Artistic Staff
Richard Cole has served as the Artistic Director for the North Coast Men’s Chorus since the second half of the 1997/98 season. He joined the chorus as a singer in 1989 and got actively involved from the beginning by serving on the Board for several years. In addition to the full chorus, Rich also directs The Coastliners, NCMC’s small ensemble. Rich was the Chair for the wildly successful Band and Choral events for the 2014 Gay Games hosted in Cleveland. In 2015, Rich was the recipient of an LGBT Heritage Day award by the City of Cleveland for his contributions to entertainment in the city.
NCMC has flourished under his leadership and guidance. In addition to annual increases in attendance at our concerts and growth in membership, his enthusiasm, energy and creativity have been the driving force responsible for bringing guest artists in to perform with the chorus, including Brian Stokes Mitchell, Michael Feinstein, Maureen McGovern, Leslie Jordan, Armistead Maupin and Bernadette Peters.
Rich graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education and frequently arranges and/or transcribes pieces of music for the Chorus.
Robert Day began his tenure as NCMC’s Principal Accompanist in the June 2000 “Touching Hearts, Changing Lives” concerts. Since then, he has accompanied the chorus in all concerts, NCMC benefits, at six GALA Chorus Festivals, and on their five CDs.
A native Clevelander, Bob holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Otterbein University, and a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance from The Ohio State University. Bob is retired from 30 years of public school teaching in choral music, but still serves as Organist at The Church of the Saviour in Cleveland Heights.
Doug Braun has been part of the NCMC since its beginning. Braun graduated from Oberlin College and received his sign language training at Cleveland State University. Braun earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1991. He provides in-home counseling for Cleveland elders. A ham radio operator for twenty years, he volunteers with the Amateur Radio Emergency Services.
Administrative Staff
Dr. Nicholas Klein is an award-winning arts administrator, educator, conductor, singer, and community leader who serves as Executive Director of the North Coast Men’s Chorus. He is passionate about building vibrant, inclusive arts organizations that strengthen communities through music, connection, and shared storytelling.
Dr. Klein has held faculty appointments as Assistant Professor of Music and Head of Voice at Cleveland State University, Lecturer in Vocal Music at Eastern Washington University, and Instructor of Voice and Director of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble at Seattle Pacific University. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to mentorship, education, and expanding access to meaningful artistic experiences.
A recognized leader in the voice and performing arts communities, Dr. Klein serves on the Board of Directors of the Pan-American Vocology Association as Communications Director and was honored with the 2024 Emerging Leader Award from the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
As a performer, conductor, and collaborative artist, Dr. Klein has appeared throughout the United States and internationally in Hungary, Switzerland, and Italy. His work across opera, choral music, musical theatre, sacred music, and voice science has shaped a leadership philosophy centered on artistic excellence, collaboration, and the ability of the arts to create meaningful human connection.
Dr. Klein holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of Washington, a Graduate Certificate in Vocology from Lamar University, a Master of Music in Music Education from Capital University Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Capital University. He also completed an Organizational Leadership Certificate through the Harvard Business School.
As Executive Director of North Coast Men’s Chorus, Dr. Klein is committed to fostering belonging, celebrating diverse voices, and creating opportunities for people to connect through shared artistic experiences. He believes the arts have a unique power to build bridges, strengthen communities, and inspire meaningful dialogue, and he is excited to help advance the chorus’s mission of using music to entertain, educate, and unite audiences throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Dr. Nicholas Klein is an award-winning arts administrator, educator, conductor, singer, and community leader who serves as Executive Director of the North Coast Men’s Chorus. He is passionate about building vibrant, inclusive arts organizations that strengthen communities through music, connection, and shared storytelling.
Dr. Klein has held faculty appointments as Assistant Professor of Music and Head of Voice at Cleveland State University, Lecturer in Vocal Music at Eastern Washington University, and Instructor of Voice and Director of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble at Seattle Pacific University. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to mentorship, education, and expanding access to meaningful artistic experiences.
A recognized leader in the voice and performing arts communities, Dr. Klein serves on the Board of Directors of the Pan-American Vocology Association as Communications Director and was honored with the 2024 Emerging Leader Award from the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
As a performer, conductor, and collaborative artist, Dr. Klein has appeared throughout the United States and internationally in Hungary, Switzerland, and Italy. His work across opera, choral music, musical theatre, sacred music, and voice science has shaped a leadership philosophy centered on artistic excellence, collaboration, and the ability of the arts to create meaningful human connection.
Dr. Klein holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of Washington, a Graduate Certificate in Vocology from Lamar University, a Master of Music in Music Education from Capital University Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Capital University. He also completed an Organizational Leadership Certificate through the Harvard Business School.
As Executive Director of North Coast Men’s Chorus, Dr. Klein is committed to fostering belonging, celebrating diverse voices, and creating opportunities for people to connect through shared artistic experiences. He believes the arts have a unique power to build bridges, strengthen communities, and inspire meaningful dialogue, and he is excited to help advance the chorus’s mission of using music to entertain, educate, and unite audiences throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Andrew Zupcsan has served as Business Manager for the North Coast Men’s Chorus since the fall of 2010. Prior to accepting that position he served 5 years on the Board of Directors, including 2 years as Treasurer. He has been actively involved in many aspects of Chorus administration since he joined as a singing member in 2002.
Andrew holds a BS in Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and a Master of Urban Planning from Cleveland State University. He currently works in Operations and Customer Relations for ShredPro, LLC a local secure shredding and information management company. He also serves as President of the Madison High School Alumni Association.
Sherry
Wade Tolleson
Board of Directors
Shawn Belt lives life with intentions of simplicity, peacefulness, and a deep sense of community. His journey is a testament to his commitment to fostering community, laughter, and humility.
Since 2014, Shawn has found a sense of belonging within the North Coast Men’s Chorus. Initially drawn by the group’s captivating music and vibrant performances, he has discovered a supportive community beyond the stage that welcomed him with open arms. Shawn’s dedication to nurturing relationships has been a guiding force throughout his life, from his time in pastoral leadership to managing local farms, where his sense of community grew exponentially through his experience working with diverse groups such as refugees and Cleveland teenagers, all in support of the Northeast Ohio local food system.
At the core of Shawn’s values lies a belief in the power of imagination and the importance of dreaming creatively to solve problems. He envisions resilient communities and actively works towards realizing this vision in the groups he is part of.
Since 2015, Shawn has been serving as the production manager for Tunnel Vision Hoops, a greenhouse manufacturing company. Here, he combines his expertise in production management with a commitment to supporting agricultural communities. His work ensures that farmers across the U.S. have access to the tools they need to thrive, contributing to the resilience and sustainability of food systems nationwide.
Shawn met his dear partner L.P. in 2010 and has been madly in love ever since. They are lifelong Cleveland-area natives and live with many feline friends that both delight and enrage them. Shawn’s two nieces, sister, and parents are his world and he makes sure that fact is known however possible.
Dennis Gregory
Clint Condon is proud to serve as Secretary on the Board of Directors of the North Coast Men’s Chorus bringing more than 20 years of passion, experience, and commitment to the organization he has long called home.
A longtime singing member, Clint has seen the chorus evolve, inspire, and make lasting impact — both musically and culturally — within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. His election to the board reflects his ongoing dedication to fostering connection through music, supporting queer voices, and ensuring the chorus’s future as a vibrant and inclusive artistic force.
Outside of chorus life, Clint is a local government employee, with a strong interest in sports and travel. He brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to his role as Secretary, along with a heartfelt belief in the power of harmony — on stage and off.
Ángel Placeres brings both scientific precision and artistic passion to his role as Associate Member Advocate for North Coast Men’s Chorus. As a Bioanalytical Chemistry Research Scientist at Charles River with a PhD in Chemistry, Ángel understands the value of both rigorous methodology and creative expression.
Since joining the chorus in 2017, Ángel has embraced multiple roles within the organization, serving as a Tenor 1 Section Leader and dancer while contributing his voice to the ensemble’s rich harmonies. His journey to music reflects a deeper story of discovery and representation. As a Hispanic performer, Ángel didn’t have early opportunities in theater and music, but he never lost his childhood fascination with singing and performing. Finding his way to North Coast Men’s Chorus allowed him to finally explore and embrace those passions.
In his leadership role, Ángel is inspired by the opportunity to grow as a leader while representing minorities and creating a safe, welcoming space for those seeking comfort and community in music. His chorus experience enhances his leadership skills, which he applies both in music and in his scientific career.
Ángel’s vision for the North Coast Men’s Chorus centers on creating amazing music within a supportive community where everyone can thrive. Through his advocacy work, he’s committed to ensuring that the chorus remains a place where all voices—regardless of background—can find their harmony and shine.
Ricky Kaszar
Rick Dawson brings over 12 years of strategic leadership experience in membership organizations and association management to the North Coast Men’s Chorus Board. Currently serving as Member Experience Manager at MHI: The Association That Makes Supply Chains Work, Rick has a proven track record of driving organizational growth and fostering meaningful community engagement.
During his tenure as Director of Membership Development at Manufacturing Works, Rick achieved a 98% revenue increase and maintained a 90% member retention rate through strategic relationship management and innovative programming. His experience planning and executing over 30 events annually, combined with his expertise in stakeholder engagement and partnership development, makes him a valuable asset to arts organizations.
Rick’s passion for the arts and commitment to community development align perfectly with the mission of the North Coast Men’s Chorus. He holds extensive experience in financial stewardship, governance, and strategic planning—skills he is eager to apply in supporting the chorus’s continued growth and success.
A resident of Newburgh Heights, Rick is dedicated to enriching Cleveland’s cultural landscape and strengthening the connections that make our community thrive.Rick Dawson brings over 12 years of strategic leadership experience in membership organizations and association management to the North Coast Men’s Chorus Board. Currently serving as Member Experience Manager at MHI: The Association That Makes Supply Chains Work, Rick has a proven track record of driving organizational growth and fostering meaningful community engagement.
During his tenure as Director of Membership Development at Manufacturing Works, Rick achieved a 98% revenue increase and maintained a 90% member retention rate through strategic relationship management and innovative programming. His experience planning and executing over 30 events annually, combined with his expertise in stakeholder engagement and partnership development, makes him a valuable asset to arts organizations.
Rick’s passion for the arts and commitment to community development align perfectly with the mission of the North Coast Men’s Chorus. He holds extensive experience in financial stewardship, governance, and strategic planning—skills he is eager to apply in supporting the chorus’s continued growth and success.
A resident of Newburgh Heights, Rick is dedicated to enriching Cleveland’s cultural landscape and strengthening the connections that make our community thrive.
A self-proclaimed “aviation geek,” René DeLange has spent his career advocating for others and helping to open doors for others who want a career in aviation. As a kid, he was always enthralled by airplanes, never missing an opportunity to travel which would later develop into a lifelong career.
René has held various positions within the aviation industry including frontline positions at the airport, Regional Manager to currently he is now Vice President of Inflight & Airport Operations for a United Express regional operator. He is currently a member of the National Gay Pilot Association (NGPA), the worldwide LGBTQ aviation community and is the Cleveland Chapter Director for NGPA.
René, originally from London, Ontario Canada came to the United States in 1999. He has lived in Pittsburgh, St. Louis and currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio.
Having been in a variety of careers, Daniel brings a broad perspective to the board of directors as well as a variety of niche skills.
Daniel grew up in Alabama and Illinois, but has lived all over the country from as far east as Pennsylvania to Washington State and Las Vegas.
He found himself in Cleveland and needing a community of likeminded individuals in 2024, when he joined for It Isn’t Christmas Until. The chorus gave him a new voice and the confidence he needed to keep pressing on during one of the hardest chapters of his life. Now, his goal is to give back and help the chorus help even more people trying to find their new chosen family.
Philip is a seasoned operations executive with over 20 years of experience in multi-site management and project leadership. His expertise lies in driving seamless operations across diverse geographical locations, overseeing projects from inception to successful completion. Currently serving as the Operations Manager at The Center for Community Solutions, Philip excels in logistics coordination and operational efficiency, consistently delivering operational excellence through meticulous attention to detail and a passion for process optimization.
With a rich background in public and private healthcare, Philip has notably improved healthcare delivery in prehospital and correctional environments. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Cleveland State University and an active Paramedic certification from the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Additionally, Philip is certified by The National Commission on Correctional Healthcare as a Correctional Healthcare Professional.
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I became a fan of NCMC years ago and just fell in love with what the organization brings to the community. As a NCMC board member, I want the chorus to continue to expand our efforts and bring joy to all who support us.I became a fan of NCMC years ago and just fell in love with what the organization brings to the community. As a NCMC board member, I want the chorus to continue to expand our efforts and bring joy to all who support us.