American Ballet Theatre Appoints Kara Medoff Barnett as Next Executive Director

It was announced Tuesday that the American Ballet Theatre has placed Kara Medoff Barnett, an executive from Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, as the company's next executive director. Barnett will succeed ABT's longtime ED Rachel Moore, who parted with the theatre last year.

Donald Kramer, Chairman of the Board of Governing Trustees at American Ballet Theatre, who lauded the new appointment made by the company, made the announcement earlier this week.

Kramer said in his statement:

"I am so pleased to make this announcement today Kara's proven track record as an innovative leader, fundraiser and planner positions her perfectly to lead ABT into its next exciting chapter. Her experience working with leaders of ambitious performing arts projects around the world bodes well for ABT in its role as a leading national and international cultural ambassador. We are confident that she can bring her executive skill to the benefit of ABT, and we welcome her to our organization."

It should be noted, also, that Ms. Rachel Moore, who left ABT to pursue a head position at the Music Center in Los Angeles, left the company's artistic director, Kevin McKenzie, in charge as the interim executive. Now, Mr. McKenzie will revert back to his old post.

For American Ballet Theatre, this new appointment marks a big year for the company. Last year, ABT promoted Misty Copeland, an international ballet superstar who is outspoken about adversity felt by black females in the arts, to Principal Dancer, marking the first African-American female to reach the post.

The former Executive Director, too, helped balance ABT's operating budget and helped boost its endowment. Ms. Moore, also, helped the company find more initiatives to be involved with cultural organizations like the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, Calif.

Now, ABT co-presents performances of The Nutcracker along with Segerstrom.

Congratulations to Kara Barnett and American Ballet Theatre on an exemplary appointment. The world is excited to see what's in store for 2016.