FOUNDER AND GENERAL DIRECTOR

Don Scott Carpenter is a distinguished composer, conductor, and organist based in San Francisco, renowned for his leadership in choral music and worship. As Founder and General Director of Vox Humana SF, he has captivated audiences with profound musical interpretations. Currently the Organist and Director of Music, Administration, & Engagement at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Mr. Carpenter enriches the community through his musical artistry. His choirs have performed in venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall and the Dom in Salzburg. An advocate for contemporary music, he has commissioned world premieres of several works. Mr. Carpenter’s commitment to musical excellence and innovation continues to inspire and uplift, solidifying his legacy as a visionary artist.

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PRESIDENT

Robert Ripps began his classical music career in 1973 at the Canadian Opera Company after studying opera production at the University of Toronto. An NEA grant brought him to the San Francisco Opera, where he served as Assistant Stage Director/Stage Manager (1976-79). Returning to New York in 1979, Robert held roles at Decca/London Records, WNET/TV, and Stereo Review/Sound and Vision magazine. Responding to the AIDS crisis, he produced three Music for Life galas at Carnegie Hall, raising over $4 million for GMHC. After serving on the boards of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, Robert returned to San Francisco in 2010, joining the board of Opera Parallèle and consulting on strategic planning and fundraising for Bay Area nonprofits.

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SECRETARY

Margaret Elam’s musical journey began at age 6, leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Music with Honors in voice from Humboldt State University. A versatile performer, Margaret has starred in lead roles with Humboldt Light Opera, California State University, Long Beach Summer Opera, and more. In Fresno, she shone as a performer and vocal coach, contributing to nine musical theater productions. Margaret’s passion for nurturing talent led her to coach the Junior Company Players and conduct a children’s choir at First Covenant Church in San Francisco. A cherished soloist at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, she actively participates in its choral and bell programs. Margaret’s dedication to music and nurturing talent has solidified her reputation as a respected figure in the arts.

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TREASURER

Steven J. Spector’s over forty-year finance career began after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earning an MBA from NYU. He has held key roles at firms like Smith Barney, Blackstone Capital Partner, Nomura Securities, and McVeigh & Co., L.P., specializing in risk arbitrage, derivatives, and convertibles. As a personal financial consultant, he also served as Business Manager of American Bach Soloists. Steven’s nonprofit experience includes board roles at GMHC, where he was Treasurer and Chair of the Nominating Committee, and at the Center for Contemporary Arts in Santa Fe. After moving to San Francisco, he joined the Finance Committee of the San Francisco Art Institute and was later elected Treasurer of its Board of Trustees.

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BOARD MEMBER

Theodore Ueki has a background in the tech industry, where he developed expertise in recruiting operations through his work with various companies, most recently at Carta and Finix. He later established his own consulting practice, focusing on helping tech organizations improve the efficiency of their recruitment processes. Theodore’s interest in classical music began at a young age with a love for opera, which naturally fostered an appreciation for a cappella choir music. Vox Humana SF is Theodore’s first foray into not-for-profit volunteering. he plans to leverage his expertise in operations and efficiency to support the organization’s mission.

ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR

Sam Faustine, a San Francisco native, is a versatile musician and singer, performing everything from Baroque Opera to Modern Musical Theatre. Last season, he toured nationally with Broadway’s A Christmas Carol and made his third appearance with the San Francisco Symphony as the Roasted Swan in Carmina Burana. Sam has performed across the US, Europe, and China in roles like Anthony in Sweeney Todd, Tony in West Side Story, Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, and Candide in Candide. He also sings with sacred music and choral ensembles, most notably the internationally touring Byrd Ensemble. Beyond classical music and musical theatre, Sam channels Freddie Mercury in a QUEEN cover band.

ARTIST REPRESENTATIVE

Cheryl Cain, a San Francisco native, has sung with the San Francisco Opera since 2013 and the San Francisco Symphony since 2006, as well as with American Bach Soloists, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale, and other professional ensembles. This year, she made her solo debut with Pocket Opera as Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus and as the soprano soloist in Bach’s Magnificat with the San Francisco Symphony. Cheryl is featured on numerous recordings, including the soprano solo in Ola Gjeilo’s Veni sancte spiritus on the album Timeless by Cappella SF, and the Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Symphony recording of Mahler’s Eighth Symphony.