Chief Executive Officer of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus to Step Down

Key Takeaways:

• Christopher Verdugo will step down on June 30, 2026
• He has led the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus for 10 years
• SFGMC is recognized as the nation’s first openly gay chorus
• Under Verdugo’s leadership, the 48-year-old nonprofit experienced growth and resilience
• The organization now prepares for a new chapter in its history

The Leadership Transition

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) has announced that Chief Executive Officer Christopher Verdugo will step down from his position on June 30, 2026. Verdugo’s final day will mark the end of an era that has been defined by innovation, resilience, and advocacy.

A Decade at the Helm

Verdugo has served in his position for a decade, steering the organization through periods of transformation and progress. During this time, he focused on enhancing performance opportunities and solidifying the chorus’s role as a vital part of San Francisco’s cultural identity.

The Legacy of SFGMC

Founded 48 years ago, the SFGMC holds the distinction of being the first openly gay chorus in the United States. Its nonprofit mission aims to unite and inspire audiences through music while championing inclusivity and social justice. Under Verdugo’s watch, that legacy has been upheld and strengthened, allowing the chorus to expand its influence and deepen community connections.

Upholding the Mission

As the nation’s oldest openly gay chorus prepares to begin a new leadership chapter, the focus remains on continuing its longstanding advocacy and outreach. The vision that guided the group—promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through the power of song—will stay central to its mission, even as new leadership steps forward after Verdugo’s departure.