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IBOD selects Kelly Peterson as Executive Director
Believing that excellence should be rewarded, the International Board of Directors has named Kelly Peterson – who has served as Corporate Assistant since November 2019 - the organization's first Executive Director.
Kelly joined HI as an Associate Member, with her quartet Fierce, in 2018. Having learned about Harmony through friends as a member of Sweet Adelines, she became fascinated by the organization’s history and culture. After joining, she became a charter member of St. Louis Vocal Project, and later joined Bella Nova. While traveling for her husband’s job in the Army, Kelly worked part-time in church offices and volunteered for a variety of non-profit organizations related to the military. With that experience and having graduated with a B.S. in Music Business, Kelly jumped at the opportunity to serve an organization that she loves in an industry that she understands. She says, “These last few years have been incredibly fulfilling for me because of our members. Harmony is the BEST!”
When asked how she is feeling about moving into the ED role and if it changes how she looks at what she is doing for HI, Kelly says, “It has been an honor to get to know the amazing members and leaders of this organization, and I'm thrilled to be in a position to support the hard work the IBOD has been doing for our members over the last few years. Harmony is poised for strategic, thoughtful growth. I am excited to have the opportunity to continue working directly with Harmony members while providing some continuity and enhanced collaboration among our volunteers.”
As the IBOD and Kelly begin the transition of this role, the organization is looking forward to the great benefits these changes will bring. With a vision of Harmony, Inc. becoming a leader in the a cappella community, celebrating and sharing our unique culture, we are confident that this new role and partnership will support the strategic planning activities to achieve that vision.
For more on what led the IBOD to create this new position and what it means for Harmony, please see the President's Message, below.
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Founded 65 years ago on the principles of democratic governance, inclusion of all races and creeds, and a dedication to the barbershop art form, Harmony, Inc. embodies the concept of “Start Small, Think Big!” This theme not only reflects our organization’s journey over the past six and a half decades but also expresses the spirit of aspiring to grow while cherishing the roots from which Harmony sprouted.
Join us as we celebrate the growth of Harmony, Inc. by following our Harmony Awareness Week Facebook posts, sharing your favorite Harmony memories, and joining the conversation using #HarmonyAwarenessWeek!
Stay tuned for a look back at our history, a celebration of our growth, and sneak peeks into our vision for the future!
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IBOD amplifies leadership
Kelly Peterson selected first Harmony Executive Director
By Gaye LaCasce, International President
Your International Board of Directors has been working hard for Harmony, Inc., in myriad ways:
- We’ve focused on enhancing alternative revenue streams like fundraising, to keep our dues steady.
- We’ve modified the nominations process for IBOD members, to identify prospective members with the leadership skills and professional experiences that are needed to help run our organization.
- We’re continuing our work on the implementation phase of our strategic plan, incorporating member feedback (such as the work in progress to support quartet development and continue to improve our IC&C experiences.)
- We continue to consider how to envision a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all we do.
- And we’re strengthening our model of governance, which is so necessary as we see membership on the rise – a wonderful thing!
This small sampling of the work that’s underway tells a story of a group of volunteers – IBOD members, assistants, and task group and committee members - who are committed, thinking big, and are passionate about the mission and vision of Harmony.
Harmony has a new Executive Director
One of the most impactful decisions (and one that will support our membership in a big way) the IBOD made was to realign Harmony’s corporate employees in order to restructure the current Corporate Assistant position into an Executive Director position. The discussion around developing such a position has been ongoing for more than 10 years, so it’s not a decision we’ve made lightly! In the article below, you’ll read some of the FAQs that helped the IBOD conclude that the time is right – fiscally, organizationally, and in terms of our long-term strategy.
The best news about this transition? Harmony’s IBOD has absolute confidence that our own Kelly Peterson, Corporate Assistant since 2019, is the perfect employee to assume, develop, and execute the Executive Director role. Kelly has the leadership skills, exemplary “customer service,” excellent communication ability, intellect, sense of humor, education and work experience, and an indisputably conscientious commitment to Harmony – all of these convinced the IBOD that Kelly will embrace this new role, and we’re lucky to have her. Please help me congratulate Kelly on this well-deserved promotion, which will take effect in early March.
Town Hall discussion of proposed Bylaws changes
You’ve recently been notified of some changes to our Bylaws. As has been our recent practice, we’re hosting a virtual Town Hall on Sunday, February 25, at 6 pm ET. I’ll be happy to try to answer questions about anything that’s on your mind. As we focus on all that it takes to run our organization, I hope you’re taking some time to sing, which is why we are all here!
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Q: Is this the right time for HI to create an Executive Director position?
A: Yes, the time is right. Discussions about hiring an ED have gone on for at least 10 years. In June 2020, the board adopted the Governance Action Plan established through our work with Quantum Governance. We have made changes to our governance structure, developed committees and teams, created a solid strategic plan, and developed initiatives to support our membership and increase our philanthropic efforts. As a result, we have a firm foundation and are ready for an Executive Director to support our operations and strategic plan.
Q: If the board is making good progress working through the Governance Action Plan created in June 2020 with Quantum, why do we need an ED?
A: Yes, the board has made good progress working through the steps outlined in our Governance Action Plan. We have created effective committees and teams, and we now have a solid strategic plan, Harmony.Stronger. 2023, that informs our work and decision-making. One of the final goals in the Governance Action Plan was to review our staffing needs, including the hiring of an ED. In late 2022, a part-time office assistant (Angie Morton) was hired. We are now ready to elevate our Corporate Assistant, Kelly Peterson, to the position of ED. As suggested by Quantum and echoed in our strategic plan, the ED will be the operational leader of the organization and will help ensure that the board’s strategic initiatives are executed.
Q: Why is this being done through restructuring rather than posting the ED position?
A: We believe excellence should be rewarded and Kelly’s performance has been stellar since becoming HI’s Corporate Assistant in November 2019. Kelly is respected across the organization.
By restructuring existing staff, we believe we will have the right complement, skill set, etc.
Kelly knows our organization and all things “corporate office” and will be ready to hit the ground running in the ED position.
Q: What will HI’s staffing complement be after the restructuring?
A: We will have three part-time employees: the Executive Director (our current Corporate Assistant will be promoted to Executive Director), the Office Assistant, who will take on more operational duties, and the Finance Assistant, who will continue with her current responsibilities.
Q: Will the Office Assistant (Angie Morton) and Finance Assistant (Judi Johnston) report to the ED?
A: Yes
Q: What will the board be responsible for once the ED is in place?
A: As part of our strategic plan, we’ve been working to focus on governance versus operational management of the organization. Although IBOD members will continue to have some operational responsibilities, the ED will be the organization’s operational leader, which means the board will create the organization’s vision and direction, and the ED will execute the board’s plans. The ED reports to the board through the president. This change will take time and the transition will not be immediate (approximately 6-9 months.)
Q: Will the ED salary necessitate a dues increase?
A: No, we will not increase dues to cover the ED’s salary. Hiring a part-time ED has been part of our long-term action plan, so board-designated funds have been set aside for this purpose.
Q: How will the organization benefit from and assess this new position?
A: The ED and IBOD will form a strong partnership and will work together to set clear goals and measures of success including:
- Enhanced member services and communication
- Enhanced succession planning for staff and volunteers
- Partnership/sponsorship opportunities
- Continuity as key IBOD roles change
- Structured, ongoing coordination/oversight and up-to-date documentation of key HI activities
- Support for our staff and corporate volunteers
- Support for philanthropic activities to help the organization raise funds needed for enhanced member services
- Membership growth and retention
- Support for strategic planning activities to help the organization achieve its vision of Harmony, Inc. becoming a leader in the a cappella community, celebrating and sharing our unique culture.
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Membership renewals have begun
By Kelly Peterson, Corporate Office
On February 15, 2024, documents and information were distributed to all Chapter Presidents, Chapter Secretaries, Associate Members, and Affiliate Members. Current forms are available in the Members section of the website. International dues are $75 USD ($38 USD for members age 25 and under as of April 1). Affiliate dues are $57 USD ($29 USD for Affiliates age 25 and under).
Any member who joined Harmony, Inc. prior to January 1, 2024, will be required to renew by April 1. Members who join January-March of 2024 pay dues for both the current and upcoming membership years and need not renew until 2025.
As a reminder, all contestants who perform in Harmony, Inc. contests must be members in good standing, which means that all Harmony, Inc. Corporate, Area, and Chapter dues must be current on contest day.
For a complete review on the subject of membership renewals, please see the explanation in the January #2 issue of the HI Note. Associate Members and Affiliate Members, please check your spam/promotions folders if you have not received your dues invoice.
Please call the corporate office, 855-750-3341, or send an email with any questions.
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Harmony Queen, Wineglass Racer, Corporate Manager
Hello, Harmony! I’m Donna McKay, and I am currently serving on the International Board of Directors as Executive Vice-President. HI Note Editor Roxanne Powell thought you might like to know a little about me, so here goes…
Quartet and Chorus performer
My history with Harmony, Inc. began in 1982 when I joined Harmony as an Associate member, along with the rest of my fledgling quartet. We quickly learned what a welcoming organization Harmony is for four women with no chapter affiliation. I began my journey as a chapter member when we founded Crystal Chords in the early 1990s, and this year marks our 30th anniversary as a chapter of Harmony, Inc.! Throughout the years, I have enjoyed singing with many quartets, three of which reached championship status. I currently sing tenor in Vivàce quartet with three of my favorite people who also happen to be very talented singers!
International leadership service
I have been serving on the International Board of Directors since 2015 in the following capacities: Director of Membership, VP Convention & Contests, Director of Philanthropy, International President, Immediate Past President, and now Executive VP. In my current role, I work with our Volunteer Resource Coordinator and the President’s Advisory Council. I manage our IBOD onboarding program and provide support to the President and other board members. I also serve on several committees and teams.
Professional and volunteer experience
I retired after a 30-year career in staff and operations management in a highly successful non-profit financial institution. I was involved in hiring, staff development, mentoring, coaching, and team building, while always maintaining a focus on open communication and stellar member service. After retiring from my “real” job, I joined the Wineglass Race Series core organizing team. The race series, consisting of full and half marathons and a 5K race, brings 6,000 runners to our community each year. My primary roles were volunteer management and runner communications. Over the years, I have run seven half-marathons and many shorter races… and my feet do not thank me for that!
Thank you, friends, for the gift of Harmony that you have given me for 40+ years. My time on the board is one small way to give back to you. I look forward to seeing, working, and singing with you soon!
Also Introducing . . . CDDC Adele Merritt
By Adele Merritt, Chorus Director Development Coordinator
I am excited to be starting a new role as an Assistant to the Board, taking over from Anne Bureau as Chorus Director Development Coordinator. I’m thrilled to work with Laura Oakes and her team and to offer my assistance to our musical leaders across Harmony, Inc.
So, here’s a little bit about me! I was born in the UK and moved to Canada in 2008. I studied voice, piano, clarinet, and composition at university and I’ve spent the last decade as a music educator. I joined Harmony, Inc. in 2010 and learned a great deal from my time as a Section Leader, Music Chair, and Assistant Director with the ScotianAires chorus. I became the Director of the Valley Voices A Cappella Chorus in 2021 and became a certified Musicality Judge with Harmony, Inc. in 2023.
I am always eager to learn new things, and I also enjoy sharing that knowledge as a coach working with quartets and choruses across Harmony, Inc. I also enjoy performing as the bass of Tonic! quartet, and I sing with two other non-competing quartets, just for fun!
You’ll hear more from me over the coming months about the Musical Leadership Mentorship Program. I’ll be looking at ways to continue to develop this already successful program so that even more mentors and mentees can be successfully matched up to develop their skills.
Also, we’re bringing back the Directors Forum! This proved to be an excellent way for our musical leaders to share tips and ideas during the pandemic, and now it’s time to connect once again. Our first Zoom meet up will be on Thursday, March 14, at 7 pm ET. Please email me any questions that you’d like raised by Monday, March 11. I look forward to hearing all the great tips and ideas from our Musical Leaders! Here's the link for this meeting. So, stay tuned!
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Survey Resource Team seeks help
By Jan DelVecchio, Survey Resource Team Chair
Are you a detail-oriented person who is interested in the preparation and analysis of Harmony, Inc. surveys? Do you have experience working with surveys? The Survey Resource Team welcomes your help.
The Harmony, Inc. Survey Resource Team was created to:
- establish a survey protocol to assist with survey development, analysis, goal setting, and the measurement of results;
- limit the number of surveys ensuring relevance and connection to the organization’s strategic outcomes (avoid survey fatigue)
- assist with the utilization of data
- help establish/communicate our commitment to confidentiality and transparency
The Survey Resource Team was responsible for the Member survey that was distributed in the spring of 2022 and again in 2023. The responses to those surveys led to a change in the focus of the work of the IBOD.
The Survey Resource Team is in search of an additional volunteer to sit on this committee.
Members of the Survey Resource Team work together:
- to design and conduct surveys that gather information about the opinions, preferences, and behaviours of our members including but not limited to
- developing survey questions
- collecting data from surveys
- identifying issues or problems with past survey methodology that may have affected results
- analyze the results of these surveys
- to determine how the results can best be used to inform future decisions
- to identify trends and patterns in opinions or behaviours
- to recommend if other forms of surveying members should be considered such as focus groups or in-depth interviews.
Questions? Contact Survey Resource Team Chair, Jan DelVecchio
Ready to apply? Complete the assistant application HAR-001
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Your donations to the For Love of Harmony program enable you to identify individuals or groups to receive special recognition, while at the same time providing a monetary gift to Harmony, Inc.
?
Ann McAlexander (Recurring donation)
A Cappella Showcase in memory of Andy Mass, brother of Gabrielle Maas and uncle of Chloe Robbins
Area 6 in honour of Family Feud
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| Condolences From The Membership |
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- to Gabrielle Maas (A Cappella Showcase, Area 5) on the passing of their brother, Andy Maas
- to Chloe Robbins (A Cappella Showcase, Area 5) on the passing of their uncle, Andy Maas
- to the family and friends of Nelle Hill, long-time member of Harmony, Inc. and beloved wife of Charlie Hill. Nelle passed peacefully last month, surrounded by her family.
- to Libby Brown (Harmony Magic, Area 4) on the death of her sister, Ellen
Need to post a condolence notice? Please have the information sent to the Corporate Office to be recorded. Thank you.
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| 2024 Area Conventions & Contests |
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| International Conventions & Contests |
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2024 NOVEMBER 6-9, GALT HOUSE, LOUISVILLE, KY
2025 NOVEMBER 5-8, HERSHEY LODGE, HERSHEY, PA
2026 NOVEMBER 11-14, GALT HOUSE, LOUISVILLE, KY
2027 NOVEMBER 10-13, NIAGARA FALLS CONVENTION CENTER, NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO
2028 NOVEMBER 1-4, HERSHEY LODGE, HERSHEY, PA
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The next issue of the HI Note comes to your inbox March 5. How did your quartet or chorus celebrate Harmony Awareness Week? Drop a line to editor@harmonyinc.org and we'll tell the world. Next deadline is February 28.
See you again, soon!
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