A New Chapter for SFGMC
SFGMC welcomed nationally recognized arts, philanthropy, and nonprofit leader Lane Sugata as Chief Executive Officer beginning August 24, 2026, succeeding Chris Verdugo after a 10-year tenure.
SFGMC’s Chief Executive Officer
Lane brings deep experience across the arts, philanthropy, LGBTQ+ advocacy, cultural policy, and nonprofit leadership—along with a longstanding personal connection to the Bay Area.
Welcome, Lane.
Members of the SFGMC community welcome Lane Sugata to this new chapter of leadership.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Arts leadership rooted in community.
Lane has deep roots in the San Francisco Bay Area’s arts, cultural, and LGBTQ communities. Before joining SFGMC, they served as a Senior Program Officer at the Ford Foundation, where they managed more than $270 million in grants supporting creativity, civic engagement, and social justice in the United States and globally.
At Ford, Lane also played a major role in advancing LGBTQ justice, connecting philanthropy, movement organizations, artists, and cultural institutions during a period of significant political and social change.
Previously, Lane served as Executive Director of Dance/NYC, helping establish the organization as a leading voice for equity, labor advocacy, and cultural policy in the performing arts.
A former student at San Francisco Ballet and a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Lane returned to San Francisco with both national experience and a longstanding personal connection to the region.
Coverage of SFGMC’s new chapter.
Read coverage of Lane’s appointment and the leadership transition from Bay Area media.
Meet the team behind SFGMC.
Learn more about our executive leadership, artistic team, staff, and Board of Directors.
