Biography
Elsje Kibler-Vermaas is a strategic leader, educator, and executive with more than two decades of experience advancing innovation across the arts, culture, and education sectors. She serves as Interim CEO of New West Symphony and is Founder and Principal of EKV ARTS, where she advises arts, cultural, and educational organizations on leadership, strategy, organizational development, governance, and institutional growth.
Prior to launching EKV ARTS, Ms. Kibler-Vermaas served on the senior leadership team of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, as Vice President, Learning, where she led the organization’s Learning division, including YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) and YOLA National. She also oversaw the planning and development of the Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen YOLA Center, a landmark venue designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Earlier in her career, she directed the Master of Arts in Teaching program developed through the partnership of Longy School of Music of Bard College, Bard College, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and held leadership positions with the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.
A classically trained pianist, Ms. Kibler-Vermaas holds a degree in Music Education from the Utrecht Conservatory in the Netherlands and recently completed an Executive MBA in Arts & Innovation through the Global Leaders Institute.