SoCo Women's Chorus Named Jina Chung Executive Director
The Austin-based vocal ensemble selected a veteran nonprofit leader to manage its organizational growth.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Do you believe professional executive leadership is necessary for the long-term success of local arts groups?
The SoCo Women's Chorus has appointed Jina Chung as its first-ever Executive Director. Chung brings over 15 years of nonprofit experience to the Austin organization as it seeks to bolster its sustainability.
Why it matters
The hire marks a strategic transition for the community chorus as it looks to strengthen long-term fundraising and broaden its reach. The leadership addition aims to support the group's infrastructure following a period of significant growth.
Jina Chung joins the organization with more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. The chorus currently maintains a membership of approximately 100 singers.
The players
Jina Chung
Jina Chung is the new Executive Director of the SoCo Women's Chorus and serves as Board Treasurer for the Austin arts festival OUTsider.
Lisa Sunset Holt
Lisa Sunset Holt serves as the Artistic Director of the SoCo Women's Chorus and previously led the group through a period where its size doubled.
The details
The board of the Austin-based chorus selected Chung to oversee the ensemble's operational health and community engagement strategies. This transition follows a period of rapid development during which the group doubled its membership size under the guidance of Artistic Director Lisa Sunset Holt.
Timeline
The SoCo Women's Chorus announced the appointment on October 5, 2026.
Market Landscape
The hiring of a first-ever executive director follows a broader trend among community-led arts groups seeking to move from volunteer-run models to sustainable, staff-managed operations. This move positions the chorus to compete more effectively for limited regional cultural funding.
Local audience members may see an increase in community outreach events and more consistent programming as the organization stabilizes its operations. Ticket holders and supporters can expect a more structured approach to donor engagement moving forward.
The takeaway
Bringing on a dedicated executive director allows artistic leaders to focus strictly on performance quality while professional staff manage the business side of the chorus. This transition serves as a blueprint for other local volunteer groups looking to scale their operations securely.
Further reading
For more on leadership changes and organizational updates in the region, visit the Austin People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
Live Poll
Do you believe professional executive leadership is necessary for the long-term success of local arts groups?
