Michelle Ebanks became President and Chief Executive Officer of The Apollo in July 2023. Ms.
Ebanks joined The Apollo—the largest African American performing arts center in the nation—at a
pivotal time for the iconic organization. In addition to its new Victoria Theaters that will open in
2024, The Apollo will shortly commence the first full-scale renovation of its landmarked Historic
Theater and complete its $80M Apollo Rising 2.0 capital campaign.
She leads a staff of over 60 full-time union and non-union employees, and an executive team
responsible for all financial, production and strategic functions of the legendary Theater. The
Apollo's 27-member Board of Trustees includes prominent corporate and community leaders
dedicated to the continued expansion of the Theater's influence within the United States and
internationally.
Prior to assuming her role as President and CEO of The Apollo, Ms. Ebanks held a variety of senior positions in media, entertainment, and live events. She previously served as CEO of Essence Communications, overseeing the nation’s leading media and communications company dedicated to African American women, including Essence magazine, the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African American women; Essence.com, the award-winning, daily online destination for African American women; and the internationally renowned Essence Festival of Culture, one of the largest annual live music events in the world. Ms. Ebanks is a multi-award-winning executive, named one of the “Most Powerful Women in Media” by Billboard and Variety magazines. Michelle is also a recipient of the New Orleans Key to the City and additional leadership awards from the Congressional Black Caucus, the National Urban League, and other notable organizations.
Michelle Ebanks Job Title President and CEO Company THE APOLLO