Laurel Gilmer Quick Facts (2026)
- Full Name: Laurel A Gilmer
- Profession: Music Events Director
- Hometown: Kearny, New Jersey
- Known For: Jeopardy! Contestant
- Show Appearance: May 12, 2026
Who Is Laurel Gilmer?
Laurel Gilmer is a music events director and a new Jeopardy contestant appearing on the show in May 2026.
Besides, she is an experienced program manager working professionally in the arts with both artistic programming and technical implementation knowledge.
Laurel Gilmer Jeopardy Appearance (2026)
Gilmer is a new contestant to appear on the 42nd season of Jeopardy! She will make her debut on the 12th May 2026 episode on Tuesday.
As per the show’s format, she will take on the stage against two contestants, including a returning champion, Tristan Williams.

Laurel Gilmer will compete against a returning four-day champion, Tristan Williams, and another new contestant, Will Thornton, on her Jeopardy debut on the 12 May episode, this season. (Source: Jeopardy’s Official Website)
Tristan emerged as a champion on the 11 May episode, securing his fourth straight win. The Lincoln, Nebraska-based data scientist has amassed total 4-day winnings of $76,199.
Similarly, the other new contestant will be Will Thornton, a teacher from Worthington, Ohio.
Gilmer Wiki and Early Life
Gilmer hails from Kearny, New Jersey, and spent her early life there. She has American nationality and belongs to the white ethnicity.
Laurel Gilmer Age: How Old Is She?
Laurel is 40 years old now. She was born in 1985 and goes by the full name Laurel A Gilmer.
Gilmer’s Family Background
Gilmer was raised by her family in Kearny, New Jersey. However, there are no details regarding her family and upbringing.
Educational Details
Laurel pursued her high school education in her hometown. She then went to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing, International Business, and Music in 2008.
There, she was a top graduate in the College of Business and the UT School of Music Student Research Contest Prizewinner.
Her Professional Life
Gilmer is the Director of Events at the Department of Music at Cornell University. She took the position in July 2024 after serving as the Event Manager at the department.
Prior to that, she worked for more than eight years at the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. There, she took several roles such as Director of Artistic Operations, Assistant Director of Artistic Operations, Artistic Operations Manager, and Artistic Operations Coordinator.
Laurel has served for more than a year as a Teacher’s Assistant at the University of Tennessee. Earlier, she interned at Imaginosity: The Dublin Children’s Museum and Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Is Laurel Gilmer Married?
Laurel has kept her relationship status undisclosed. Therefore, it is not known whether she is married or single.
The Jeopardy contestant does not seem to have a presence on social media. She is enjoying her personal life in private.
Latest News and Updates (2026)
As of 2026, Laurel serves as the Director of Events at the Department of Music at Cornell University. She has fastidious attention to detail with a high level of organization; self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
On the other hand, she is making a Jeopardy debut as a contestant on the 12 May 2026 episode.
Interesting Facts About Laurel Gilmer
- Laurel is a Theater Operations and Box Office Volunteer at Montclair Film Festival.
- She is involved with organizations such as Americans for the Arts, Ridgewood Concert Band, and League of American Orchestras.
- She possesses skills in Arts Administration, Performing Arts, Artistic Programming, and many more.
FAQs
Who is Laurel Gilmer?
Laurel Gilmer is a music events director and Jeopardy! contestant who makes an appearance in May 2026.
How old is Laurel Gilmer?
She is 40 years old.
When will Laurel Gilmer appear on Jeopardy?
She will appear on May 12, 2026.
She works as the Director of Events at the Department of Music at Cornell University
References and Sources
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-gilmer-8a417122/