A variable vane system includes a first variable vane stage with a multiple of first actuator gears, each of the multiple of first actuator gears mounted to a respective variable vane of the first variable vane stage, and a second variable vane stage with a multiple of second stage actuator gears. Each of the multiple of second stage actuator gears mounted to a respective variable vane of the second variable vane stage, an extended geared unison ring driven by the drive gear, wherein the extended geared unison ring spans at least a first variable vane stage and a second variable vane stage, each of the multiple of first and second stage actuator gears driven by the extended geared unison ring.