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Rotarian Recognized by the Community

Celebrating Sharna Hatcher: A Leader Recognized for Extraordinary Service

Rotary member and Past District Governor Sharna Hatcher was recently nominated for the 2025 Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce Silver & Gold Awards Women’s Leadership Award, sponsored by Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC. This honor highlights women who demonstrate exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and a deep commitment to their communities — qualities Sharna exemplifies in every role she undertakes.

As Immediate Past District Governor of Rotary District 6380, Sharna has been a guiding force for clubs throughout Southeast Michigan and Southwest Ontario. Her tenure focused on revitalizing club engagement, building stronger connections between members, and championing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice initiatives. Her thoughtful leadership has left a lasting positive impact on clubs, partners, and the broader community.

While Sharna did not receive the award this year, her nomination itself speaks volumes. It reflects the genuine admiration and respect she has earned from fellow Rotarians, business leaders, and community members alike. Being recognized among such accomplished women is a testament to her enduring dedication to service and her unwavering commitment to lifting others up.

Sharna continues to inspire through her leadership, her humility, and her steadfast belief in Rotary’s mission. Her work embodies the spirit of Service Above Self, and the community is made stronger because of her.

2025 Silver and Gold Awards

Rotarian in Leadership

Meet Auburn Hills' Newly Elected Mayor — Eugene Hawkins III

November 2025

We are thrilled to spotlight one of our own, Eugene Hawkins III, who has recently been selected by his colleagues on the city council as the new Mayor of Auburn Hills, Michigan.

A Mayor Rooted in Service & Community

Eugene has deep roots in Auburn Hills. He first joined the city council in June 2021, filling an unexpired term, and was subsequently elected to a full four-year term in November 2021.
Since November 2023, he has served as Mayor Pro Tem, a role that involves stepping in as acting Mayor if needed, overseeing important council business, and helping steer the city’s vision.
This November, his peers selected him to become Mayor. His election is a historic milestone for Auburn Hills, as he becomes the city's first African American mayor.

Business Owner, Public Servant, Community Volunteer

Alongside his civic work, Eugene runs his own small business, a State Farm insurance agency, which gives him real insight into the needs of local businesses and families.
He’s also actively involved with community-building organizations: he volunteers with the local chapter of the Rotary Club of Auburn Hills, as well as youth assistance programs and other civic efforts.
In addition, Eugene serves as a reserve deputy with the Oakland County Sheriff's Department, reflecting his commitment to public safety and community well-being.

Eugene’s combined background as a small business owner, public servant, and community volunteer means he brings a practical, heart-centered perspective to his role as mayor. His deep involvement with the Rotary Club highlights his dedication to service — not just in name, but in action.

As Mayor, we’re excited to see him build on the spirit of community, service, and local engagement our club celebrates.

More Information

BABY BASKET BONANZA!!

On Sunday, June 1st, the grand finale of the 2025 District 6380 Weekend Conference culminated in a heartwarming service project: the Baby Basket Bonanza. The goal was simple yet profound—to create 50 thoughtfully filled baby baskets for two remarkable local nonprofits that support new and expectant mothers facing challenges.

The recipients were A Girl Like Me, a Detroit-based organization accepted by its inspiring founder Tyra Moore, and Destiny and Purpose Community Outreach (DAPCO), based in Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor, represented by its dedicated Executive Director, Towana Parker.

Club Officers and Directors 2025-2026

Lisa Kiefer - President

Eugene Hawkins - Treasurer

VeRonica Mitchell - Board Member at Large

Dr. Stephanie Lee - Board Member at Large

Tia Marie Sanders - Immediate Past President

Eugene Hawkins New Auburn Hills City Council Member

Auburn Hills welcomes new City Council member, Eugene Hawkins! Council Member Ron Moniz resigned from City Council for personal reasons and per the city charter, the next highest vote getter from the last election takes the vacant position. Mr. Eugene Hawkins will officially become a City Council member on June 7, 2021. Mr. Hawkins has been a part of the Auburn Hills community for many years, has served on several boards, and we are so proud that he is a Rotary member! For more information check out this blog

Eyeglasses for Kenya

Rotary Club of Auburn Hills is proud to sponsor eyeglasses for children and adults in Kenya. Please donate your old eyeglasses, any size, for this worthy cause. Eyeglasses can be dropped off at the Auburn Hills Community Center located at 1827 Squirrel Road in Auburn Hills. Community Center hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. Collection dates are December 7 - February 1.

Marjorie Pinkston Joins Rotary

Rotary Club of Auburn Hills is pleased to welcome one of our newest members, Marjorie Pinkston! Marjorie has over 10 years of experience as an Executive Administrative Assistant in both the Automotive and Financial industries in the metro Detroit area. She has a passion for community service and has worked with Forgotten Harvest, United Way, and Focus Hope in various capacities. She brings expertise in event planning and enjoys interior design and travel. Please give Marjorie "Margie" Pinkston a warm welcome the next time you see her!

Jean Jernigan Joins Rotary

Jean Jernigan, President of the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce, joined the Rotary Club of Auburn Hills on Thursday, December 18th, 2020. We are excited to welcome her as one of our newest members! She brings expertise in event planning, membership development, business development, and organizational management. She also serves on the City of Auburn Hills Downtown Development Authority board and the Auburn Hills Community Foundation Board! The next time you see Jean, please give her a warm Rotary welcome!

Dr. Desmon Daniel Joins Rotary

On December 18th, 2020, the Rotary Club of Auburn Hills welcomed new inductee, Dr. Desmon Daniel as a new Rotarian! Dr. Daniel is the CEO at Motivating Factor, LLC, which focuses on motivating individuals and empowering organizations to meet and exceed their development goals. He is an inspirational speaker and leadership training coach, and he works with organizations to assess and achieve Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals. The next time you see Dr. Daniel, please welcome him to the club!