Craig Soogan named interim ED at Seattle Choruses

Craig Coogan
Craig Coogan

The Board of Directors of Seattle Choruses have announced that Craig Coogan will join the organization as its Interim Executive Director. He will assume the role on September 1, 2022. 

Coogan brings over 25 years of experience, including a track record of building fiscal and operational infrastructure that is grounded in organizational values, transparent communication, and collaborative decision-making in service of delivering artistic excellence to culturally diverse audiences. Most recently, Coogan served as Executive Director of the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus (BGMC) where he oversaw pre-pandemic increases in annual ticket sales, expanded the singing membership from 175 members to 320, and grew individual, government, and foundation giving.

During the pandemic, when BGMC went on a two-year hiatus from performing, the organization retained its entire staff while also adding new positions. During his tenure, Coogan deepened the organization’s commitment to racial and gender diversity by growing BIPOC membership by 28 percent and audience by 15 percent, while welcoming gender diverse choral members to the organization. 

“We’re thrilled to have Craig as our new interim executive director. Within the LGBTQ choral movement, his reputation as a leader and artistic innovator is unparalleled,” said Brooks Glenn, President of the Board of Directors. “Our board, artistic staff and our members are excited to work with him to grow our organization and expand our reach as we continue in our mission to transform society through innovative and entertaining programs that build community, illuminate the experiences of LGBTQ people and their allies, expand inclusion, and inspire justice.”

Priorities for Seattle Choruses’ Interim Executive Director include creating and sustaining the conditions through which choral music of the highest quality that also shares stories of the LGBTQ+ experience can be performed for culturally diverse audiences throughout Seattle and beyond.

“My passion is creating systems that make is possible for artists to do their best work. The commitment of Seattle Choruses to artistic excellence, equity, and visibility is foundational to its ability to deliver on and expand its mission,” Coogan said. “I’m incredibly honored, excited, and proud to be joining Seattle Choruses at a time when the life-changing moments of understanding that can be created by music are needed now more than ever.”

“Craig is a visionary leader whom I am proud to call a friend and thought partner. GALA Choruses is fortunate to have him as a dedicated change agent in the LGBTQ+ choral movement. Today, raising our voices in song in the face of unrelenting anti-LGBTQ attacks in state legislatures and by right-wing activists has never been more important” said Michael Tate, president of GALA Choruses’ Board of Directors. “We wish to congratulate him on his new position with the Seattle Choruses. Be it in Seattle or Boston, we’re glad he will remain a part of the GALA Choruses family.”

Coogan is a seasoned nonprofit arts leader who substantially increased BGMC’s profile locally, nationally, and internationally through innovative, enterprising programming and marketing. He launched BGMC’s YouTube presence which has nearly 500 videos that have been seen 11 million times. BGMC’s music is now available on iTunes and Spotify and has over 300,000 downloads. During his 10-year tenure with BGMC, Coogan facilitated more than 30 commissions and other investments in artistic product, including developing multiple new works by living BIPOC and transgender artists. He conceived of and raised funds for BGMC’s historic Middle East and South Africa tours, which resulted in international media attention and “Cultural Ambassador” recognition from Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and three Massachusetts mayors. 

Prior to BGMC Coogan was the first-ever full-time Executive Director for One Voice Mixed Chorus, the highly regarded LGBTQ chorus in St. Paul, Minnesota. From 1997-2007, Coogan served as the inaugural Treasurer for Vox Femina Los Angeles, the renowned women’s choral ensemble.

About Seattle Men’s Chorus/Seattle Women’s Chorus

The internationally renowned Seattle Men’s Chorus (founded 1979) and Seattle Women’s Chorus (founded 2002) comprise the largest community choral organization in North America. Both choruses stand out as the largest LGBTQ-identified men’s and women’s choruses in the world. The choruses comprise one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest, most vibrant and successful music organizations, performing in Seattle’s most prestigious venues for an annual audience of more than 30,000 patrons. Flying House Productions is the not-for-profit organization that governs and manages the Choruses. Collectively there are over 600 singing members along with staff, volunteers, and associate members who support both Choruses. They are a leading voice for the LGBTQIA+ community and offer both outreach events and main stage concert performances annually.

Our Mission 

Our voices transform society through innovative and entertaining programs that build community, illuminate the experiences of LGBTQ people and their allies, expand inclusion, and inspire justice.

Our Vision

A more harmonious world that celebrates the unique identities and talents of all people.

Sarah Toce

Screenwriter & Journalist | Sarah Brusig (Toce) is an appointed member of the King County Women's Advisory Board and an elected precinct committee officer (PCO) in Burien, WA. As a healthcare worker, Sarah is represented by SEIU 1199NW. In 2010, Sarah created the online news source The Seattle Lesbian, LLC, which still receives upward of 100,000 readers per month. A recipient of McCormick's New Media Women Entrepreneur Award in 2012, Sarah was invited to the White House by President Barack Obama in 2015. That same year, GO Mag recognized Sarah as one of their Red-Hot Entrepreneurs in media.​ In 2016, the National Diversity Council honored Sarah with their LGBT Leadership Award. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) recognized Sarah's advocacy work with the Community Builder Award in 2017, the same year Curve Magazine named Sarah one of their Top Women in Media & Publishing. Sarah served a two-year term as president of the Society of Professional Journalists - Western Washington Chapter beginning in 2018 and was elected Communications Vice Chair of the King County Democrats in 2021.

Related Posts

Ellen DeGeneres and Porta De Rossi Relocate to UK

Multiple reports confirm that comedian and former television personality Ellen DeGeneres has relocated with her wife Portia De Rossi to the UK following re-election results of Donald J. Trump to…

Read more

Continue reading
Mary Poppins at The 5th Avenue Theatre This Holiday Season

Tickets are on sale now for the family-favorite show which runs November 22 – December 26, 2024. Grab your umbrellas and get ready for a spoonful of sugar – the…

Read more

Continue reading

Entertainment News

Study: Lead from Gasoline Linked to Anxiety, Depression, ADHD

Study: Lead from Gasoline Linked to Anxiety, Depression, ADHD

Seattle’s Lesbian Bar The Wildrose Celebrates 40 Years

Seattle’s Lesbian Bar The Wildrose Celebrates 40 Years

Gender-Affirming Care for Minors Argued at U.S. Supreme Court

Gender-Affirming Care for Minors Argued at U.S. Supreme Court

Ellen DeGeneres and Porta De Rossi Relocate to UK

Ellen DeGeneres and Porta De Rossi Relocate to UK

Ohio Passes College Transgender Bathroom Ban Including Adults

Ohio Passes College Transgender Bathroom Ban Including Adults

LGBTQ Savannah: Ghostly Experiences Around Every Corner

LGBTQ Savannah: Ghostly Experiences Around Every Corner