How a ‘Turnaround King’ Helps Arts Groups

Michael Kaiser, president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, is a no-nonsense, sometimes brash, but effective leader, says The Sun, in Baltimore.

Before joining the Kennedy Center Mr. Kaiser had a reputation for improving finances and bolstering boards at struggling arts organizations including the Kansas City Ballet, the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, and London’s Royal Opera House. After 18 months with the opera, he erased its debt, raised $100-million, and was dubbed the “turnaround king.”

Mr. Kaiser likes the challenges of leading organizations in crisis. He says, “I never met a problem I didn’t want to solve.”

When asked about his management style, Mr. Kaiser admits, “I treat board members like donors, not my bosses. I’m the arrogant CEO who runs the board; the board doesn’t run me. When people forget their roles, things can get very unpleasant.”

During his tenure at the Kennedy Center, Mr. Kaiser has overseen the doubling of the organization’s private donations from $35-million in 2001 to $70-million today.

Read The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s article on Mr. Kaiser.

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