Des Moines Performing Arts has named Monica Holt, a nationally recognized and Emmy-winning arts leader and former senior vice president of artistic planning at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as its next president and CEO. Holt will begin her role in January, following the retirement of Jeff Chelesvig, who ends his 30-year tenure later this month.

When Chelesvig retires on Nov. 21, Heidi Watkins, long-time vice president and chief financial officer, will serve as interim president and CEO until Holt joins the organization.

Holt held several leadership positions at the Kennedy Center. As senior vice president of artistic planning, she spearheaded institutional strategies to attract audiences and drive revenue, stewarded a $110 million budget and led programming for more than 2,000 events across all art forms, reaching over 2 million people annually. Holt has also pioneered initiatives and partnerships across sectors and championed the essential role performing arts centers play in fostering community well-being, according to a news release.

Before leading the artistic division at the Kennedy Center, she served as director of marketing, where she built and led a team focused on brand storytelling, predictive financial modeling and expanded audience engagement for the Kennedy Center, Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra. She is an Emmy Award-winning executive producer and hosts the arts and culture industry podcast “CI to Eye.”

“It is an honor to join Des Moines Performing Arts, an institution whose national reputation for artistic excellence is matched by its deep roots and community connections in Des Moines and throughout Iowa,” Holt said in a news release. “I’m inspired by the opportunity to build on Jeff Chelesvig’s remarkable legacy while working alongside DMPA’s passionate staff and board to ensure the arts remain central to the lives of Americans at every stage. Together, we’ll strengthen DMPA’s role as both a world-class presenter and a vital community partner.”

Ardis Kelley, chair of Des Moines Performing Arts’ board of directors commented on her appointment.

“Monica’s experience at The Kennedy Center and her track record of leading high-impact initiatives are impressive,” Kelley said. “Her proven ability to foster collaboration, embrace innovation and deepen community connections – while maintaining the highest standards of artistic excellence – makes her the ideal leader to guide DMPA forward. We’re thrilled to welcome her to Des Moines.”

Holt earned a bachelor of arts degree from the College of William and Mary and is a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.