SAN FRANCISCO (September 23, 2025) — The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) today announced Chief Executive Officer Christopher Verdugo will step down from his position June 30, 2026, after ten years of transformative leadership with the 48-year-old trailblazing nonprofit arts organization, the nation’s first and oldest openly gay chorus.
Since his appointment in 2016, the highly charismatic Verdugo has guided SFGMC through a period of extraordinary growth and resilience, overseeing milestone performances, groundbreaking tours, and an expansion of the Chorus’s mission-driven programs that continue to resonate with communities locally and nationwide. Under his tenure, SFGMC strengthened its role as a Bay Area cultural icon and champion for social justice through music. Verdugo’s leadership is distinguished by several achievements including the official opening in 2023 of SFGMC’s now permanent home, and the nation’s first community space dedicated to LGBTQ+ artists, The Chan National Queer Arts Center.
Verdugo said, “As I begin my tenth and final year with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, I have made the decision to step down at the end of this season. I reached this conclusion last year following my sabbatical and a period of reflection on both my own path and the Chorus’s future. Leading the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus has been the honor of my life, but today’s announcement allows both the organization and me to look ahead with fresh energy, renewed focus and new opportunities.
“I am deeply grateful to those who have partnered with me on this journey,” Verdugo continued, “beginning with our fearless Board Chairs Tom Paulino and Glenn DeSandre; our inspirational Artistic Director & Conductor, Jake Stensberg; our dedicated supporters, staff and most of all - our singing membership whose commitment has carried us forward with endless pride and joy. Collectively, we established the Chan National Queer Arts Center, shared our message of love through innovative tours, an award-winning documentary, recordings and sustained our voices through the pandemic. While it is bittersweet to prepare for this transition, I believe the Chorus is ready to embrace an exciting new chapter.”
Following today’s announcement, the SFGMC Board of Directors will launch a nationwide search for Verdugo’s successor of the $4.6M nonprofit organization, with a goal of ensuring a seamless transition and continuity of vision.
SFGMC Board Chair Tom Paulino commented, “Chris Verdugo is a transformational and visionary leader who represents the very best of SFGMC's mission and core values. On behalf of the current and past members of the board of directors, we are forever grateful for his decade of remarkable service and for advancing our legacy for generations to come. We look forward to celebrating Chris’ accomplishments over the next year.”
Jacob (Jake) Stensberg, SFGMC Artistic Director & Conductor added, “It has been an honor to serve alongside Chris over the past three years. His professional leadership and deep commitment to community, music, and sustainability of the Chorus have left an indelible mark. Chris has been a true partner, champion, and friend, and while I will certainly miss his day-to-day presence, the impact of his work will continue to shape and influence our future.”
The 2025-26 Season for Chorus and Chan Center concert programs, guest artists, venues, and performance dates are anticipated to be announced in early October. The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus is comprised of approximately 300 members, the largest gay chorus in the nation, and is under the direction of critically acclaimed conductor and artistic director, Jacob Stensberg.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF CHRISTOPHER VERDUGO’S SFGMC TENURE
1. Securing the Chan National Queer Arts Center
Led the vision, campaign, and execution of a $15M capital project to acquire and develop the historic Valencia Street property, establishing SFGMC’s first permanent home and the nation’s first community space dedicated to LGBTQ+ artists. The Chan Center officially opened in October 2023.
2. “Lavender Pen Tour” & Gay Chorus Deep South
Planned and executed the historic “Lavender Pen Tour” across the Deep South in 2017, carrying a message of love during a divisive political moment. The award-winning documentary Gay Chorus Deep South amplified this impact worldwide, positioning SFGMC as a national voice for equality.
3. Leading Through the Pandemic
Guided the organization through the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, pivoting to virtual concerts and digital engagement. Ensured singers stayed connected, donors were engaged, and the Chorus remained financially and artistically strong.
4. Record-Breaking Fundraising & Crescendo Growth
Drove transformative fundraising results, culminating in Crescendo 2025 — the most successful gala in SFGMC’s history, raising $1.4M. Built donor trust, secured multimillion-dollar commitments, and ensured long-term financial sustainability.
5. Building a Strong Team & Community Relationships
Invested in leadership development, mentoring staff, and creating a culture of shared ownership. Strengthened relationships with community partners, donors, and allies, ensuring SFGMC is rooted in collaboration and trust.
6. Strengthening the Brand & National Positioning
Elevated SFGMC’s profile through bold programming, national media exposure, and creative partnerships. Established the Chorus as both a cultural icon and a leading voice in the LGBTQ+ arts movement, locally and globally.
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BIOGRAPHY FOR CHRISTOPHER VERDUGO
Chris Verdugo (he/him) is privileged to serve as the first CEO of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. His journey in the gay choral movement began at the age of 18 when he joined the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. Three years later, he became the Artistic Director of Paragon Productions, where he choreographed, directed, and produced theatrical productions for cruise lines and hotels worldwide. In 1999, he leveraged his expertise in event production and fundraising while working with The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and Miami Beach’s Winter Party Music Festival. He also served on the Board of Directors for the South Beach Gay Men’s Chorus.
After relocating to Los Angeles in 2003, Chris shifted his focus to LGBTQ and social justice issues, collaborating with various non-profits, including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Equality California, Human Rights Campaign, and GLAAD. He produced Queer Lounge at Sundance for four years. In 2006, he joined the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles as a singer, and five years later, he was named Executive Director. Under his leadership, the Chorus built an international reputation for musical excellence, doubled its budget, expanded educational programs in Los Angeles high schools, and launched a national music tour titled “It Gets Better”.
In 2016, Chris became the Executive Director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, the world’s first LGBTQ chorus. In 2022, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer. He oversaw the acquisition, renovation, and opening of the Chan National Queer Arts Center, the nation’s first Queer Arts Center, a program of SFGMC. Under his tenure, SFGMC has grown into one of the most respected arts organizations in San Francisco and across the country.
Chris is a proud member of The Recording Academy, serves on the board of Chorus America and as a Senior Advisor to Source Journeys, a leading LGBTQ+ luxury travel company.
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ABOUT SFGMC
Founded in 1978, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) sparked a nationwide LGBTQ+ choral movement with its first public performance at a candlelight vigil on the steps of City Hall following the assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. Since that auspicious moment, SFGMC has become an essential part of the cultural fabric of San Francisco and beyond—soothing souls in times of pain, lifting spirits in moments of triumph, and serving as a North Star of hope, resilience, joy and endless pride.
Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Chris Verdugo and Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg, SFGMC has achieved new artistic heights and national recognition. Innovative programming, bold commissions, and acclaimed recordings have broadened the Chorus’s impact, while national and international tours—including the historic “Lavender Pen Tour,” Gay Chorus Deep South documentary tour, and the recent “Love Tour”—have amplified its mission far beyond the Bay Area.
SFGMC is also a leader in community engagement through education and outreach programs that inspire and empower the next generation. In 2019, the Chorus acquired its first permanent home, a historic Art Deco facility in San Francisco’s Mission District, which now houses rehearsals, offices, and The Chan National Queer Arts Center. Officially opened on October 30, 2023, The Chan is the nation’s first community arts hub dedicated to LGBTQ+ artists and organizations, ensuring that queer voices continue to thrive, create, and transform lives through the power of music and art.
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NEW PRESS CONTACT FOR SFGMC/CHAN CENTER: Jon Finck
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