Kevin Couch resigned as Kennedy Center’s top arts programmer days after joining, adding to leadership instability.

Kevin Couch has resigned as Senior Vice President of Artistic Programming at the Kennedy Center, just days after his January 16, 2026, appointment, with his departure effective January 24. His exit follows another recent high-level departure and adds to concerns over leadership stability amid criticism of the center’s proposed rebranding, artist withdrawals, and the Washington National Opera’s relocation, raising questions about the institution’s direction and artistic integrity.