Trump Names Matt Floca to Lead Kennedy Center as Ric Grenell Steps Down

Kennedy Center Leadership Appointment·March 13 – March 17, 2026

28 days ago

Trump Names Matt Floca to Lead Kennedy Center as Ric Grenell Steps Down

President Trump announced that Matt Floca will serve as the new Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Kennedy Center [social/truth_social_116223780884576729]. Floca replaces Ric Grenell, who is stepping down after leading the organization through a transition period [news/9133380057]. The leadership change precedes a major reconstruction project that will close the facility for approximately two years [news/9133297810]. The Kennedy Center board of directors voted to suspend operations to facilitate the renovation, which is scheduled to begin after the July 4th holiday [news/9136818074]. Trump indicated that the project aims to establish the center as a premier global arts facility [news/9133264659]. Floca previously served as the Vice President of Operations at the center before his promotion [social/truth_social_116223780884576729].

Trump Announces Matt Floca as Kennedy Center Executive DirectorKennedy Center votes to shut down operations for 2 yearsTrump announces Ric Grenell is stepping downKennedy Center president departs months before scheduled closing

Key Statements

TThe Boston Globe

“Kennedy Center board votes to suspend operations for two years and appoints Matt Floca as CEO, replacing Richard Grenell following a federal court ruling regarding board meeting participation.”

Provides specific details on the board's vote to suspend operations and the leadership transition.