David Rubenstein Steps Down as Kennedy Center Chairman

A businessman and philanthropist, Rubenstein has served the board as Chairman for 14 years

David M. Rubenstein, who has been Chairman of the Board at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. for the last 14 years, has announced that he will retire in January 2025. Originally appointed to the Kennedy Center board by President George W. Bush, he has subsequently been reappointed by Presidents Obama and Biden.

A businessman and philanthropist, Rubenstein is best known as the founder of The Carlyle Group. During his tenure at The Kennedy Center, he has overseen the building of the REACH (a 72,000-square-foot arts innovation annex), the addition of hip hop and comedy to the Center's programming, increased access to the arts for underrepresented communities, a renewed commitment to broadcast programming, and new additions to the living Presidential memorial to John F. Kennedy.

As well as his service to the Board, Rubenstein has made the largest financial contribution to the Center of any individual, with his gifts totaling $111 million.

A search committee, which will be responsible for identifying Rubenstein's successor, has already been appointed.

"Jill and I congratulate David on his retirement as chairman of the board of the Kennedy Center," said President Joe Biden in an official White House statement. "David understands the power of the arts to bring people together and strengthen our democracy. His commitment to making the arts more accessible to more Americans — and to ensuring the Kennedy Center reflects the diversity that is our nation’s strength — will benefit our country for generations to come."

"Serving as Chair of the Kennedy Center has been the honor of a lifetime," Rubenstein said. "The Center is an immensely important cultural and historical icon, entertaining, teaching, and inspiring our nation and the world. I have relished the opportunity to work beside incredible public servants and to see and enjoy the world’s greatest artists perform on the Center’s stages."

"One of the best decisions we made was hiring Deborah Rutter as president of the Center. Deborah made my job easy with her excellent judgment, leadership skills and vision, and commitment to excellence. In her good hands and with the support of the board and a new chair next year, the Center will continue to thrive and serve with distinction."