Ginny Fleming* (2003) has been a member of Handbell Musicians of America since 1973 and only within the past few years retired from a handbell program she developed during the 70’s at First United Methodist Church in Chula Vista, California. Throughout her lifetime of service to the Guild she has been noted for her “ability to draw people into activities” as well as “having great skills in working with a variety of personalities.”
As an active member of Area XII, Ginny served as Regional Representative, Area Chair (1980 – 1982) and many times chaired festivals, seminars, cruise and special event conferences. Upon completion of her term as Area Chair (a six-year cycle) she was elected National Secretary for two terms (1983 – 87). During this time in addition to duties as an Executive Committee member she chaired Honorary Life twice and served on a National Bylaws Revision Committee that included the preparation of the Guild’s first rules of procedure document. Ginny served as AGEHR’s National President from 1995 – 97. This additional six-year cycle included chairing National Festivals and Seminars, more Bylaws revisions and groundwork for the early stages of our Guild’s restructuring process.
In addition to serving more than once as an elected officer, she has a diverse portfolio as chair or committee member for search committees for Executive Director, Guild employees and sites for national events, Past Officers Council, Donald E. Allured Composition Award, Who’s Who in Handbells and other numerous committees. She is currently Chair of AGEHR’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, which will kick-off during the National Director’s Seminar in Hartford this July. Ginny is also recognized for her significant outreach to other Areas in addition to her own. She has traveled many extra miles for those who needed assistance without expectation of reward or personal recognition. As a master of multitasking, she has and continues to be a team player working with efficiency and attention to details for every endeavor.