Leadership
Mary Ellen Guntzelman
Master Director of the Columbus Chorus
Sweet Adelines International
Mary Ellen Guntzelman became a member of Sweet Adelines in 1959 with a chorus in Cincinnati and has been singing ever since. She became Assistant Director of the Chorus in 1964 but was then transferred with her job to Cleveland, Ohio where she became Director of the Parma Chorus in 1966. After directing that chorus for four years, she accepted a position with the Defense Department in Columbus, Ohio and became the Director of the Columbus Chorus in the fall of 1970. Mary Ellen received Master Director status at the Region 4 Competition in April of 2003.
During her many years as a Sweet Adeline, Mary Ellen also sang in a quartet which competed annually, winning the Regional Competition on one occasion and receiving third place medals and honorable mention on several occasions. In addition to performing with the chorus and for a variety of audiences in the Columbus area, her quartet also entertained on a number of shows presented by other Sweet Adelines and Barbershop choruses throughout the region.
Mary Ellen assisted the Regional Director of Musical Activities (DMA) by serving as a staff member for a number of years, providing training for Sweet Adelines throughout the Region. She also has coached various Sweet Adeline choruses and quartets.
She loves barbershop harmony and the beautiful music that can be made with just the human voice. She enjoys this wonderful hobby and appreciates the many friends she has made through the years.
Assistant Directors
Kathy became a member of the Columbus Chorus in 1985. She has served the chorus in many areas from riser chairperson to president and section leader. A graduate of Upper Arlington and OSU with a degree in Music Education, she earns her living as a contractor. She and Kim share a home in Dublin with their nine cats. In 2009, Kathy completed Sweet Adelines’ Director Certification Program and is now a Certified Director.
Kim joined this chorus in 1986. Kim previously served as a founding member of River Magic Chorus in Huntington, WV. Her quartet, the Alumni Association, won the Regional Quartet Contest in 1983. Kim is a section leader in Columbus Chorus and has served as vice president and quartet promotion chair. She and Kathy co-own a small contracting business. Along with working and singing, Kim and Kathy enjoy spending time with Kim’s 3 children, 3 grandchildren and those nine felines. In 2009, Kim also completed the DCP and is now a Certified Director.
Linda was a charter member of Thames Valley Chorus in Groton, CT and transferred to Columbus Chorus in 1969. Over the years, Linda has served in many ways including president, team manager, show chair and section leader. As an accountant for the city of Columbus, she is well suited for her current position as Financial Manager. Linda is a widow with three children, three step-children and eight grandchildren in OH, TN, MI and FL. When not visiting her family, she likes to spend time with her two youngest grandsons right here in Columbus. In 2009, Linda completed the Director Certification Program becoming a certified director in the Sweet Adelines organization.
Sue joined Columbus Chorus in 1983. She has served as president, team manager, section leader and is currently serving as the Communications Manager for the chorus. Sue is an administrative assistant with McGraw Hill Companies. Sue lives in Worthington with her husband and has two grown sons.
