BOSTON, August 25, 2022 — The Board of Directors of the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus (BGMC) announces today that Sarah Shoffner will join the organization as its Interim Executive Director. She will assume the role on September 1, 2022. Meanwhile, the BGMC Board of Directors has formed a Search Committee to find a permanent executive director.
Shoffner has over 10 years of arts nonprofit management experience with a track record of creating and implementing development plans that provide foundational support to performing arts organizations. Most recently, Shoffner served as Boston Ballet’s Benefactor Circle Development Officer where she grew the organization’s Benefactor Circle donor base and increased post-pandemic giving by over five percent. From 2016 through 2021, Shoffner 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. “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.”
“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.
About the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus
The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is one of New England’s largest and most successful community-based choruses. Founded in 1982, the 200+-voice ensemble is celebrated for its outstanding musicianship, creative programming, groundbreaking community outreach and an innovative educational program. Under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Reuben M. Reynolds III, the BGMC sings a wide spectrum of classical and popular music and creates social change by providing a positive, affirming image of the LGBTQ+ community. The Chorus is heard live by thousands of people each season and millions more through recording, television and internet broadcasts. CBS-WBZ named the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus one of the “top 5” choruses in the city of Boston. The Boston Business Journal has named BGMC one of the top 10 performing arts organizations in the city each year since 2018. BGMC is a Cultural Ambassador — being the first LGBTQ+ chorus to perform in Poland in 2005, the Middle East in 2015 and in South Africa in June 2018.