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 led the chorus for ten years, transforming the 48-year-old, nonprofit arts organization, the nation’s first and oldest openly gay chorus.

In his role, Verdugo has guided SFGMC through a period of 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.

In a statement, he 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.

The SFGMC Board of Directors will now launch a nationwide search for Verdugo’s successor.