October 5 Meeting - DG Greg O'Brien's Visit

“The job of a governor is really to be of support to the clubs in the district,” says District 5280 Governor Greg O’Brien. “And in addition to the usual lineup of district events, we are creating an active network of Young Professionals, Rotarians ages 25-40.”

Greg also wants clubs to expand their influence in the community by partnering with other service clubs and community organizations to run projects. His own club partners with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce in sponsoring an annual Legislative Forum that features national, state, county, and local officials. The club also co-sponsors a high school concert with the Lions, Kiwanis and Palos Verdes Sunset Rotary Club. The net proceeds benefit the music departments of both public secondary schools. What can you envision for your club by arranging such partnerships?

At age 35 Greg joined the Rotary Club of West Covina. The reason he chose that club is that during his senior year in high school Greg was student body president and had the good fortune to be invited to the same club by his principal.  Since his retirement from the bench in 2005, O’Brien has involved himself in local government and neighborhood organizations, ranging from becoming president of his homeowners association to joining the oversight and redevelopment committees for Rancho Palos Verdes. It is Greg's way of giving back to the community that was taught to him by his high school principal.

Greg is pictured with his wife Carolyn.