Chris 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 LGBT and social justice issues, collaborating with various LGBTQ 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 Execuitve 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 and serves as a Senior Advisor to Source Journeys, the leading LGBTQ luxury travel company.