Joe Gregore Duffield Brings Nearly 30 Years of Passion and Leadership to New SDGMC Operations Director Role

By Cesar A Reyes

After nearly three decades with the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, Joe Gregore Duffield is stepping into a new chapter: one that brings together his longtime love for the organization with his professional experience in leadership and organizational development. As the new Operations Director for SDGMC, Duffield is focused on strengthening the foundation that supports the singers, volunteers, staff, and community that make the Chorus thrive.

Duffield first joined SDGMC after moving to San Diego in 1997. A lifelong singer, he quickly discovered that the Chorus was more than a performing group; it was a place where he found connection, purpose, and family. Over the years, he has served the organization in countless roles, including singer, section leader, choreographer, producer, membership director, fundraiser, and board member. Each position gave him a deeper understanding of the people and passion behind SDGMC’s mission.

“SDGMC has never been just a chorus to me—it has been a family, a place where I’ve grown as a performer, a leader, and a person,” Duffield says. “Throughout the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in many different roles, and each one has reinforced my belief that music has the power to build community, inspire hope, and create lasting change.”

After 30 years of singing, serving, and growing with SDGMC, Duffield’s new role represents a continued commitment to the community that has shaped his life.

Now, as Operations Director, Duffield’s goal is to help ensure SDGMC has the structure and support needed to continue its impact for years to come. He sees the role as an opportunity to bring together his decades of firsthand experience with the Chorus and his professional background in building effective organizations.

For Duffield, operations are not just about managing details—they are about creating an environment where people can do their best work. He hopes to develop systems that support volunteers, improve communication, and provide the artistic and executive leadership teams with the tools they need to focus on what they do best.

As SDGMC continues to evolve, Duffield’s vision is centered on preserving the organization’s legacy while preparing it for the future. His focus is on creating meaningful experiences for singers and audiences, developing future leaders, and ensuring the Chorus remains a welcoming force for connection and change.

“The WORD is Service,” Duffield explains. “I believe my greatest contribution is creating the conditions that allow others to succeed.”

“How can we build something that lasts? How can we develop future leaders? How can we create a better experience? How can we strengthen the organization? How can we leave it better than we found it?” Duffield asks.

Those questions now guide his work as he helps lead SDGMC into its next generation.