Kendall Gilvar is the Strategic Communications and Project Manager at the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), the national trade association representing thousands of independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters and more. In this role, Kendall leads communication strategies and engages with local, state and federal lobbyists and lawmakers to advocate for pro-consumer and pro-independent sector policies and reforms.

She staffs the Fix the Tix Coalition, a national alliance advocating for a fairer ticketing experience. Beyond coalition work, Kendall leads communications for NIVA and manages special projects, including the industry's first economic research study, State of Live. She plays a key role in shaping policy priorities, managing advocacy initiatives and coordinating with lawmakers, industry leaders and advocacy groups to advance issues impacting the independent live sector.

Before joining NIVA, Kendall held communications roles at Sugerman Communications, IPG Health and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), where she developed expertise in strategic messaging, advocacy campaigns and public affairs. She graduated from George Washington University with a degree in Political Communication and continues to support public policies that strengthen the independent live sector, improve consumer protections and foster a more equitable and sustainable cultural economy.