NEW HAVEN — Watching Michael M. Kaiser, the president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, speak to arts executives, as he did during two recent swings through New England, is like watching Jack Welch talk to business students.
The executives pay rapt attention, take notes and nod their heads. They ask questions, some of which begin with a heartfelt, “Thank you, Mr. Kaiser, for being here and speaking to us.” Standing ovations are routine, as are the crowds who hover hoping to shake his hand.
