Rocky Mountain Arts Association Brings in New Executive Director

The Rocky Mountain Arts Association, home of the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus and Denver Feminist Chorus, brought on a new executive director this summer.

Dr. Chipper Dean comes into this role with a wide range of past experience, and a lot of passion for what he does. Deeply rooted in community care, he worked prior as a Program Director at the National Cancer Institute, focusing on mental health, LGBTQ+ health, and equity in healthcare. His love for community in a musical sense isn’t a new venture for him, either. He served as the Director of Production of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. and worked on the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses board of directors. Dean’s appreciation for the arts traces back to his teenage years of being a drum major, choir member, and band member in his school’s programs.

This position is a big one to fill, and Dean is approaching it with excitement: “The Denver Feminist Chorus and the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus are pioneers and leaders in the LGBTQ+ choral movement, and I am both thrilled and humbled to join this acclaimed organization.” These choral groups provide safe spaces full of passionate, accepting people uniting through music. The arts have brought marginalized groups together and provided a means for storytelling and connection. The Rocky Mountain Arts Association has been committed to the safety and joy of LGBTQ+ folks in Denver and beyond in its over 40-year-long history. Dr. Chipper Dean is ready—and capable—to help continue this legacy. 

If you are interested in seeing a performance by these choirs, there are two coming up to finish out 2025. The Denver Feminist Chorus is putting on a show on Saturday, November 8, dedicated to LGBTQ+ love and existence: Sing It Loud: Queer Joy Is Resistance. The Denver Gay Men’s Chorus brings My Favorite Queens, a performance of holiday cheer and queer joy, to the stage in December.

Photo courtesy of the press release