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, who brings more than two decades of leadership experience at the intersection of the arts, education, and youth development, will lead the organization as it enters its next phase of growth and community impact.
Burden's appointment comes at a pivotal time for Wharton Arts, which serves nearly 2,000 students across New Jersey through programs including the New Jersey Youth Symphony, New Jersey Youth Chorus, Paterson Music Project, and the Wharton Performing Arts School. The organization is committed to providing accessible, high-quality performing arts education that sparks personal growth and builds inclusive communities. According to the press release, Burden's extensive background in organizational leadership, philanthropy, strategic planning, and community engagement positions her to champion this vision.
Julia Sen, co-chair of the Board of Trustees, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, '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 joins Wharton Arts from New York Junior Tennis & Learning, where she served as Director of Philanthropy. Previously, 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 established it as a nationally recognized model for El Sistema–inspired creative youth development. Her background also includes a distinguished performing career as a soprano, with appearances at 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 praised Burden's leadership, noting, '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.'
Burden holds a Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College, a Master of Music from The Juilliard School, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. She expressed her commitment to Wharton Arts' mission, saying, '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.'
For more information about Wharton Arts, visit WhartonArts.org.
