Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus Launches Executive Director Search

Minneapolis — May 31, 2007.The Board of Directors of the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus (TCGMC) has accepted the resignation of Joann Usher as Executive Director, effective June 22, 2007. An interim executive director will be named and the board of directors will be launching a national search for her successor.

“…your best image ambassadors may be the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus.” This comment from Richard Florida, Professor of Public Policy at George Mason University is just one of many accolades the Chorus earned during Joann Usher’s tenure. Usher joined the Chorus in 1999 and led the organization through growth in budget, outreach and visibility.

Outreach, in particular, expanded under Usher’s leadership as the Chorus has toured through a total of 10 states — most recently completing a tour through the southern United States. That tour included an appearance as the first openly gay organization at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, and spawned what may be the first openly gay chorus in Alabama — the Gulf Coast Gay Men’s Chorus, based in Mobile. The Chorus also expanded its artistic partnerships and community outreach — including partnerships with the nationally acclaimed James Sewell Ballet and the Faces of Faith conference, which included leaders from 22 different faith communities.

In addition, the 140 voice ensemble has commissioned 10 works, increased its annual operating budget by 400% and is now the 4th largest GLBT chorus in the world.

During her tenure, the Chorus received the Brian Coyle Leadership award for “Outstanding leadership and service to the GLBT community” from HRC Minnesota and was voted by Lavender Magazine, “Best GLBT Music Group” and "Best Benefit" for the Chorus’ Songs from the Heart event. Usher also served as Executive Producer for the PBS video, “Oliver Button is a STAR!”, a video about tolerance and bullying.

Reflecting back on the tenure of the departing executive director, Board Chair Ora Rhine noted, "Joann Usher has been a tireless advocate for the Chorus and led this organization through a tremendous period of growth. As we start on our second 25 years, we are well-positioned for the future and we wish Joann well as she continues her leadership in the Minnesota arts community."

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Please contact Christopher Taykalo, Marketing and Development Manager at 612.339.7664 or email: ctaykalo@tcgmc.org

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