Our Leadership

Ian Kennedy, Executive Director

Ian Kennedy is the Executive Director of the Merriweather Arts and Culture Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and elevation of Merriweather Post Pavilion’s cultural legacy while nurturing a thriving artistic, cultural, community, and educational ecosystem in the heart of Downtown Columbia, Maryland.

Kennedy’s journey with MACC began as one of the organization’s founding board members in 2013, where he played a pivotal role in the formation and creation of the organization and establishing its initial vision for revitalizing Merriweather Post Pavilion and positioning it as the centerpiece of a dynamic, inclusive cultural ecosystem that reflects the values of the community MACC serves. Kennedy became MACC’s first full-time employee in 2016.

Kennedy’s involvement with Merriweather dates back to 2003, when he co-founded a successful grassroots effort called Save Merriweather to oppose a plan to close and demolish the beloved venue. Since then, he has had many vital roles in support of Merriweather and Downtown Columbia’s revitalization, including as a community organizer and advocate, a key member of the Howard County Government team tasked with developing a master plan for Downtown Columbia, and most recently as MACC’s Executive Director, overseeing Merriweather’s physical and programmatic transformation.

In his career, Kennedy was previously the Director of Communications for the Horizon Foundation, a nonprofit public health philanthropy dedicated to improving health and wellness in Howard County. And before that, Kennedy served as Deputy Chief of Staff to former Howard County Executive Ken Ulman.

As a volunteer, Kennedy is a member of the board of directors for the Columbia Housing Center, and he is active in his local neighborhood, Stevens Forest, and his children’s schools. He has also been a vocal advocate for redevelopment of Columbia’s older villages and for expanded facilities for active transportation in Columbia.

Personally, Kennedy is a husband and father of two daughters. He is passionate about music and has performed throughout his life, including at his high school graduation at Merriweather Post Pavilion.