The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts has announced the appointment of Jean Davidson as Executive Director and CEO, effective May 4, 2026.

Davidson comes to The Wallis from the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., where she served as Executive Director from 2023. During her tenure, she oversaw the NSO’s return to international touring, spearheaded an endowment campaign securing $25 million in gifts and pledges, released several acclaimed recordings, and delivered increases in both classical subscription sales and community programming.

Prior to the NSO, Davidson served as President and CEO of the Los Angeles Master Chorale at The Music Center from 2015 to 2023, where she introduced an international touring model, increased contributed revenue by 48 percent over four years, and guided the organization through the pandemic while securing over $2 million in federal and local support.

“The Arts are where a community sees itself, and where it imagines what’s possible next,” said Davidson, who was also founding CEO of New York Live Arts from 2011 to 2015, per an official press release. “I’m honored to join the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Arts at this pivotal moment.”

Davidson takes over for Robert van Leer, who recently departed to become Performing Arts Program Director at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Christine Bernardi Weil is currently serving as Interim Managing Director and Coy Middlebrook as Acting Chief Programming Officer.

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