San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Appoints George Thompson as New Executive Director

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus (SFGMC) announced today they have appointed George Thompson as Executive Director. Mr. Thompson joins SFGMC during their current 35th anniversary season and - with Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig - will lead the institution to new levels of organizational growth and artistic excellence. With over 25 years of senior level management experience, Thompson has worked previously as both a presenter and producer at nationally recognized institutions.

Before joining SFGMC, Thompson served as the Director of the Office of the Arts at Georgia Institute of Technology in which he initiated cross college collaborations and artist residency programs. He returns to the Bay Area after previously serving as the Conservatory General Manger at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Thompson has also worked with Omaha Performing Arts, The Washington Ballet, and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts (Tampa Bay), where he first saw the SFGMC perform as part of the Gala Choruses Festival. Thompson was raised in Greenwich, Connecticut and began his arts career as a professional dancer with Joffrey II, Kazuko Hirabayashi Dance Theatre, and American Ballet Theatre, touring internationally. He received his BFA in dance from SUNY Purchase College and attended graduate school at Fordham University and American University in Washington DC, studying arts administration.

"It is exciting to welcome a seasoned arts professional to help guide the extraordinary growth we are experiencing on the administrative side of our organization," says Dr. Timothy Seelig, SFGMC Artistic Director. "George's background in the arts positions him perfectly to assist the Chorus in continuing to achieve the phenomenal goals we have for the future. Having lived and worked in the Bay Area before, we are all thrilled that he made the move across the country to join us in San Francisco."

Thompson adds "I am awed by the talent of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus and their commitment to their craft and to the mission of the organization. I'm excited to be a part of the future of this iconic institution."

Currently, SFGMC is preparing for the 35th anniversary celebration concert, Harvey Milk 2013, which will feature the world premiere of Andrew Lippa's "I Am Harvey Milk" on Thursday, June 27 and Friday, June 28, 2013 in San Francisco.