Kennedy Center has announced that it will extend Board Chairman David M. Rubenstein’s leadership of the nation’s cultural center until September 2026.

Rubenstein agreed to remain in the role after the national search for a new board chair, which began in May, took longer than expected. As a result, the board leadership decided to pause the search and asked Rubenstein to continue in the role as the Center prepares for the 250th Anniversary of America and advances ongoing projects.

Earlier this year Rubenstein announced his intention to step down from the board of trustees in January 2025 after a 14-year tenure.

Created by Congress in 1958, the Kennedy Center serves as the national cultural center for the United States and a living memorial to John F. Kennedy. Its trustees are a combination of presidential appointees and ex-officio leaders in government. President Joe Biden is expected to appoint 12 new board trustees before Jan. 20, 2025.