Michelle

Ebanks

Michelle Ebanks is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Apollo. Since the start of her tenure in July 2023, Ms. Ebanks has overseen the opening of The Apollo Stages at the Victoria Theater in February 2024, the commencement of the first full-scale renovation of its landmarked Historic Theater, as well as the continued success of the Apollo Rising 2.0 capital campaign.

She leads staff as well as a Black-women-led 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.