Photos courtesy of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) on September 23, 2025, announced that Chief Executive Officer Christopher Verdugo will step down from his position on 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 the SFGMC through a period of extraordinary growth and resilience, overseeing milestone performances, groundbreaking tours, and an expansion of the SFGMC’s mission-driven programs that continue to resonate with communities locally and nationwide. Under his tenure, the 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 the 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’ 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 the announcement, the SFGMC Board of Directors has launched 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 2025–2026 Season for Chorus and Chan Center concert programs, guest artists, venues, and performance dates are anticipated to be announced in early October. The SFGMC is comprised of approximately 300 members, the largest gay chorus in the nation. Stensberg became SFGMC’s Artistic Director & Conductor in July 2022, following the “retirement” (he never stops working!) of Dr. Tim Seelig, who is now a San Francisco Bay Times columnist, Artistic Director of the Portland Sage Singers, and an author, educator, and TEDx speaker.
All of us here at the Bay Times congratulate Verdugo on his decade of passionate, dedicated, and impactful leadership of the SFGMC and hope that he remains in the Bay Area as his efforts have benefited the entire local LGBTQ+ community and beyond. https://www.sfgmc.org/
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
Published on September 25, 2025
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