Ebs Burnough

Ebs Burnough is an accomplished entertainment, communications executive, and philanthropist whose career spans government, media, education, and the private sector. With a deep-seated belief that powerful stories can transform the world, he currently serves as CEO of Hatch House Media, a gaming, film, television, and theatre production company dedicated to culturally resonant storytelling. He made his directorial debut with The Capote Tapes (2021), a documentary exploring the life of Truman Capote, which received critical acclaim. His second film, Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation, will premiere this June at the Tribeca Film Festival.

In addition, he is the Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Sundance Institute, where he champions independent voices in global filmmaking. Under his leadership, the Institute recently announced the Sundance Film Festival’s move to Boulder, Colorado—marking a bold return to its indie roots and reaffirming its mission to champion and elevate emerging film talent.

A former White House Deputy Social Secretary and Senior Advisor to First Lady Michelle Obama, Burnough played a key role in executing major cultural and diplomatic events, from G20 summits to nationally televised productions such as Broadway at the White House.

In the private sector, he was the founding Director of Communications for AERIN, the global lifestyle brand created by Aerin Lauder, where he helped launch and shape the brand’s multinational presence.

Burnough continues to serve on the boards of prominent cultural and educational organizations including the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Northwestern University School of Communication, Hudson Pacific Properties, and the educational technology company Mrs. Wordsmith.

He is a graduate of Northwestern University and currently serves as a Visiting Scholar at Oxford University.