Board of Directors
Through appreciation and respect for the organization’s history, the Board leads the organization as visionaries for the future.
The role of the Board of Directors is to set strategic policy for the Chorus, handle fiscal matters, review and hire staff and contractors and perform long-range planning.
The role of the Board of Directors is to set strategic policy for the Chorus, handle fiscal matters, review and hire staff and contractors and perform long-range planning.
Jerry MatthewsExecutive Director
Jerry Matthews serves as Executive Director of the New Mexico Gay Men's Chorus, following four seasons as Board Chair. He brings over 30 years of experience in advertising, marketing, and public relations, working for advertising agencies, a startup, and in-house roles spanning both account and creative development. He currently serves as Director of Storytelling for SUNNY505, the state's largest PR/Marketing firm, where his work has been recognized by the Addy Awards and The Tellys.
Jerry is a graduate of the Leadership Albuquerque program through the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, served as VP of Communications for the New Mexico chapter of the American Marketing Association (2019–2023), and was named Account Executive of the Year (2020) by the American Advertising Federation of New Mexico. He received the 2025 DEI Leadership Award from NM PRSA. Jerry was appointed by the Albuquerque mayor to serve as Vice Chair of the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund board, and serves on the New Mexico Advisory Board for Give Us the Floor and the Advisory Board for the Albuquerque Community Foundation's Pride Circle. Jerry has a Master's in Advertising from the Portfolio Center in Atlanta, and a B.A. in Public Relations from Texas Tech University. Outside of work, Jerry is passionate about supporting the local arts and queer community and has performed locally with Quintessence, Opera Southwest, Musical Theater Southwest and the NM Gay Men's Chorus, where he currently sings as a member and serves as a section leader. |
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Aaron HoweArtistic Director
Aaron Howe has been making music in New Mexico for over 30 years. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Eastern New Mexico University and his Master of Music from the University of New Mexico. He has served as the Artistic Director for the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus since 2010, programming and conducting their concert seasons, and helping to fulfill their mission of Changing the World through Music. Since 2018 Aaron has also served as the Chorus Master for Opera Southwest, a regional professional opera company that has created wonderful operas for over 50 years. Recently, the New Mexico Symphonic Chorus merged with Opera Southwest, and Aaron serves as chorus master for both OSW and NMSC. Aaron’s past positions include artistic directing Zia Singers (a women’s chorus in Santa Fe) from 2016-2024, co-founding and artistic directing the Rio Rancho Youth Chorus from 2013-2022, and directing choral activities at St. Pius High School from 2004-2009. Aaron has also served as music minister at multiple churches, including Heights 1st Church of the Nazarene, Community of Joy Lutheran Church, and Metropolitan Community Church. He has also had the pleasure of music directing numerous community musicals with Musical Theatre Southwest, Albuquerque Little Theater, and Play Conservatory. Aaron is proud and honored to be an active participant in the wonderful arts community in New Mexico.
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Jay MortensenSecretary
Community Outreach Coordinator Jay came to New Mexico in 1982 and began a career spanning 31 years in public education. His first retirement was in 2013 after an eight-year stint as the Superintendent of Mountainair Public Schools. Prior to that, he worked as a teacher, principal, human resources director, and assistant superintendent in the Four Corners. Upon retirement, Jay served on the governing council at Cottonwood Classical Academy, a charter high school in Albuquerque.
Six months into retirement Jay returned to full-time employment as the Player’s Club and Box Office Manager at Sandia Resort and Casino for eight years. Jay is married to Stan Jossell, Commander, USN (retired). He has three adult children and three grandchildren. Jay and Stan love to travel domestically and internationally, taking their two rescue dogs with them whenever possible. Jay joined the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus as a singing member in 2013. Jay and Stan both continue a history of public service by serving as poll workers for Sandoval County, and they also serve as substitute teachers for Rio Rancho Public Schools. |
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Brent CareyAdministrative & Finance Director
Brent Carey joined the chorus in the spring of 2016 as its first business manager. He joined the board and became treasurer in July of the same year. Over the years, his role has grown into being Administrative & Finance Director.
Brent founded Financial Strategy Group, Inc., with Susan Buchroeder in 2003, bringing more than ten years’ experience in business valuation and financial consulting to the firm. Previously, he directed business valuation services at two Albuquerque accounting firms, Neff + Ricci LLP (now Moss-Adams), and Pulakos & Alongi, Ltd. (now Pulakos CPAs). In addition to business valuation, his areas of expertise include complex financial analysis & management, and business planning. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation from the CFA Institute and is an Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) in Business Valuation with the American Society of Appraisers. Prior to entering the financial consulting field, Brent was in the banking industry for eight years. He directed investments and funds management for United New Mexico Bank (now Wells Fargo) after having previously advanced to executive vice president and chief operating officer of New Mexico Federal Savings and Loan Association over a five-year period. Brent earned a Bachelor’s Degree with honors in economics from Johns Hopkins University and an MBA in finance from the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University, where he was named a William Howard Keenan Fellow and a Jones Scholar. While completing his MBA, he received the Financial Executives Institute Academic Award and was the First Place Graduate Scholarship Award winner in the Houston Society of Financial Analysts annual competition. A 1994 graduate of Leadership Albuquerque, Brent has been active on several committees of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, including helping develop and serving as the initial chair of the Youth Leadership program. He has served on the Board of Trustees at Albuquerque Academy and as president of the Albuquerque Academy Alumni Association. He was a longtime member of the National Alumni Schools Committee for Johns Hopkins University. |
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Mario ValenciaCo-Chair
Mario Valencia serves as Chair of the Board for the New Mexico Gay Men's Chorus and is enthusiastic about the chorus’s continued growth and impact. Born and raised in historic Bernalillo, New Mexico, Mario was introduced to music and cultural traditions from an early age. After attending school in Bernalillo, he continued his education at the University of New Mexico, remaining deeply connected to the majesty of the Middle Rio Grande Valley.
Mario’s professional journey began with an internship at Intel in Rio Rancho, followed by an extensive career in sales, marketing, and sales management in Albuquerque. He later transitioned into the insurance industry, leveraging his background to help New Mexicans make informed financial decisions. Mario is a passionate supporter of music and the arts in New Mexico, drawing inspiration from his Hispanic heritage with a special appreciation for Spanish music, dance, and folklore. He has been an active member of his church choir in Bernalillo for many years and has contributed to the New Mexico Gay Men's Chorus as both a singer and in a leadership capacity as Vice President of Chorus Membership. Mario has also performed at prominent events, including the GALA Choruses Music Festival. Beyond his work with NMGMC, he performs with Opera Southwest and the New Mexico Symphonic Chorus, and has held a leadership role with the New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association. |
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Paul AnwayMember at Large
Paul Anway was first introduced to the joy and excitement of singing in a gay men’s chorus in Tampa Florida in the late 1980’s. It was a powerful part of his coming out and he cherishes the memories of those days. He was ordained in Metropolitan Community Church in 1998 and served as an MCC pastor for 10 years, most of that time in Tallahassee Florida. in 2018, through a series of fortunate and unfortunate circumstances he transitioned into the role of Hospice Chaplain, a position he has held to this day. In 2015 he moved to New Mexico to be closer to family, that December he saw the New Mexico Gay Men’s chorus for the first time and decided to join them. He served on the Board of Directors for a few years and then took a break. In December of 2022 he came back for the production of “Scrouge”. In July 2024 he was instrumental in organizing the NMGMC’s participation in the Gala Festival in Minneapolis. Currently, he is employed as a chaplain with Presbyterian Hospice and as the Director of Spiritual Development with Metropolitan Community church of Albuquerque. He shares a home with his sister and his canine doorbell, Tyler; he enjoys Pina Coladas and long walks on the beach. No, that’s not quite right, just the Pina Colada part is spot on.
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Tim JacksonMember At Large
Tim Jackson works for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico. He is a gay man who loves music and has a passion to be a part of the community and try to make a difference. As an outgoing individual, he’s happy to talk to anyone and when it is something that be believes in – this passion can be infectious.
Tim brings a lot of experience to the table for this board. WIth over 15 years of sales experience in a wide range of products and services, Tim can make things make sense when speaking to potential donors. He’s also adept at coordinating volunteers for events from Blue Cross as part of their community volunteer program. With a background in non-profits and art, Tim has worked with Tryon Arts and Crafts in North Carolina doing volunteer work and set up for events. He has also served as a board member on local projects and local non-profits. Tim has experience as a member of various choruses, chamber singers, and performed in All State Music Festival. Tim is honored to be working with the NMGMC board and to play a part in supporting the music and gay community. |
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Michelle GrahamMember
Michelle Graham moved to New Mexico nearly a decade ago. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology in 2011 from Wittenberg University in Ohio and her Master of Science in Forensic Genetics in 2015 from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. She has lived all across the country having been born in New Jersey with her military parents then stationed in Oklahoma before retiring their family in Ohio. A life-long passion for science and her dedication to helping those around her led her to a career in public service, starting as a Forensic DNA Analyst at the New Mexico Department of Public Safety in 2015. In 2020, she transitioned to the New Mexico DNA Identification System Administrative Center as the Alternate State CODIS Administrator. Most recently, she became the NMDIS Technical Leader in 2023 and the State CODIS Administrator in 2024. When not at work, she spends her time running races of varying distances, reading books, listening to podcasts, and enjoying time with her husband and pets. She is excited to bring the same enthusiasm, energy, and dedication to the NMGMC Board of Directors.
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Wendy JohnsonMember
Wendy has over 30 years of experience in victim advocacy, crisis counseling, crisis intervention and investigations. She currently serves as a Prevention Specialist in Santa Fe Counties Community Services Department providing prevention education in elementary and middle schools. Before moving to NM Wendy was elected president of the Ohio Victim/Witness Association and was appointed to the State Victim Advisory Board and the Ohio Parole Board Victims Justice Panel by Governor Mike DeWine. She was a founding member of the Ohio Crisis Response Team and was deployed to NYC after the attacks on 9-11-01.
Wendy has a Master’s Degree in Education from Kent State University and a BA in Psychology from Grove City College. She is way too proud to be the only female singing member of NMGMC and relishes her role as chorus mom/sister/daughter. She cannot wait to be able to retire to spend more time with her husband Don. |
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Frank RenzMember
Francis J. (Frank) Renz has spent over 45 years primarily in higher education, specifically in community colleges. He has worked in increasingly responsible positions across community colleges in Texas and New Mexico, starting as a counselor/instructor and advancing to dean. At the state level, he served as the founding Executive Director of the New Mexico Association of Community Colleges for 15 years, managing a board of community college CEOs and advocating for funding and legislative initiatives on their behalf before retiring from the state in 2006. Following this, Renz was recruited to become a student success Leadership Coach for national initiatives, including Achieving the Dream for another 13 years and Caring Campus for an additional 2 years. He earned his PhD in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master's in Psychology from Villanova University, and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Saint Joseph’s College.On a personal level, Renz was born and raised in Philadelphia to German immigrants. He served in the Army and is a Vietnam Era veteran. Additionally, he became a certified ski instructor and taught skiing part-time at various resorts. Renz has been with his husband, Randy, for nearly 43 years and was among the first couples to be legally married when the state approved same-sex marriage on August 23, 2013. He enjoys hiking with his dog and, now that he is retired, is exploring other avocational interests such as baking/cooking, gardening/landscaping, singing in a male choral group, and traveling. Upon fully retiring, Renz is also interested in giving back through volunteering and board service.Having sung in his college glee club and performed in various community theater events, singing became a priority again after retiring from his successful career. He recalled the joy it brought him and others during his youth, prompting him to join the New Mexico Gay Men's Chorus (NMGMC) in 2019 as a chorus member. He is now interested in helping strengthen the organization and expand its reach through board service.
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Eric CraftChorus President, Ex-officio Member
Eric Craft, a member of the chorus since 2025, is a playwright, performer, sometime floral designer, and lifelong singer and musician. A New Jersey native, Eric moved to Albuquerque in August of 2024 to pursue an MFA in Dramatic Writing at the University of New Mexico. He found meaningful community with the NMGMC when he joined in January of 2025 and has been grateful for it every day since.
Eric has been singing in choruses since he was in the third grade, only pausing occasionally to sing in musicals or perform Shakespeare. He holds a BA in theatre from Montclair State University, where he learned about the power of ensemble and community in affecting change through artistic expression. He went on to teach at The Allegra School of Music and Arts in central Jersey, where he served as an acting teacher, directing dozens of showcases and musicals which fostered growth and confidence in performers aged eight to eighteen. He then bounced around several community theatre productions (shout out to Chester Theatre Group), sang bass with community choir Clarum Sonum, and wrote plays including And Every Creeping Thing, which received a residency with The New Jersey PlayLab, and A Sprinkle of Grace, a finalist in the Samuel French Off Off-Broadway Short Play Festival, all while making bouquets to pay the bills. His penchant for doing the most didn’t stop upon moving to New Mexico either; in addition to his workload as a grad student and his involvement with NMGMC, Eric has founded a brand-new theatre company called Cockroach Theatre, which, as the name suggests, focuses on celebrating the grotesque, the marginal, and the queer. As president, Eric is committed to continuing NMGMC’s good works through both charitable and artistic endeavors. He is dedicated to maintaining, if not elevating, the chorus’ goodwill with the greater Albuquerque and Santa Fe communities, as well as all of New Mexico. He is grateful for the honor to represent the chorus to our audiences, and to work alongside chorus leadership and the board to make sure the NMGMC delivers to its fullest potential. He wants to express gratitude to his partner and fellow chorus member Hawkins Gardow, his cat (Lulu!!!!!), his parents for their love and support, and all members of the NMGMC for trusting him with such an incredible responsibility. |
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Marcos MaezMember at Large
Born and raised in Santa Fe, Marcos Maez currently serves as the Director of Student Engagement & Recruitment at Santa Fe Community College and oversees the college’s Dual Credit program. As a first-generation college student, native of Santa Fe, and Capital High School graduate, Marcos can share his story and the story of others who found their success, and in some cases, chose to stay and give back to their community. He understands, first-hand, the value of a college education and uses his passion and enthusiasm to connect with people to communicate that value and the possibilities it brings. Marcos is also an engaged and dedicated member of the Santa Fe Community particularly interested in advocating for underserved communities. He serves on the Board of Directors for organizations such as the Santa Fe Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Communities in Schools NM, Santa Fe Community College Foundation, and the City of Santa Fe Transit Advisory Board. Marcos earned his associate’s in arts degree from Santa Fe Community College in 2006, his Bachelors of Arts in Communication and Journalism from the University of New Mexico in 2008, and his Masters in Business Administration from New Mexico Highlands University in 2022.
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Isaac PaezMember at Large
Isaac moved to the Land of Enchantment in May of 2023 after spending close to 10 years in the Pacific Northwest. Before heading west, he lived in Dallas, TX where he was born and raised. Isaac is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a B.B.A. in Management Information Systems. It was Dallas where he went to his first choir rehearsal with the Cathedral of Hope, the largest LGBTQ church in the country. Several members of the choir encouraged him to audition for the Turtle Creek Chorale, so he took that leap and lo and behold…his GALA choral journey began.
When Isaac relocated to Seattle in the fall of 2013, he heard of another GALA chorus known as the Seattle Men’s Chorus. It took a year and a half before he auditioned, and then his choral journey continued for five and a half years. During that time, Isaac became the section leader of the lower second tenors. Isaac also served as secretary of the SMC membership council. Then, the pandemic arrived. Fun fact: the Seattle area was where the first COVID case in the U.S. was identified. Let’s move on from there. Isaac is a senior technical product manager for Starbucks Coffee Company. He supports the mobile app for iOS, Android and Starbucks.com. When he’s not drinking two cups of coffee a day, he enjoys a fine glass (or two) of wine, a Manhattan with a big block of ice, or any of the NM craft beers. He also enjoys traveling, swimming, hiking and cycling. After completing his first season with NMGMC, Isaac fell in love with the people and the mission of the chorus and wants to give more of his time and talents to a cause that’s greater than him. |
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Michael KaplanMember
Dr. Michael Kaplan is a retired educator, school administrator, and health care provider (SLP). During his career, Dr. Kaplan worked with the NM Public Education Department in the area of Special and Regular Education, served as the Charter Schools Bureau Chief, and was the Associate Superintendent of Education for CYFD Juvenile Justice Education.
Dr. Kaplan currently serves as the chair of the NM School for the Arts Governing Council (equivalent to a school district school board). He is starting his 10th year as chair. He is also the vice chair of a state licensure board for Speech Pathologists, Audiologists, and Hearing Aid Dispensers, and chair of its Rules Committee. He serves as the expert witness during every legislative session for both boards. In his tenure in education and health fields, he wrote and received over $40 million in federal, state, foundation, and corporate grants. He also served as a reviewer for federal grants. |
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Em Voss-ClawsonMember at Large
Em Voss-Clawson (she/they), Co-Chair, brings over ten years of technical theater experience, with a strong foundation in stage management, deck operations, and prop and set design including work across Albuquerque, NM and LaGrange, GA. Her behind the scenes prowess is matched by a deep commitment for accessible and inclusive performance spaces. Em just completed her sixth production with NMGMC as a front of house volunteer, where she has been actively involved in training and mentoring new volunteers. She has consistently shown great leadership in front of house coordination to help create an welcoming and enjoyable space for patrons and volunteers. Em is extensively trained in all aspects of front of house operations, such as merchandise sales, 50/50 raffle ticket sales, ticket scanning, ushering, program distribution, and assigning volunteer roles, she is a consistent and knowledgeable face at every show Both as a colleague and leader, Em brings collaboration, a deep understanding of what makes a show run smoothly, and a genuine commitment to supporting both performers, production crews, and audiences alike. Em’s background, service, and ongoing dedication to the community make her a strong candidate to carry forward the NMGMC mission to develop inclusive engagement and nurture a strong foundation for the organization's continued growth and impact.
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