We are writing to share a significant update regarding the leadership of The British Association of Barbershop Singers. Our current Chair, Shanna Wells, has shared her decision to step down from her role at the upcoming March AGM, following a transitional period out of the role that will start at the end of January.
A legacy of service and the reality of our board
Shanna joined BABS in 2009 and has been a dedicated member of BABS for 17 years, and for the past eight years, Shanna has been a cornerstone of the BABS Board of Trustees. She has tirelessly served in four demanding roles across her tenure roles: Director of Marketing and Communications, Director of Events, Vice Chair, and Chair.
Shanna has not taken the decision to step down lightly. The workload and organisational strain of the board roles is ever increasing and is felt by all members of the BABS board - in particular, following the departure of a number of Directors in recent times.
Shanna has managed the emotional and time constraints of leadership throughout her tenure; however, she has chosen to step down to prioritise her family following the health deterioration of a family member. It has become clear that the ever-increasing workload and organisational strain of the role can no longer be balanced against these personal commitments. The board supports Shanna in her decision while also acknowledging that the volume of work required to lead our Association has placed a significant and increasing burden on our volunteer leaders.
The path forward: January – September 2026
We are pleased to share that Shanna will be continuing to support BABS in the organisation of Sing26 and Sing27 alongside our Convention Manager, Danny Sawyer. This allows us to continue benefiting from her immense experience while she moves away from Chair duties.
Shanna will also remain on the Board in an Immediate Past Chair capacity throughout the year. In this role, she will be directly involved in the recruitment process for her successor and will provide mentorship to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
To manage through this period, we have established the following:
- Interim Leadership: At the end of January, Vice Chair Calvin Laverick will assume functional duties as Interim Chair until the March AGM, at which time he will become Acting Chair, following Shanna’s move to Immediate Past Chair.
- Calvin does not wish to stand for the Chair position and will stand down from the Acting Chair role upon appointment of the successful candidate.
- Recruitment: We will launch our official search in March, and more details will be circulated on how to apply for this position in due course.
- The Appointment Process: Once a suitable successor is identified, they will be co-opted to the board with immediate effect, and in line with our constitution, this co-opted trustee will hold office until the March 2027 AGM, where they will stand for a formal membership vote for election.
We are incredibly grateful for Shanna’s 8 years of service on the BABS board and her deep dedication to furthering Barbershop Harmony in the UK. We hope you will join us in thanking her for her service.
In Harmony,
The BABS Board of Trustees
