Ashley Merryman is a performing member of Metro Voices, singing lead, since 2023.
Ashley is an author, journalist, and leadership consultant. Her book NurtureShock, co-authored with Po Bronson, was on the New York Times bestseller list for more than six months, an Amazon Top Nonfiction 100 book for over a year, and has been translated into 20 languages. Their follow-up, Top Dog: The Science of Winning and Losing—another instant New York Times—has transformed the world of elite performance.
In addition, Merryman has written for the New York Times, Time, the Washington Post, CNN, Newsweek, US News & World Report, and others.
As a lecturer and frequent guest in national media, Merryman has appeared as a guest lecturer at more than 240 venues including Staples; FOX; Aspen Institute; SXSW; PopTech; Red Bull; West Point; and Yale. She has advised leaders of corporations, the military, Olympic teams, and professional sports organizations.
Cy Shuster has been a member of the Harmonizers and AACC Board Secretary since 2023 and has sung barbershop since 2000.
He had a successful 30-year career in software and database design, with work ranging from development of Citibank’s mainframe backend operations, to DEC’s minicomputers and the PC and Mac software of Ashton-Tate and Autodesk.
An amateur pianist and classical guitarist, Cy experimented with software that assisted with the process of tuning pianos, which eventually led him to a career change: he became a Registered Piano Technician, one of only 2,500 professionals in the U.S. with a certification by the Piano Technicians Guild.
Since 2002, Cy’s company, Shuster Piano Service, has primarily maintained pianos in homes and institutions (such as the University of New Mexico), but he has also served as a concert technician for luminaries such as Chick Corea and Bernadette Peters.
Terry Reynolds has been a member of the Alexandria Harmonizers since 1992 and has served in nearly every musical and administrative leadership position, including President, Executive Director, Treasurer, VP for Music and Performance, and Front Row Captain. He has also been Associate or Assistant Director of the ensemble for over 25 years and served as Interim Director in 2002 following the retirement of Director Emeritus Scott Werner. He currently manages the activities and operations of the Music Team for Artistic Director Joe Cerutti. As President for the two years immediately preceding the establishment of Alexandria Harmonizers, Inc. (our independent 501(c)(3) organization that has evolved into the Alexandria A Cappella Collective), he was and is instrumental in driving the organization’s transition.
Terry has also served in numerous positions within the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), including on the BHS Nominating Committee, the Volunteer Alignment and Training Team (VAT), the Leadership Operations Project Team (LOPT), and the Chorus Director Development Committee. In addition he has been a Certified Trainer for Chorus Director Workshop Intensive (CDWI), a Leadership Faculty member at Harmony University, and a Faculty member for numerous District Leadership Academies around the country instructing BHS chapter Presidents and Music and Performance VPs.
Terry is a Software Implementation Specialist and Data Migration Expert for the international consulting company Deloitte, and has spent his nearly 40-year career supporting U.S. Government clients. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH.
Mary Cooper has been a member of Metro Voices since early 2023 and 2025 marks her second year on the AACC Board of Directors. Mary began singing barbershop in 2003 with Potomac Harmony Chorus (PHC), a Sweet Adelines International (SAI) ensemble based in Arlington, VA. PHC won several regional competitions during her 20 years with the group, which gave her the opportunity to compete on the Sweet Adelines International stage.
A native of Minneapolis, she attended the University of Minnesota part-time and worked full-time as a Dental Assistant for a Pedodontist until, in 1978, an opportunity for her dream job became a reality. Hired as a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines, she flew domestic and Caribbean routes for the next 11 years. In 1989, when labor unrest made it clear that Eastern would cease operations, she was hired by American Airlines and flew domestic routes for another 12 years. She transitioned to international flights out of Chicago and New York in 2001, and retired in December 2021 after a flying career spanning 43 years.
In addition to playing in various local golf leagues, she is a member and ambassador of Women on Course, a national community for business professionals and lifestyle enthusiasts interested in connecting through the game of golf. She is also on the Women’s Committee for the National Museum of Women in the Arts, a member of Welcome to Washington, a member of Capital Speakers Club of Washington, DC, and a supporter to the Trust for the National Mall.
Cody Leihgeber-Carpenter is a government communications executive, visual artist, and certified professional coach. As Communications Director at the DC Government Office of Contracting and Procurement, he oversees strategic outreach, media relations, and legislative affairs, and serves as agency spokesperson. He has led rapid response communications teams in the District’s Joint Information Center during national security events—most recently the 60th Presidential Inauguration—collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies.
In his capacity as a certified professional coach, Cody empowers individuals and teams to unlock innovation, refine their narrative voice, and translate bold ideas into measurable impact. An award-winning designer and fine artist focused on Jewish art traditions, his work fuses ancient motifs with contemporary aesthetics, reflecting a profound respect for heritage and a vision for modern expression.
Cody is a proud resident of the District of Columbia where he lives with his husband Tyler, a singing member of the AACC, and their two miniature schnauzers and two sphinx cats.