Wharton Arts announced the appointment of Carol Chickering Burden as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, a move that brings more than two decades of leadership experience at the intersection of the arts, education, and youth development to the organization. Burden succeeds the previous leadership and takes the helm as Wharton Arts prepares to mark its 50th anniversary in 2029.
Julia Sen, co-chair of the Board of Trustees, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment. "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. We believe music changes lives, and Carol's dynamic background as an artist, educator, and executive makes her the perfect leader to champion our vision."
Burden's appointment comes at a pivotal time for Wharton Arts, which serves nearly 2,000 students through programs including the New Jersey Youth Chorus, the New Jersey Youth Symphony, the Paterson Music Project, and the Wharton Performing Arts School. The organization is focused on strengthening its foundation, expanding its reach, and advancing its mission of providing accessible, high-quality performing arts education.
New Jersey Youth Symphony Music Director and Conductor Helen Cha-Pyo praised the selection. "I am thrilled to welcome Carol Chickering Burden as Wharton Arts' President and CEO. Carol is a highly respected arts leader whose impact on arts education and community engagement has been felt throughout New Jersey and beyond. I have had the privilege of working alongside her through the El Sistema New Jersey Alliance and have long admired her vision, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to expanding access to the arts."
Burden brings a unique combination of artistic, educational, and executive expertise to the role. She most recently served as Director of Philanthropy at New York Junior Tennis & Learning, where she was responsible for contributed income, major donor stewardship, and development planning. Prior to that, she was President and CEO of Capital Harmony Works, where she scaled the organization's budget from $215,000 to $1.2 million, increased staff capacity, and strengthened equity-centered practices, earning national recognition as a model for El Sistema-inspired creative youth development.
Before her nonprofit leadership career, Burden enjoyed a distinguished performing career as a soprano, appearing with leading ensembles including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, New York City Opera, Long Beach Opera, and the Houston Symphony Orchestra, as well as orchestras and choral organizations across the United States and Europe. She graduated from Amherst College, holds a Master of Music from The Juilliard School, and earned a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.
Burden shared her vision for the organization. "Wharton Arts has built something rare—a community where people seeking every kind of experience, whether the amplification of youth voice, creative aging, or pre-professional music training, 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. I can't wait to get to work."
Wharton Arts is New Jersey's largest independent nonprofit community performing arts education center, offering classes and ensembles for all ages and abilities, with a commitment to accessibility through need-based scholarships. The organization is located in Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Paterson, NJ, and reaches students from 12 counties. For more information, visit WhartonArts.org.
