Elected International Board of Directors

Congratulations to Kathy Carmody, Diane Huber, Carole Kirkpatrick and Tori Postma. These four members were elected to a three-year term on the International Board of Directors commencing May 1, 2006.

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This slate of eight candidates has been nominated to fill four expiring terms on the International Board of Directors for the term beginning May 1, 2006, and ending April 30, 2009. This information was written and submitted by each nominee. Elections must be held prior to the end of November, with ballots due at International headquarters by 3:00 pm CST, Wednesday, December 7, 2005. If you have any questions contact International headquarters at 800.992.7464, x137 or 918.622.1444, x137.

Cissie Alexander
Houston Horizon, Houston, Texas (#10)
Human Resources Manager

List five significant leadership roles you have held in Sweet Adelines International:
President/Team Coordinator (two chapters); Regional Faculty (two regions); Regional Management Team; Regional Leadership Coordinators; International Board of Directors

How do you feel you can contribute to Sweet Adelines International as a member of the International Board of Directors?
I bring the view of the member who gained all her musical knowledge from Sweet Adelines. As an administrative leader, I would bring open and honest communication about the needs of the average member, and a view of the human side of chorus life that provides our members with a sense of belonging and the opportunity to grow both personally and musically.

What specific skills, ideas, talents, etc., would you bring to the International Board?
I have served in most Sweet Adeline administrative positions from chapter to International Board. I am a team builder, an open communicator, an organizer and a visionary. I bring a passion for our wonderful organization and a vision of building chorus communities where the joy of singing and friendship shine.

What is your vision for the International organization?
We are music and much more! The International organization is a vehicle for musical education and we offer personal growth opportunities for our members. My vision for the International organization continues to be to provide every chorus member with the highest level of music education by training our directors and to provide a vision of chorus life that will foster membership growth and retention by training our administrative leaders.

What should be the priorities for the International organization over the next five to 10 years?
Over the next five to 10 years, we should focus on creative ways of growing our membership with both addition and retention; promoting the YWIH program in our regions; using technology to our benefit; training our directors to achieve a quality, musical product; fostering new arrangers for contemporary music selection; and ensuring that our choruses learn to create a positive experience for all members, where the joy of music and friendship combine.

Describe what you think Sweet Adelines International will be like 25 years from now.
In 25 years women will flock to join this innovative and exciting music organization. Choruses will have waiting lists and we will be known as one of the world’s finest organizations for music education. The youth we are training today will be a huge part of who we are tomorrow and will be singing contemporary barbershop arrangements. We will be totally international because the joys of singing barbershop will have spread around the world. We will have truly harmonized the world!

Kathy Carmody
Velvet Hills, Colorado Springs, Colorado (#8)
Self-Employed

List five significant leadership roles you have held in Sweet Adelines International:
International President; EDC Chair; International Treasurer, Secretary and Vice President; Chair of various International Seminars; Co-author of International Faculty Training & Ready Set Grow

How do you feel you can contribute to Sweet Adelines International as a member of the International Board of Directors?
Having served on the International Board for several years, I bring a sense of history, consistency and vision to the leadership of our organization. My wide experience in all facets of Sweet Adelines allows me to view issues from an international, regional and local perspective. I share this experience willingly and joyfully.

What specific skills, ideas, talents, etc., would you bring to the International Board?
I believe areas of strength include leadership, communication, global understanding, teaching and training skills, confidence, sense of humor and an undeniable dedication to the membership.

What is your vision for the International organization?
My vision is to bring to life our International mission statement and goals: to become truly the leading musical organization for women who love to sing. We must be respectfully aware of the needs of women of all ages, and meet those needs in such a way that they choose to give themselves the gift of membership in Sweet Adelines. Our challenges include better use of members’ time and money, moving forward further into the opportunities in cyberspace, and continually improving our vocal skills.

What should be the priorities for the International organization over the next five to 10 years?
Education in all areas of Sweet Adelines is our lifeblood and we need to continually seek opportunities to provide the latest resources for our future. Membership growth and retention must be our highest priority in order to ensure our future. Women of today deserve to know about us! Secondly, a high priority must be to develop more effective education programs for all of our directors and particularly our struggling choruses.

Describe what you think Sweet Adelines International will be like 25 years from now.
I can envision my granddaughters, and everyone else’s, loving their membership as much as I do now. I see them enjoying the personal growth afforded them, empowered with the skills, attitudes and strategies they need to be more effective in their personal and professional lives, and singing with “shining eyes.”

Nancy Field
Spirit of Syracuse, Syracuse, New York (#16)
Self-Employed

List five significant leadership roles you have held in Sweet Adelines International:
International Board of Directors; Regent; DMA; Judge Specialist; Chorus Director

How do you feel you can contribute to Sweet Adelines International as a member of the International Board of Directors?
My experience as a chorus director affords me a comprehensive understanding of the needs and expectations of our singers. I believe my demonstrated leadership skills at the chapter, regional and international levels, combined with my professional skills, can contribute to advancing the International Board of Director’s financial, program and leadership development activities on behalf of the organization and its members.

What specific skills, ideas, talents, etc., would you bring to the International Board?
I am a creative thinker who is also blessed with common sense and able to deal with multi-faceted issues. I believe my ability to identify an end goal, as well as to define the elements necessary to reach the goal, is an asset. The skills learned through my professional and Sweet Adelines training both support my commitment to “keeping singers on the risers.” I have extensive experience in both musical and administrative areas to facilitate this endeavor.

What is your vision for the International organization?
My vision for Sweet Adelines is that we continue supporting our chapters in the area of membership growth and retention, and that we continue to train musical leaders and arrangers as a way to contribute to that growth and retention. Our membership is composed of many talented and skilled women who could bring about a renewed energy and synergy among our singers. Continuing to offer high quality musical growth opportunities for chorus and quartet singers will also assist in organization growth and retention efforts.

What should be the priorities for the International organization over the next five to 10 years?
Finding new ways to inspire our chorus directors and singers alike in the journey to increasing musical growth is a priority. Continuing to provide educational opportunities, both at the regional and international levels, will also assist in that growth. Tapping into the skilled and talented membership to energize membership growth and retention efforts, along with developing additional opportunities for potential future leaders, is also a priority.

Describe what you think Sweet Adelines International will be like 25 years from now.
As a result of today’s pro-active membership, in the year 2030, we are enjoying 45,000 members! Our musical ensembles are singing and performing at even higher levels. Our music continues to thrill our audiences. We have creative ways to sponsor high quality educational programs that are even more accessible to all our members. We are financially secure, and we continue to “Harmonize the World!”

Ellen Gallacher
Greater Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada (#26)
President, Hansbraun Investments, LTD.

List five significant leadership roles you have held in Sweet Adelines International:
International Board of Directors; IBOD Executive Committee and Treasurer; Regional Leadership Coordinators – Moderator; Young Singers Foundation Trustee; Regional Team Coordinator; Faculty Associate

How do you feel you can contribute to Sweet Adelines International as a member of the International Board of Directors?
I would love to have the opportunity to continue to share my experience and enthusiasm. I believe the combination of my professional experience and Sweet Adeline education will be an asset to the board and the organization.

What specific skills, ideas, talents, etc., would you bring to the International Board?
I bring 20 years of experience in Sweet Adelines, serving in many positions at the chapter, regional and International level. I also bring many years of business experience in management, finance and motivational and people skills.

What is your vision for the International organization?
My vision is that we continue to offer first-class educational opportunities to allow our members to expand their horizons both musically and administratively. Also, that Sweet Adelines will one day be a household name.

What should be the priorities for the International organization over the next five to 10 years?
Membership growth and retention. We must also find more creative ways to ensure membership is available to more people by raising non-dues revenue and being flexible about time commitment.

Describe what you think Sweet Adelines International will be like 25 years from now.
We will continue to spread our wings to include more countries. We will be recognized worldwide for our high caliber of music, entertainment and performance and education.

Diane Huber
River Blenders, St. Louis, Missouri (#5)
Homemaker, Chorus Director/Coach

List five significant leadership roles you have held in Sweet Adelines International:
International President; Chorus Director; Coronet Club President; Regional Board of Directors; International Faculty

How do you feel you can contribute to Sweet Adelines International as a member of the International Board of Directors?
I bring 33 years of experience to this Board of Directors. My experience is in leadership on all levels of Sweet Adelines International. I know how important it is for our members to feel safe in the knowledge that our board is fiscally responsible with their dues money. I also bring all of my energy to the board table to ensure an upbeat, ongoing leadership base for our members. Most of my music education is a direct result of my membership in Sweet Adelines International and those opportunities have also provided me with extensive performance experience as well. That’s what we’re all about — singing and performing this wonderful art form. I want to share the joy.

What specific skills, ideas, talents, etc., would you bring to the International Board?
Specifically my skills are voice training, piano, music theory and a rather extensive performance background as a member of an international champion quartet. I have been a Sweet Adeline for 33 years and therefore I will bring my experiences as a member of Division A, AA and larger choruses. I currently direct a large chorus, which offers challenges of its own. I also travel extensively to coach our choruses and quartets and I’m able to bring your ideas and concerns to the board table.

What is your vision for the International organization?
My vision is that we grow by leaps and bounds in number of members, music education and performance ability. I believe these go hand in hand. The better we sing, the better we perform, and the better we perform the more members we will attract. I want us to continue to provide educational opportunities to women throughout the world so that we may all achieve our highest possible goals, both musically and administratively.

What should be the priorities for the International organization over the next five to 10 years?
Membership growth and retention should remain our priority over the years to come. As stated above, I think we’re going in the right direction with continuing education in vocal and performance skills. The Director Education Coordinators have already made huge strides and now our new Membership Committee will continue the effort to grow and prosper as an organization.

Describe what you think Sweet Adelines International will be like 25 years from now.
I’ve said this before and I’m sticking with it. I want us to be very similar to who and what we are today. I believe we are an all-inclusive organization of bright women who love to sing and perform barbershop music. Fifty-thousand-plus members? That would be a bonus!

Carole Kirkpatrick
Pacific Sound, Seattle, Washington (#13)
Retired

List five significant leadership roles you have held in Sweet Adelines International:
International President; Master Director; Certified Expression Judge; Certified Faculty; 2007 IES Chair

How do you feel you can contribute to Sweet Adelines International as a member of the International Board of Directors?
It is important that today’s leaders not only have a well-rounded Sweet Adeline education, but also a strong business and financial background. My 40 plus years as a banker and vice president of a large financial group, plus my experience as President of Sweet Adelines International, bring these two elements to the Board table.

What specific skills, ideas, talents, etc., would you bring to the International Board?
Working, collaborating and listening to our members; a strong financial and business background; strong musical background that is directly attributable to my membership in Sweet Adelines; a good sense of humor.

What is your vision for the International organization?
Premier provider of education in the barbershop style; financially sound and stable organizational foundation; strong and stable membership of 30,000 plus members that is diverse and continues to grow each year.

What should be the priorities for the International organization over the next five to 10 years?
Continue to reach out to women of all ages and diversities who love and enjoy the barbershop art form. Building and retaining our valuable membership is vital to our future and continued success.

Describe what you think Sweet Adelines International will be like 25 years from now.
It will be the most vital and successful women’s singing organization in the world. Our members come from every continent on the globe and we provide premier education and entertainment for people from all walks of life. Our 35,000 plus members are the happiest singers in the world.

Pat LeVezu
Bay Area Showcase, Santa Clara, California (#12)
Retired, Vocal Coach

List five significant leadership roles you have held in Sweet Adelines International:
International Board of Directors – President Elect; Master Director; IES Chair 1999, 2000; Moderator, Director Education Coordinators (two years); Certified Judge and Certified International Faculty

How do you feel you can contribute to Sweet Adelines International as a member of the International Board of Directors?
In Sweet Adelines I have experience with both small and large choruses–as a member, officer, master director, coach and judge. I have learned to love the challenges and the people who are Sweet Adelines. As the current President-Elect, I will focus on efficient and responsible administration dedicated to providing opportunities for every member to learn and achieve personal growth and satisfaction in this wonderful hobby. I would enjoy representing the membership and continuing to share my vision and enthusiasm as an International Board Member.

What specific skills, ideas, talents, etc., would you bring to the International Board?
I have demonstrated the ability to identify and develop leaders and to be creative. My own varied roles as a leader and teacher help to give me broad perspective of the needs and desires of our membership. Currently, my primary focus is on education and membership growth. I am particularly concerned with the education of directors who hold so much of our future in their hands.

What is your vision for the International organization?
Sweet Adelines has become a respected and valid source of music education and performing in the community and among professional music educators. I would like to see this continually developed and expanded. I see Sweet Adelines providing an artistic and creative outlet for women as well as a sense of community in an increasingly technological world.

What should be the priorities for the International organization over the next five to 10 years?
Education for members and leaders; fiscal responsibility – keeping it affordable for members; recognition of the value of non-competition activities for choruses and quartets; continued development of judging and coaching programs; public relations to enhance our visibility in all communities; membership growth.

Describe what you think Sweet Adelines International will be like 25 years from now.
It is my hope that Sweet Adelines will provide an opportunity for women to enjoy music and friendships by engaging in the fulfilling musical hobby of singing barbershop. Technology will enable us to implement creative educational opportunities. Sweet Adelines will play a significant role in the renaissance of music in the schools and lives of young people. The joy of singing harmony will be a possibility for all.

Tori Postma
Mountain Jubilee, Salt Lake City, Utah (#8)
Insurance Agency Assistant

List five significant leadership roles you have held in Sweet Adelines International:
Director; Certified Faculty; Certified Judge; Education Direction Committee; Judge Specialist

How do you feel you can contribute to Sweet Adelines International as a member of the International Board of Directors?
I feel I am open-minded and forward thinking. I have served on the EDC for a few years, so I have an understanding of many of the programs that affect our members. I will bring years of experience to the table.

What specific skills, ideas, talents, etc., would you bring to the International Board?
With experience as faculty, judge, director and quartet medalist, I feel I have an understanding of many aspects of our organization. I coach often and have met many members throughout the world and believe their input over the years gives me a broad base of knowledge about our membership.

What is your vision for the International organization?
I see Sweet Adelines International as the premier organization for barbershop music in the world, continuing to educate and entertain and provide fulfillment and fun for our members.

What should be the priorities for the International organization over the next five to 10 years?
Membership growth and retention, including youth programs; directors’ education; continue to provide good singable music; continue education plans; continue contest excellence.

Describe what you think Sweet Adelines International will be like 25 years from now.
I think Sweet Adelines International will be meeting the musical needs of women in 2030. We will still be educating, inspiring and validating our members, and we will still be entertaining our communities hopefully with a greater worldwide scope.

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