SoCo Women's Chorus Named First Executive Director
The Austin-based vocal group appointed Jina Chung to oversee its long-term fundraising and operations.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
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The SoCo Women's Chorus has appointed Jina Chung as its inaugural Executive Director to lead the group's administrative and fundraising efforts. The hiring follows a period of significant growth for the 100-member ensemble under Artistic Director Lisa Sunset Holt.
Why it matters
The board added this leadership role to ensure the long-term sustainability of the chorus as it continues to expand its community reach in Austin. This transition aims to provide the organizational structure necessary to support the group's current size.
The organization now includes approximately 100 singers, a total that has doubled in recent years. Jina Chung brings over 15 years of nonprofit sector experience to the new role.
The players
Jina Chung
The new Executive Director of the SoCo Women's Chorus who also serves as Board Treasurer for the OUTsider festival.
SoCo Women's Chorus
An Austin-based singing organization that currently includes approximately 100 members.
Lisa Sunset Holt
The Artistic Director who led the chorus through a milestone of doubling its size.
The details
Jina Chung joins the leadership team to focus on the operational health of the chorus as it moves into its next phase of development. She maintains her existing role as Board Treasurer for the Austin arts festival OUTsider while stepping into this new executive capacity. The decision reflects the board's intent to professionalize the chorus's support systems after Artistic Director Lisa Sunset Holt guided the group through a period of rapid expansion.
Timeline
October 5, 2026: The SoCo Women's Chorus officially announced the hiring of Jina Chung.
The Texas Context
This move mirrors the professionalization path taken by other Austin arts organizations as they scale their operations. It reflects a local trend of groups transitioning from volunteer-led models to formal executive management to ensure long-term stability.
Supporters of the local arts scene will likely see more organized fundraising and community programming from the chorus moving forward. The change in leadership is effective immediately as the organization works to solidify its operational foundation.
The takeaway
The addition of an executive director signals the chorus's commitment to maintaining its recent growth spurt. Residents interested in the local music scene should watch for future announcements regarding the organization's expanded programming and funding initiatives.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership changes within our arts community in Austin People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
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