Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida Hires Atlanta Symphony's Mark Kent as Executive Director

Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida Hires Atlanta Symphony's Mark Kent as Executive Director

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Following an extensive nation-wide search, the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida has hired Mark B. Kent as its first Executive Director.

https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20150424/201428

Previously vice president at the Atlanta Symphony, Kent has more than 25 years experience developing and implementing programs for such organizations as the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Foundation, the Children's Museum of Atlanta, Hands On Atlanta, and West Palm Beach's Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

At the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida, he will be responsible for the successful day-to-day operations of the approximately 175-member chorus. He also will oversee planning and vision in the areas of finance, marketing, fund development and community engagement.

Reporting to the organization's Board of Directors, Kent will oversee an annual budget of approximately $500,000 and work collaboratively with key staff members, especially Artistic Director and Conductor Gordon Roberts and Development Director Ed Corley. Roberts has been Artistic Director since the chorus was formed nearly five years ago, and Corley assumed his position two years ago as the chorus' first full time employee.

"Mark will work closely with Ed Corley in fulfilling our need to continually raise funds and resources, also serving as mentor to the board, leadership team and our many volunteers," noted Doug Pew, Board of Directors chair. "I am very excited about the caliber of his background and dedication."

"In just five short years, this chorus has become a very successful musical entity, and the hiring of an executive director is a vital next step for this amazing group of men," Roberts said. "I believe that Mark Kent is an excellent choice for this position."

"The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida is the most exciting community arts organization emerging in Florida at this time," Kent observed. "It truly reflects a diverse community and gives voice to LGBT citizens through engaging concerts of the highest artistic caliber. I am thrilled to be a part of this extraordinary organization."

Dennis St. Jean, chorus president, observed that Kent's experience and interest in developing and implementing arts education and community programs is in total sync with the chorus' vision to "inspire audiences, move spirits, open minds and change hearts..."

For further information about the chorus and upcoming performances, go to gmcsf.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150424/201428

SOURCE Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida

Photo:https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150424/201428
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida

CONTACT: John Burch, (305) 409-0939 or jhncbrch@aol.com

Web Site: http://www.gaymenschorusofsouthflorida.org


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