A Changing of the Guard

After nine years of service as President of the Board of Ring Sarasota, Kathie Hayes stepped down, paving the way for Steven Leadbetter to assume the role. Her tenure saw the birth of Ring Sarasota and growth of the organization from a budding choir to a well-known force in the southwest Florida handbell community. Kathie has been ringing handbells since 1994, performing in ensembles and as a bell tree soloist. She has performed with Distinctly Bronze, at the International Symposium, and at Handbell Musicians of America’s National Seminar. While Kathie is stepping away from the presidency, she remains an active member on the board, serving as secretary.

Steven Leadbetter was elected President at the start of the 2019-2020 season. Prior to relocating to Florida, Steven was a founding member of the Atlanta Concert Ringers (2002). He rings in various advanced national handbell events where he has been honored with multiple selections to the All-Stars Choir and to Virtuoso, performing with the Raleigh Ringers. In addition to serving the Ring Sarasota Board, Steven is a past board member of Handbell Musicians of America Area 4 and has taught handbell ringing techniques at Area 4 and state festivals.

During a recent rehearsal, we took a moment to celebrate Kathie’s service and show our gratitude for her leadership over the past nine years.