The ‘Comings & Goings’ column chronicles important life changes of Blade readers.

The Comings and Goings column is about sharing the professional successes of our community. We want to recognize those landing new jobs, new clients for their business, joining boards of organizations and other achievements. Please share your successes with us at comingsandgoings@washblade.com.

Bishop Gene Robinson has been elected to the board of directors of Lambda Legal. Robinson became the first openly gay bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire in 2003, a major step forward for the LGBT community. Robinson is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress in D.C.

Lambda Legal is the nation’s first legal organization dedicated to achieving full equality for LGBT people.

Retired Bishop V. Gene Robinson (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Congratulations also go to Chase Maggiano, who was named the new executive director of The Washington Chorus (TWC). He will begin work with TWC in July. He is currently executive director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C.

At the Washington Chorus, Maggiano will succeed Dianne Peterson who is retiring from at the end of the 2015-2016 season after serving as the Chorus’ executive director for more than 30 years. She is the longest-serving chief administrator of a major American chorus. Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Chorus, Board Chair Chris Denby said, “TWC is thrilled to welcome Chase to the Executive Director role. Although he has very big shoes to fill, Chase will bring tremendous leadership skills, energy, and passion to the organization. The entire Board joins me in welcoming him warmly to The Washington Chorus family.”

“I am honored to be joining The Washington Chorus family and energized to return to my classical roots,” Maggiano said. “TWC’s reputation for presenting challenging and new repertoire is a prized asset within the bountiful choral scene in Washington. I hope to honor and build on the legacy of my friend and mentor, Dianne, whose 30 years of dedication have brought TWC to national and international acclaim. As we celebrate Julian Wachner’s final season with TWC, we are well poised to find the next great maestro/a for Washington.”

Maggiano will be missed at the GMCW where he expanded the inclusivity of the mission and programming, created the first LGBTQ and allied youth chorus in Washington, and forged relationships with local and international presenters, including an historic concert tour of Cuba.  Prior to joining GMCW, he served in arts education and fundraising roles at the Washington Performing Arts. Growing up locally as a classically trained violinist, Maggiano has combined his lifelong dedication to music and entrepreneurial spirit to ensure that more art happens in Washington. He remains an avid violinist and shares his perspective on the business of art at chasingtheart.com.

Chase Maggiano (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Joseph DeSanto Jones, M.Ed., has been named director of strategic initiatives at NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. NASPA’s mission is to be the principal source of leadership, scholarship, professional development, and advocacy for student affairs. As director, he will work with executive management and volunteer leaders to pursue and achieve tactical objectives of the NASPA strategic plan.

Jones has previously served NASPA as director of member engagement and community programs, where he directed various educational programs, and supported NASPA Regions, Knowledge Communities, and volunteer leaders. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park where he earned his bachelor’s in communication studies and a master’s in college student personnel.

Joseph DeSanto Jones (Photo courtesy Jones)