Christopher Verdugo

Christopher Verdugo is a visionary arts leader, strategist, and fundraiser whose work has advanced the cultural and civic impact of LGBTQ+ communities nationwide. As Chief Executive Officer of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, he has led a decade of transformative growth—expanding artistic programming, increasing national and international visibility, and deepening the organization’s role as a force for equity, belonging, and social change. He is also the founding CEO of the Chan National Queer Arts Center, where he spearheaded a $15 million campaign to create a permanent home for queer artists and stories, establishing a first-of-its-kind multidisciplinary hub in San Francisco. Nationally, Verdugo is a respected voice in the arts sector, serving on the Board of Directors of Chorus America and contributing to conversations shaping the future of choral music and nonprofit leadership. Previously, as Executive Director and CEO of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, he doubled the organization’s budget, expanded education initiatives in public schools, and launched the national It Gets Better tour. Across his career, Verdugo has built a reputation for cultivating transformational partnerships, mentoring leaders, and aligning artistic vision with strategic growth to drive lasting impact.