Today, the Rocky Mountain Arts Association (RMAA) Board of Directors named Dr. Chipper Dean as its new Executive Director. Dr. Dean will serve as the chief executive of the nonprofit arts organization, home of the Denver Feminist Chorus and Denver Gay Men’s Chorus. 
For more than 25 years, Dean has worked in academia, government, and nonprofits, including positions as Production Director for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, as a Board Member and Production Manager for GALA Choruses, and as a Program Director at the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Dean, who begins his tenure later this summer, takes the helm from Michael Sattler, who retires on July 31, 2025, after serving in the position since 2016. He will work closely with each chorus’s Artistic Director and provide general oversight of all chorus activities, manage day-to-day operations, and ensure a smoothly functioning and efficient organization.
“Building on the momentum created by Michael Sattler, I am delighted to welcome Chipper Dean to the Rocky Mountain Arts Association (RMAA) family,” said Marcus Turner, RMAA Board President. “Chipper’s work with GALA choruses from around the country has positioned him as a national leader in queer community building through music. He brings a deep passion for advocacy and storytelling to this role, fully embodying our mission. In partnership with our incredible artistic staff, the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus and Denver Feminist Chorus are poised to embark on the next chapter of our shared history.”
“RMAA has enjoyed historically sustained growth in sophisticated artistry, financial sustainability, and community presence to support its mission to ‘build community through music.’ I’m eager to help elevate our work to advance the common good, share queer joy, and build a world of love, acceptance, and equality,” Dean said.
DGMC and DFC, founded in 1982 and 1984 respectively, were founded by gay individuals seeking an outlet for creative expression in a safe, supportive, and affirming environment. Throughout its 40-plus-year history, RMAA has maintained a passionate commitment to the lives and well-being of LGBTQIA individuals. They have a steadfast dedication to fostering understanding and acceptance among diverse communities in the greater Denver area and throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
RMAA opened a search for a new executive director earlier this year. A hiring committee composed of Board members, Chorus Council members, and singers conducted the search.
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