Talent manager named artistic director

The Kennedy Center has appointed Rick Canny, a talent manager who has worked with ZZ Top and former Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, as its new artistic director.

Appointment announced despite staff concerns

Matt Floca, the center's executive director and chief operating officer, announced Canny's appointment in an email to high-level staff on Thursday, despite complaints from staff about his business practices.

Canny has been consulting since February

Canny has served as a consultant to the Kennedy Center since shortly after President Trump became the institution's chairman in February twenty twenty-five, working through his firm Favor the Artist.

Staff raised concerns about high fees

An internal memo from March by the center's then-senior director of music programming Sammy Miller raised concerns about Canny's fees. In one month in early twenty twenty-six, Canny charged thirty thousand dollars in consulting fees.

Travel expenses included first-class flights

In another month, Canny charged over twenty-eight thousand dollars in fees and travel expenses, including two first-class round-trip flights between Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Miller said offices protected Canny

Miller wrote that he had previously tried to resolve his concerns through the center's general counsel and its finance office, but both offices appear to be protecting Canny.

“both offices appear to be protecting Mr. Canny”

Center disputes fee amount, stays closed

The Kennedy Center told the New York Times that the thirty-thousand-dollar fee did not reflect Canny's current agreement but did not provide specifics.