Catharine Vernon named new executive director of Key Chorale

The Key Chorale, one of Sarasota's largest choral groups, has announced two major developments to mark its 30th anniversary season. 

Catherin Vernon has been hired to replace long-time executive director Richard Storm. Vernon brings extensive administrative and leadership skills to the role. A graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Vernon was the vice-president, secretary and general counsel of the Formica Group, the world leader in laminate and surface design out of Cincinatti. 

In addition to her business acumen, Vernon brings an impressive achievements on the philanthropic front. She has participated in several human rights campaigns and projects including a water filter project in the Domincian Republic, the United Nations Global Forum on Business and Human Rights, and is currently the co-chair of the sub-committee on Human Trafficking for the International Human Rights Committee of the American Bar Association's section of International Law. Through her work and initiatives, Vernon has traveled to over 30 countries. 

On a local level, Vernon has seved on the board of trustees of the Girl Scouts, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Ohio and a governance advisor and vocalist for the Musica Sacra Foundation of Cincinnati. Since arriving in Sarasota, she has become a singing member of Key Chorale, a sustaining member of the Junior League of Sarasota as well as an active particpant in Engage Sarasota.

In addition to the switch in the role of executive director, the Key Chorale also announced that current artistic director Joseph Caulkins' contract has been extended for four more years until the end of 2019.