By: Maria-Paula
Richmond Ballet has, for the first time since its inception in 198,4 appointed an executive director, Maya Erhardt, to join the organization’s senior leadership team following an extensive nationwide search to fill the position.
Erhardt was announced to step into the newly created role at the state Ballet of Virginia and work alongside incoming Artistic Director Ma Cong as he takes over the creative lead of the company from Founding Artistic Director Stoner Winslett on July 1, 2024. 
The Board of Trustees and staff at Richmond Ballet officially welcomed Erhardt at the Board’s annual meeting on Thursday, June 6.
The incoming Executive Director, who has a proven record in arts administration, is seen as a strong partner for Ma to help steer Richmond Ballet into the future of the organization whose international cast of elite dancers has helped earn its critical acclaim.
“We are thrilled with the appointment of Maya as Richmond Ballet’s first-ever Executive Director,” said Meg Clinard, Richmond Ballet Board of Trustees President. “With a focus on strategic management and resource development, this new position will alleviate Ma of some of the administrative leadership responsibility which will allow him to have more time in the studio choreographing and mentoring dancers.” 
Apart from thriving in the performing and visual arts, Erhardt is deeply devoted to philanthropic work having spent more than 20 years in nonprofit fundraising and administration. Her last ten years of service in artwork were committed at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University. 

With a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Old Dominion University, Erhardt is currently enrolled for a Master of Business Administration program at Virginia Commonwealth University. 
In her acceptance speech, Erhardt expressed her joy in the new role at Richmond Ballet.
“Richmond Ballet is among Virginia’s most revered arts institutions, and I’m honored to join the talented and committed team of dancers, faculty, staff, and board members who help drive creativity and excellence in our city, and beyond,” she said. “I feel incredibly grateful to be working with our community to support Ma’s artistic vision while honoring Stoner’s legacy, and I can’t wait to see what is to come for Richmond Ballet.” 
Comprised of company dancers, trainees, studio companies, artistic staff, and community engagement platforms, Richmond Ballet’s mission is to awaken and uplift the human spirit through dance. The organization that incorporates both local and international stakeholders aims at evolving the art form of ballet by promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism through dance.