Wharton Arts, New Jersey's largest independent non-profit community performing arts education center, has appointed Carol Chickering Burden as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Burden brings over two decades of leadership experience at the intersection of the arts, education, and youth development, a combination that the organization's board believes will be instrumental in advancing its mission of providing accessible, high-quality performing arts education.
Burden's appointment comes at a time when Wharton Arts is focused on strengthening its foundation and expanding its reach. According to Julia Sen, co-chair of the Board of Trustees, Burden's background as an artist, educator, and executive makes her the ideal leader to champion the organization's vision for the next half-century. Since its founding in 1979, Wharton Arts has transformed music education across New Jersey, serving nearly 2,000 students through programs such as the New Jersey Youth Symphony, New Jersey Youth Chorus, Paterson Music Project, and the Wharton Performing Arts School.
Burden previously served as Director of Philanthropy at New York Junior Tennis & Learning, where she oversaw contributed income and donor stewardship. Prior to that, she was President and CEO of Capital Harmony Works, a nationally recognized El Sistema–inspired creative youth development program. Under her leadership, the organization's budget grew from $215,000 to $1.2 million, and she strengthened equity-centered practices and professional development. Burden also enjoyed a distinguished performing career as a soprano, appearing with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, New York City Opera, and the Houston Symphony Orchestra, among others.
New Jersey Youth Symphony Music Director and Conductor Helen Cha-Pyo expressed enthusiasm for Burden's leadership, noting her collaborative spirit and commitment to expanding access to the arts. Burden holds a Master of Music from The Juilliard School, a bachelor's degree from Amherst College, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.
Burden stated that Wharton Arts has built a community where individuals seeking diverse experiences—from youth voice amplification to creative aging and pre-professional training—are met with seriousness and world-class resources. She emphasized her eagerness to begin working with the organization. For more information about Wharton Arts, visit WhartonArts.org.
