Portland Lesbian Choir, nearly 40 years old, hires first ever executive director; big concert upcoming

Published 3:30 pm Friday, March 7, 2025

Portland Lesbian Choir has been around for a long time — since 1986.

It made a move recently to be around even longer, strengthening leadership with the hiring of its first executive director.

Hayley Andrews will start as executive director on March 18. It’s a position that has been in the works for many years, thanks to volunteers and generous donors.

Said Board President Toni Jaffe: “We have put a lot of sweat equity into making this step in PLC’s growth a reality.”

“I share PLC’s mission to build harmony and community through compelling musical performances,” Andrews said. “PLC represents a strength and vision I am honored to reinforce and uplift.”

The choir said that Andrews has more than a decade of experience in strategic partnerships, community engagement, and multicultural collaboration. She has a proven track record of driving equity-focused programs, managing large budgets, and creating inclusive, sustainable solutions that deliver measurable results.

From publicity: Andrews characterizes herself as a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, lifelong melophile (music lover!), and trombonist of 22 years. She currently serves on the board of directors for Oregon Tradeswomen, and her two most recent roles were first-of-their-kind positions where she established multifaceted community engagement programs, building cooperation among diverse stakeholders including volunteers, staff, members, donors, and non-profit partners.

She has been Director of Strategic Partnerships and Community Investments for NECA/IBEW Local 48. Before that, she worked in the not-for-profit, cooperative financial movement of credit unions, including as the first Community Development Manager for Rivermark Community Credit Union.

Andrews lives with her partner Gene and two dogs Dilly Bar and Ollie in Northeast Portland.

The mission of Portland Lesbian Choir: “The Portland Lesbian Choir builds harmony and community through compelling musical performances. We elevate LGBTQIA2S+ voices, emphasize equity, and encourage collaboration, growth and service.

Portland Lesbian Choir will be performing in a joint concert with the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus and Rose City Pride Band with special guest Bridging Voices LGBTQ youth chorus, 4 p.m. March 30 at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. There will be 350 singers on stage and a wind symphony. Each group will also perform individually, giving the audience a unique listening experience.

More: plchoir.org.