The Rotary Club of Beaumont, TX, is a large and diverse fellowship of inspired business, professional, and civic leaders with significant community connections that foster the ideals of Service Above Self and high ethical standards.
If you are attending in person, we ask that you use this link to make a reservation by Monday, July 31, 2023.
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Kenneth Williams
Beaumont City Manager
City of Beaumont
Kenneth Williams is the first Black City Manager of Beaumont, Texas. He is past City Manager for the City of Buda, Texas having served approximately 18 years in city management. Kenneth is an ICMA-Credentialed Manager serving as President of the Texas City Management Association (TCMA) in 2019/2020 and currently serves as an elected board member of the International City Managers Association. He is a board member of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators and past board member of Baylor Scott and White Health Central Texas and the Austin Area Research Organization (AARO).
Kenneth has many accolades in his career including having been awarded the Golden Anvil Award by the Angelina County Chamber of Commerce while serving on the board, receiving the Eagle Award from the Angelina Citizens Chamber of Commerce as President-Elect and receiving the highest award from the Concerned Blackman of Lufkin, Texas Inc. in being a founding member of that organization.
Mr. Williams worked as Emergency Management Coordinator in Lufkin for nine years having guided the city through Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Kenneth worked with the City of Lufkin for 18.5 years having served as Assistant City Manager before becoming the first Black City Manager in Angelina County with the City of Diboll, Texas.
Kenneth is active in church having served as Church Business Administrator and a Deacon in two ministries. He is a descendent of the Charlton Family who settled Cedar Grove with roots in Tyler County. He and Cynthia have been married for 43 years and have three adult children, Kenneth II, Shayla, and Sharee including four grandchildren Taryn, Tierra, Parker and Kylan.
Mr. Williams was a member of the Lufkin High School and Angelina College Basketball teams.
He enjoys sports, travel, and writing in his spare time. He refereed high school and Division I College basketball.
He has served on numerous boards and commissions.
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August 2, 2023
Invocation
Jamie Smith
District Clerk
Jefferson County
Pledges to USA & Texas Flags
Steve Ahlenius
President and CEO
Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce
Introduction of Guests
Steve Shoemaker
Retired
Burrow Global & ExxonMobil Beaumont
Introduction of Speaker
Lynn Hill
Co-Owner
NuVation Tek
Please volunteer for Head Table responsibilities through the
Kara Hawthorn, Jefferson County Dispute Resolution Center
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Board Secretary Misty Fountain reported changes to membership.
Resignations in Good Standing
Brit Rascoe
The Board of Directors meets monthly and the meetings are open to all members. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, August 22. If you would like to attend the lunch meeting, please make a reservation in advance with the Executive Director.
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Meet the Newest Rotarians in the Club!
We are happy to introduce you to Marcelo Molfino, Jamie Smith and Alan Hefty! Marcelo Molfino is the Executive Director for Nehemiah's Vision Inc. He was proposed by Allan Higgins. Jamie Smith is the District Clerk for Jefferson County. He was proposed by Michael Perez. Alan Hefty is the President and Owner for Alan Hefty & Co. P.C. He was proposed by Michael Wolf.
(Picture from left to right: Marcelo Molfino, Jamie Smith, Alan Hefty, and President Rebekah Maxwell)
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Slate Babineaux
August 1
Vernon Pierce
August 3
Kathryn Fuller
August 5
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Lori Higgins
July 31, 2019
4 years
Kevin Reed
July 31, 2019
4 years
Shannah Quinn
July 31, 2019
4 years
Maryam Vasefi
July 31, 2019
4 years
Scott Mann
August 1, 1985
38 years
Robert Kocot
August 1, 2005
18 years
James Kersh
August 4, 2021
2 years
Jacquetta Walker
August 4, 2021
2 years
Amy Wilson
August 4, 2021
2 years
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PROGRAM REVIEW
July 26, 2023
Doug Canant
Interim Chief Operating Officer
Drainage District 6
By Sharon Almquist
Doug S. Canant, Jr., currently serves as the Interim Chief Operating Officer of Jefferson County Drainage District No. 6. Doug discussed what happens behind the scenes at the district. Using Google Maps as a reference, Doug outlined the man-made and natural intercoastal canals that impact water sheds and drainage in the district. Doug noted that the district actively pursues grant funding from federal and state agencies to complete projects, which helps to hold the line on taxes. The district received a $47 million grant from HUD for drainage use near the Neches River. The district was quite pleased to be able to secure the grant from HUD. Doug noted that the district services 1,200 miles of ditches, but we really should double that amount because ditches have two sides. The district is responsible for the inspection and maintenance of stormwater control facilities, such as retention/detention basins and earthen drainage channels, to ensure that these facilities are in good condition and operating as designed to manage and/or convey stormwater runoff. Drainage infrastructure is inspected routinely during normal conditions and during storm events when stormwater is present and being conveyed through drainage channels and basins and detention/retention facilities. Doug noted there is always a need for an environmental assessment for their projects. Doug was happy to report that the district maintains good communications and working relationships with all entities in Jefferson County and beyond.
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