WELCOME LANE SUGATA, SFGMC’S NEW CEO!

We’re thrilled to announce that nationally recognized arts, philanthropy, and nonprofit leader Lane Sugata will become SFGMC’s next Chief Executive Officer, beginning August 24, 2026. Sugata succeeds Chris Verdugo, who is stepping down after a 10-year tenure. During the next few months, Chris will support this leadership transition and provide continuity of vision on the eve of SFGMC’s 49th season.

“The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus sits uniquely at the intersection of artistry, activism, and community—creating not only beautiful music, but refuge, visibility, and hope for generations of LGBTQ people. At a moment of heightened division and attack, I see tremendous opportunity for the Chorus to expand its role as a force for free expression and community resilience—and to shape a more courageous and connected future,” said Sugata. 

“This role brings together so many parts of my life and work: my roots in the Bay Area arts community, my commitment to LGBTQ justice, and my belief in the power of culture to move people, build belonging, and inspire action. I’m deeply honored to join this extraordinary organization and excited to help shape an ambitious next chapter for the Chorus and for queer cultural life in San Francisco and beyond.”

SFGMC Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg noted, “Getting to know Lane has been an absolute joy, and I can’t wait for our community to experience the vision, heart, and energy they bring to this role. Lane’s extraordinary leadership and deep commitment to artists, equity, and community will help propel the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus into an exciting new chapter. They are bold, magnetic, deeply collaborative, and unafraid to dream big. I truly believe great things are ahead for SFGMC!”

ABOUT LANE SUGATA (they/them/theirs)

Lane has deep roots in the SF Bay Area’s arts, cultural, and LGBTQ communities. Currently a Senior Program Officer at the Ford Foundation, they have managed more than $270 million in grants advancing creativity, civic engagement, and social justice in the United States and globally.

At Ford, Lane has played a prominent cross-foundation role advancing LGBTQ justice, helping align philanthropy, movement organizations, artists, and cultural institutions during a period of profound political and social change. Their work has focused on strengthening the visibility, sustainability, and power of artists and communities while building innovative partnerships across sectors and movements.

Prior to Ford, Lane served as Executive Director of Dance/NYC, helping transform the organization into a leading voice for equity, labor advocacy, and cultural policy in the performing arts. Across their career, they have earned a reputation as a collaborative strategist, coalition-builder, and champion for the role of arts and culture in civic life.

A former student at the San Francisco Ballet and graduate of University of California, Berkeley, Lane returns to San Francisco with both national stature and a deeply personal connection to the region. Their husband is based in the Bay Area, making the move both a professional and personal homecoming. Lane serves on the boards of Funders for LGBTQ Issues and Association of Performing Arts Professionals.