Jean-Pascal Coutelen Named The Huntington’s Vice President of Facilities, Operations, and Capital Programs

Following a national search, The Huntington has appointed Jean-Pascal (JP) Coutelen as vice president of facilities, operations, and capital programs, effective Aug. 18. He brings more than 25 years of experience leading facilities management, capital construction, sustainability, and safety programs at cultural, scientific, and entertainment institutions in the United States and Europe. 

“JP’s experience managing complex, mission-critical capital initiatives and operational teams—along with his strong focus on sustainability and the visitor experience—makes him an excellent fit for this next chapter of The Huntington,” said Karen R. Lawrence, president of The Huntington. “His background has prepared him to help lead two major capital projects that are central to The Huntington’s future—our Scholars Grove and Library/Art Building projects.”

Coutelen most recently served as associate vice president of facilities and sustainability at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), where he oversaw facilities operations across the museum’s 20-acre campus on Wilshire Boulevard, as well as multiple off-site storage locations. He played a key role in capital projects, including the David Geffen Galleries, LACMA’s new building for the permanent collection. He also advanced key initiatives in energy management, environmental health and safety, and climate-action planning.

Before his time at LACMA, Coutelen held leadership roles at JPL/NASA, The Walt Disney Company, and Disneyland Paris, where he oversaw infrastructure planning, capital programs, maintenance, and safety at sites serving both operational and public needs. At The Huntington, Coutelen will oversee the institution’s physical infrastructure, capital projects, security, environmental health and safety management, and sustainability programs. He will serve as a member of the senior leadership team.

His appointment comes as The Huntington advances two major capital initiatives as well as implementation of a comprehensive campus plan, aligned with its 2023–27 strategic plan. The strategic plan outlines such priorities as “being leaders for a sustainable world” and “expanding access, engagement, and education for a broader public,” with core commitments to stewardship of financial and physical resources as well as collections care:

• Scholars Grove, a new residential community, will provide on-site housing for visiting research fellows working with The Huntington’s library, art, and botanical collections.
• The Library/Art Building (LAB) project will renovate and modernize the Historic Library Building, doubling collections storage capacity, improving conservation and staff spaces, and enhancing public galleries.

“I am honored to join The Huntington at such a dynamic moment,” said Coutelen. “The institution’s mission and collections are extraordinary, and I’m excited to support that work through thoughtful stewardship of the campus and projects that enhance operations and the experience for visitors, staff, and scholars.”

Coutelen holds a diplôme d’Ingénieur in maintenance engineering from Polytech Nancy at Nancy University in France. He is a certified professional maintenance manager and certified safety manager, and he is completing a sustainability certificate through UCLA Extension. He is fluent in French and English.

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About The Huntington

The Huntington, a world-renowned cultural and educational institution, provides transformative experiences for a community of the curious. Founded in 1919 by Henry E. and Arabella Huntington, it supports research and promotes public engagement through its expansive library, art, and botanical collections. By cultivating dynamic scholarship, creating innovative programs for students and lifelong learners, and sharing its extraordinary resources, The Huntington invites all on a journey of discovery, insight, and connection. Only 12 miles from downtown Los Angeles, The Huntington is located at 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, California. Learn more at huntington.org.