Craig Coogan, the much-loved and longtime executive director of Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, is moving to the “other coast” to become interim executive director for Seattle Choruses, which includes the Seattle Men’s, Women’s and GALA choruses.
Back here in Boston, as of Sept. 1, BGMC’s new interim executive director will be Sarah Shoffner, who most recently served as Boston Ballet’s Benefactor Circle Development Officer. In that role, Shoffner grew the organization’s Benefactor Circle donor base and increased post-pandemic giving by over five percent. Previously, from 2016 through 2021, she served as BGMC’s customer engagement manager, where she modernized the organization’s development systems, including ticketing processes, and launched the Ovation Society, BGMC’s donor loyalty program.
“We are thrilled that Sarah is returning to the Chorus. She represents the future of nonprofit performing arts management which calls for leadership strategies that are equal parts data and creativity,” said BGMC Board President Al O’Connell in a press release.
“We are fortunate that she doesn’t just already know how BGMC works—having implemented many of our backend operations—but that she also has long-established working relationships with our members, who are the heart and soul of the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus,” O’Connell said.
“BGMC’s commitment to artistic excellence that is firmly rooted in its mission to create musical experiences that inspire change, build community, and celebrate difference makes it a leader not just among GALA Choruses nationally, but also among Boston’s broad range of talented performing arts organizations,” Shoffner said. “I’m incredibly proud to return to the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus as its Interim Executive Director.”
“Having worked closely with Sarah, especially on our tour of South Africa where we didn’t just perform to some of the most enthusiastic audiences I’ve ever encountered, but also raised $40,000 for organizations that serve LGBTQ youth and adults, LGBTQ refugees, and people living with HIV, I am just delighted to welcome her back to the Chorus,” said BGMC Music Director Reuben M. Reynolds III.
In addition to the leadership roles Shoffner has held in nonprofit arts organizations, she holds a Master of Science in Arts Administration from Boston University and dual degrees in Business Management and Dance Studies from the University of South Florida.
More: bgmc.org
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