Erika Elliott is a recognized leader known for her creative programming vision. Over the last twenty-five years she has held a variety of roles within the music industry, currently the Executive Artistic Director at City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage festival. As the longest standing Programming Director in the festival's 30+ year history, she has played a pivotal role in the festival's success. Under her leadership the attendance and notoriety of the entire festival has grown exponentially.

City Parks Foundation is the largest presenter of free arts and culture in New York City, annually presenting over 100 free programs including 30+ performances at SummerStage in Central Park, three months of programming citywide at SummerStage Citywide, and family programs serving all five boroughs as well as the annual three-day Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. Additionally, she is responsible for the oversight of the Swedish Marionette Theatre in Central Park programming Marionette shows year-round. Ms. Elliott is responsible for the overall artistic vision of all the arts programming, as well as developing larger thematic seasonal celebrations and commissions. Additionally, she leads the digital content creation for the multiplatform SummerStage Anywhere broadcasts.

Originally from Los Angeles, Erika joined the staff of Loud Records in 1996, working in both the marketing and promotion departments on seminal hip-hop projects such as Wu-Tang’s Forever and Big Punishers Capital Punishment. Erika then spent 2+ years in the artist development department of RCA Music Group developing the careers of Christina Aguilera and Foo Fighters among many others. In 2001 she was hired as Talent Buyer/Director of Urban Music at S.O.B’s (a 500 capacity NYC Club). At S.O.B’s she created and developed the SOULCITY series, which launched the careers of then unsigned artists John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, Ledisi, and Kanye West. She then joined CIty Parks Foundation in 2004. Erika is an elected Governor of the New Chapter of The Recording Academy as well as founder of NYMPF (New York Music Festivals and Presenters), an informal organization of New York area presenters, producers and
promoters. She also serves on the ALL ARTS editorial advisory board, where she gives oversight and lends her experience to this newly launched extension of the PBS network brand. Ms. Elliott calls the South Bronx home where she lives with her longtime partner, 13 year-old son, and beloved pets.