Obama Names Broadway Producer Rocco Landesman New Chairman of the NEA

Dear Friends,

President Obama has nominated Rocco Landesman, an entrepreneur and commercial theater producer, to be the next head of the National Endowment for the Arts. Landesman is the President of Jujamcyn Theaters, owner of five Broadway houses, and was responsible for such Broadway mega hits as "Angels in America," "The Producers," "Jelly's Last Jam" and "Big River."

The White House appointment of Landesman is a surprising pick. Born and raised in St. Louis, Landesman is a risk-taking producer with a controversial streak and a varied background managing a private investment fund and teaching at the Yale School of Drama.

Often seen as a bold and irreverent figure in the theater world, Landesman could be a sign that the Obama administration plans to take the NEA in a new direction. With for-profit arts experience and energetic candor, Landesman is expected to move the post beyond bureaucratic administrator to be an effective advocate for arts funding.

Playwright Tony Kushner said of Landesman's nomination, "He's an absolutely brilliant and brave and perfect choice for the job." Landesman would fill the position vacated by Dana Gioia and would be 10th chairperson since 1965, when Congress created the National Endowment for the Arts.

Dan Hunter, Executive Director

Hathalee Higgs, Development Director