Karen Leonard (2008) is known throughout Handbell Musicians of America for her service, leadership and commitment. In her twenty-six years as a Guild member she has never tired in her dedication and hard work. She began her service to Area I in 1985 as an At-Large Board Member, and subsequently served two terms as Area Secretary followed by the six year Area Chair cycle. She went on to serve nationally as National President of AGEHR. A founder of the Merrimack Valley English Handbell Festival nearly twenty years ago, she has helped lead this event every year through 2005, when it became the Massachusetts Spring Ring, one of the models for the Springs Rings now held in many Areas. She has also served as teacher, organizer and clinician at Area and National events. The current National Board governance model was launched and nurtured during her tenure as President. This major change to the organizations governance model required her diplomacy, energy and perseverance, all of which were critical to its success. Since leaving the National Board, Karen’s service to the Guild has continued unabated. She organized the National Festival conferences in 2005 and 2006 and has helped create and execute the Master Classes in Conducting and Composing annual events. Understanding the needs of more advanced musicians, she has also chaired the Distinctly Bronze event. Intertwined throughout her various service roles, Karen has always exhibited what may be her greatest contributions; love and enthusiasm for handbell/handchime ringing, continuous learning, teaching and growing, and the ability to relate to people of all ages by demonstrating genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.
