Chicago Symphony Leader to Take Helm at Kennedy Center

Deborah F. Rutter, a veteran arts administrator credited with guiding the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to fiscal health while championing cultural outreach efforts, was named Tuesday to be the third president of the Kennedy Center, The Washington Post reports.

Ms. Rutter will take her post at the nation’s busiest performing-arts venue in September, when outgoing President Michael M. Kaiser departs for a position at the University of Maryland. She will serve as both artistic and administrative director and oversee the Kennedy Center’s $100-million expansion, the biggest addition in its 42-year history.

Ms. Rutter led the Seattle Symphony Orchestra for 11 years before moving to Chicago a decade ago. During her tenure there, the orchestra set fundraising and box-office records, virtually erased a $6-million operating deficit, and swelled it’s endowment by $70-million to $473-million. She also pursued education programs that made the symphony a regular presence in Chicago schools and community centers.

“She had all the skills: an accomplished manager, a great love and knowledge of the arts, very good fundraising skills, a passion for community outreach,” Kennedy Center Chairman David Rubenstein said. “The search committee spent a year and came to a unanimous decision that she was the best person in the country for the job.”