Excerpted from Rich Schnipke's nomination letter.

Dr. Ayling’s direct service record to OCDA is wonderful. He has served on the OCDA board in many positions over the years, including president.  As president, he established a board “contingency fund” that remains in place today, protecting the organization from unforeseen financial burdens.  As retired director’s representative, he founded an annual golf outing to help provide scholarship funds for university students to attend the OCDA summer conference.  He also encouraged young directors to become involved with OCDA and has made countless summer conference personal invitations and board membership recommendations.  I honestly cannot remember an OCDA summer conference when Ben has not been in attendance and actively working for the organization.

While Ben’s direct OCDA board service is impressive, I think his greater contribution to our Ohio choral community is through is connections with people.  Ben’s warm, welcoming smile and inviting personality have helped him become a friend and mentor to so many Ohio choral directors, including me.  As a young teacher, he encouraged my natural talents and provided warm, constructive feedback for areas of improvement, always doing so in a thoughtful, kind manner.  Even after his retirement, I have seen him continue this type of leadership/service to the profession by engaging with current early career teachers in the same way he did for me many years ago. 

Dr. Ben Ayling has been an integral part of our Ohio professional choral network for over 30 years.  He leads by example in a calm, caring, and engaging manner.  He is a wonderful musician and conductor, a consummate professional, a caring mentor, and a warm friend.  I highly encourage the Ohio Choral Directors Association to recognize Dr. Ayling with 2024 OCDA Distinguished service award.