Chief Executive, Director, Los Angeles County, Museum of Art

Govan has made a profound impression at LACMA since taking over in 2006. His touches are everywhere on the 20-acre campus, from exhibition and gallery designs to collaborations with artists such as John Baldessari, Jorge Pardo and Franz West. Thus far during his tenure, the museum has acquired nearly 35,000 works from across the globe, greatly expanding the institution’s role in the art world. The museum is currently undergoing a $750 million expansion. Prior to joining LACMA, Govan was president of Dia Art Foundation, where he was heavily involved in the creation of Dia:Beacon. He also served as deputy director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.

YEARS ON LA500: 9