Wharton Arts Names Carol Chickering Burden as New President and CEO

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 arts, education, and youth development. Her appointment marks a pivotal moment for Wharton Arts as it aims to strengthen its foundation, expand its reach, and advance its mission of providing accessible, high-quality performing arts education. Burden's background includes roles as Director of Philanthropy at New York Junior Tennis & Learning and President and CEO of Capital Harmony Works, where she scaled the organization's budget from $215,000 to $1.2 million. She also enjoyed a distinguished performing career as a soprano with leading ensembles such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago and New York City Opera.

Wharton Arts serves nearly 2,000 students through its various programs, including the New Jersey Youth Chorus, New Jersey Youth Symphony, Paterson Music Project, and Wharton Performing Arts School. The organization operates in Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Paterson, reaching students from 12 counties. Burden's leadership is expected to build upon Wharton Arts' strong foundation and shape an even brighter future. Julia Sen, co-chair of the Board of Trustees, expressed excitement about Burden's appointment, highlighting her dynamic background as an artist, educator, and executive. Burden herself noted, "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." For more information, visit WhartonArts.org.

Burden's appointment comes at a time when Wharton Arts is focusing on strengthening its foundation and expanding its reach. Her extensive experience in organizational leadership, philanthropy, strategic planning, and community engagement makes her uniquely suited to lead the organization into its next half-century. With a Master of Music from The Juilliard School and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University, Burden combines artistic, educational, and executive expertise. The organization's vision is for transformative performing arts education in an inclusive community to be accessible for everyone, and Burden's leadership is expected to advance this vision significantly.