leadership

Mike Dixon is a former singer with the MMC and served as treasurer for several years. He was instrumental in helping bring MMC back after the covid-hiatus. Professionally, Mike is a senior technical engineer in the automotive industry and serves on his company’s LGBT & Allies inclusion organization. He has also completed the Blueprint for Leadership Program with The United Way. He is an avid runner and hiker and loves spending time with his dogs when he’s not doing home renovation. He serves as the President of the MMC Board.

OJ Zhao was born in China, spent many years in Seattle, and moved to Columbia, SC in 1995 where he now considers himself a native. Professionally, he worked as a web designer/developer for many years and is currently pursuing a career in teaching. OJ believes himself a pianist more than a singer, but joining MMC is helping him enhance his vocal skills. An avid foodie, he enjoys fried chicken and ramen the most! He serves as the Vice President of the MMC Board.

Eric Dickerson is MMC’s master of spreadsheets and accounting! He sings with Our Song Atlanta and serves as the Treasurer the MMC Board. Professionally, Eric has worked in the accounting field for 30 years since graduating from college serving clients in the public, private, and non-profit fields. 

Walter Wang is an engineer by trade and musician by heart. He is a former MMC singer and current Board Secretary. He graduated with a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Virginia and worked in the food and pharma industry in mostly the process and project engineering space. Recently, he started working for himself as an engineering consultant. He splits his time between Columbia and Atlanta but hopes to be able to work more in Columbia so can once again sing with the MMC. 

Natalie Cobb studied music and sang classical art songs 100 years ago and can’t let it go. Since she doesn’t meet the requirements for the MMC, she serves as Marketing Director and unofficial stage-mom for the MMC. Professionally, she works in Human Resources with emphasis on employee engagement, training, and development. She also volunteers with the Live Like London Foundation, Free Mom Hugs-SC Chapter, and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. 

Edward Farmer is the immediate past-president and continues his service as the Chorus/Board Liaison for the MMC. He was the driving force behind bringing MMC back from the covid-hiatus. Edward is the “MacGyver” behind MMC’s outstanding Pride floats and organizes our Cabaret Fundraiser. 

  Manfred Simpson was born in the north of Germany, where strong winds apparently count as vocal training. A singer all his life, from his hometown to Munich, with a few well-timed breaks for dramatic effect. He studied history and business and spent over 30 years in German post-production, obsessing over details no one else noticed. Now in Columbia, South Carolina, Manfred sings with the Midlands Men’s Chorus and serves as its librarian and At-Large Board Member. He supports the LGBTQ+ community, stays true to himself, and works as a guest teacher of business and history.