Cammi MacKinlay Elected President Elect

Cammi MacKinlay has been elected as President Elect for Sweet Adelines International Lions Gate Chorus, Vancouver, BC, Canada (#26) Assistant Department Head/E.S.L. Instructor at Community College.

She will start her 2-year terms as President Elect May 1, 2008, as President May 1, 2010, and as Past President May 1, 2012 – yes, this is a 6 year commitment, and who better than our very own Cammi MacKinlay! The members of Lions Gate Chorus and Region 26 are very proud of her and delighted for her.

Cammi’s words and beliefs about the future of Sweet Adelines:

List up to five significant leadership roles you have held in Sweet Adelines International:
International Vice President (3rd term), Membership Committee Chair, Education Coordinator RMT (4 years), Vice Regent, Regional Board

How do you feel you can contribute to Sweet Adelines International as a member of the International Board of Directors?
As Vice President of the International Board of Directors since 2005, I have worked collaboratively with international members to support forward-thinking leadership. Thirty years of teaching adults complemented by my experience in sales and marketing has given me the ability to think creatively and problem-solve instinctively. I am a visionary, can-do person who looks at the world as a glass half-full. I am also practical and recognize the importance of fiscal management. I step up to the plate when asked, always willing and able to take on any challenge.

What specific skills, ideas, talents, etc., would you bring to the International Board?
I possess strong administrative and communication skills. I am a positive, outgoing, enthusiastic, committed people person who believes in the value of teamwork. I encourage and recognize the contribution of colleagues and do not try to take all the credit myself. I am an objective, patient, unflappable, compassionate person who relates well to others and is a good listener. I am passionate about the organization and its members, and as such, a committed ambassador for Sweet Adelines International. I write well and speak well, and have a good sense of humour.

What is your vision for the International organization?
We will expand our worldwide appeal and embrace diversity. As becoming a Sweet Adeline changed by life in so many positive ways, I envision focusing attention on offering significant opportunities to more women so they can also have this experience. I see us continuing to embrace the support, openness, and accessibility for women of all ages and backgrounds. I also envision a financially stable organization that does not have to rely on member dues to fund its activities.

What should be the priorities for the International organization over the next five to 10 years?
Membership retention coupled with membership growth must continue to be our main priority. To that end, director education in music and people skills must remain a focus, so that the members’ weekly rehearsal experience is fun, worthwhile and keeps us coming back for more! Finding innovative and economical ways to get education to the members, coupled with solid management of our financial and human resources, are also priorities.

Describe what you think Sweet Adelines International will be like 25 years from now.
We will have doubled our membership, expanding even further abroad. We will have more corporate sponsors to cover a sizable percentage of our International activities, including printing and mailing of The Pitch Pipe, and our convention expense. A large cosmetics company will provide performance makeup for all our members free of charge. Quartets will be lining up by the thousands to enter televised “Barbershop Idol” contests. Sweet Adelines will be a household word and my granddaughters will be proud to sing with me every week!