top Grantees

11 total

Turanround Arts California LOS ANGELES, CA

$176K

Exploring The Arts In California ASTORIA, NY

$56K

Actf Management Ltd ARLINGTON, VA

$47K

Eugene O'neil Theater Center WATERFORD, CT

$28K

Des Moines Independent Com School District DES MOINES, IA

$24K

Milwaukee Board Of School Directors MILWAUKEE, WI

$16K

Cora Cash Inc. PORT WASHINGTON, NY

$15K

State Of Minnesota ST PAUL, MN

$14K

Broward Education Foundation FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

$12K

Bridgeport Public Schools BRIDGEPORT, CT

$11K

+1 more grantees

Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Aarp National Symphony Orch Assn Of Washington Dc Washington National Opera Silicon Valley Community Foundation American Gift Fund Greater Washington Community Foundation Natl Christian Charitable Fdn Inc. American Online Giving Foundation Inc. Community Foundation Of Broward Inc. Gs Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund American Endowment Foundation The Catherine B Reynolds Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Inc. Community Foundation Of Greater The Bessemer Giving Fund T Rowe Price Program For Charitable Rancho Santa Fe Foundation American Council Of Life Insurers The Ayco Charitable Foundation United Way Of Bergen County Turanround Arts California Exploring The Arts In California Actf Management Ltd Eugene O'neil Theater Center Des Moines Independent Com School District Milwaukee Board Of School Directors Cora Cash Inc. State Of Minnesota Broward Education Foundation Bridgeport Public Schools Montclair State University

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Federal Funding

Government awards and grants from USAspending.gov

$35K Total Obligated

$35K Total Amount

1 Awards

1 Agency

Awards

Agency	Award ID	Type	Period	Amount
NEA	1934902-31-26	PROJECT GRANT (B)	2025-2026	$35,000

Source: USAspending.gov. Amounts represent total federal obligations.

Contact

Get in touch with John F Kennedy Center For The Performing

Phone

(202) 416-8000

Social

Visit Website

2700 F Street NW Washington, DC 20566

John F Kennedy Center For The Performing

What They Focus On

Financial Information

How They Work

Artistic Excellence

National Programming

Education Outreach

Access Expansion

Programs and Initiatives

National Symphony Orchestra

Washington National Opera

Theater Productions

Arts Education

Team & Leadership

Ms Deborah F Rutter

Mr Timothy O'Leary

Ms Barbara A Polk

Ms Jean Davidson

Ms Stacey B Johnson

Mr Kevin F Giglinto

Ambassador Richard Grenell

Ms Leslie J Miller

Ms Nurit Bar-Josef

Ms Aswathi Zachariah

Mr Ralph Bellandi

Ms Monica S Holt

Mr Ying Fu

Mr Jeffrey A Finn

Mr Mark M Cohee

Ms Eileen T Andrews

Mr Ross Richards

Mr Glenn A Turner

Ms Jordan C Lasalle

Mr David M Rubenstein

Milestones

Center Opens

Organ Installation

Expansion Complete

Post-Pandemic Recovery

Associated People

Board of Directors

Executive Compensation

Partners & Funders

Top Funders

Top Grantees

Related Organizations

Tax-Exempt Affiliates

Disregarded Entities

Federal Funding

Awards

Contact

Phone

Social