by Judy Corwin
Every year, since Paul Harris founded Rotary in 1905, leadership transitions on July 1 when the baton is passed from one Club President to another and one District Governor to another. Each are committed and passionate about carrying the baton over the finish line. On June 24, the District baton was passed between District Governor Cindi O’Neil and District Governor Elect Gerry Kosanovic.
DGE Gerry challenged Rotarians to “step up to the plate and take our turn to lead” and he thanked DGE Cindi for “hitting a home run,” during a most-challenging year of COVID, Zoom meetings, Rotary Now, and more. For DG Cindi it was a “year of opportunities.”
Several District Rotarians shared their reasons for joining the district leadership team:
  
  
  
(Pictured l-r Chris Waugh, Nelson Maler, Gwen DiBernardi, and Bill Grile)
- Christine Waugh, District Membership Chair, is passionate about service and “helping grow Rotarians.”
- Nelson Maler, District Polio Plus Chair, chose to give back through leadership because ‘it’s fun, exciting, rewarding, and a true honor.”
- Gwen DiBernardi, Asst. Governor Bend Sun River, encouraged Rotarians to think about leadership, because “it’s fun and the team is so encouraging.”
- Bill Grile, District Leadership Institute Chair, has been in a leadership role for 20 years because, “it allows me to meet passionate Rotarians, grow leadership skills, and have fun.”
The videos (below) capture the essence of the June 24 program during the Passing of the Baton and introduce District leaders present, future, and past. Watch these short videos, learn more about current leaders, and consider your leadership future with Rotary. And congratulation to all Presidents and President Elects who will be passing their batons this week.
       
     