Wharton Arts, New Jersey's largest independent non-profit community performing arts education center, has announced the appointment of 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.
Burden's appointment comes at a pivotal time for the organization, which serves nearly 2,000 students through a range of classes and ensembles. According to Julia Sen, co-chair of the Board of Trustees, "Since 1979, Wharton Arts has transformed music education across New Jersey. We are thrilled to welcome Carol to lead us into our next half-century."
Burden's career spans both the performing arts and nonprofit leadership. She most recently served as Director of Philanthropy at New York Junior Tennis & Learning. Previously, she was President and CEO of Capital Harmony Works, where she scaled the budget from $215,000 to $1.2 million and established the organization as a nationally recognized model for El Sistema-inspired creative youth 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.
New Jersey Youth Symphony Music Director and Conductor Helen Cha-Pyo praised Burden's appointment, stating, "Carol is a highly respected arts leader whose impact on arts education and community engagement has been felt throughout New Jersey and beyond. I am confident that Carol's leadership will build upon the organization's strong foundation and help shape an even brighter future."
Wharton Arts' mission is to offer accessible, high-quality performing arts education that sparks personal growth and builds inclusive communities. The organization operates through several programs, including the New Jersey Youth Chorus, New Jersey Youth Symphony, Paterson Music Project, and Wharton Performing Arts School, reaching students from 12 counties across New Jersey. Need-based scholarships are available to ensure access regardless of ability to pay.
Burden expressed her enthusiasm for the role, saying, "Wharton Arts has built something rare—a community where people seeking every kind of experience are met with seriousness, warmth, and the full resources of a world-class institution. To be trusted with its leadership is an honor I don't take lightly."
For more information about Wharton Arts, visit WhartonArts.org.
