We welcome you to the opening meeting of the year. There will be an installation of our incoming officers and directors, the traditional "Passing of the Gavel" and the installation of incoming President Michael Perez. President Perez will share his inspiration and vision as we begin to witness "The Magic of Rotary."
We welcome Demetress Curl Harrell, Past District Governor, to the opening meeting of the year. She will install our incoming officers and directors, direct the traditional "Passing of the Gavel" and conduct the installation of incoming President Michael Perez.
Demetress Curl-Harrell is a resident of Lufkin, Texas where she is a notably active community leader. Demetress is married to Demetrius R. Harrell, her exceptional friend and supportive mate for 35 years. Demetress strives for excellence in her daily life as she promotes the value of self-worth among her colleagues and spiritual peers. Demetress serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Hospice in the Pines, Incorporated, where she has been employed since 1993. She was also an adjunct instructor for Angelina Community College for more than seventeen years where she motivated the educational endeavors of her students. Demetress holds a Bachelor’s degree with double majors in Social Work and Sociology, a Master of Arts in Community Counseling and has obtained multiple hours in her pursuit of a PhD in Public Health Administration. Demetress recently achieved a certification from Yale University in Healthcare management and has a DEI certificate from the USF Muma College of Business. Demetress is a strong advocate in her community supporting many service programs, local projects and civic organizations. Demetress has been a featured keynote speaker for various groups including Hospice, Healthcare, and other business-related forums nationally as well as internationally. Demetress was appointed as a Hospice Ambassador by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization this April 2021 and has been a key representative on the United States Capitol Hill for numerous years. Demetress just completed her final term as Board Chair for CHI Hospital in Lufkin yet remains a Board Executive for CommonSpirit Hospital Texas division, Texas New Mexico Hospice & Palliative Care Board Vice President, Texas Non-Profit Hospice Alliance Board and is newly appointed to the National Hospice & Palliative Care Transition Board. Demetress is a true advocate and was awarded the Stephen F. Austin School of Social Work Community Leader of the Year for 2024, this past Spring.
While end of life care is a great passion, it is Demetress’ civic work that defines her service above self attributes. Since 1998 Demetress has been a member of the Angelina Rotary club of Lufkin where she served as President in 2006 and 2015. Demetress has held multiple District roles from Membership Chair to Assistant Governor yet to date, however she defined the most invaluable role as District Governor 2022-2023 due to meeting every club in District 5910. Demetress recently completed again the distinguished role of RI Assistant Rotary Coordinator of Membership for 2023-2024 and 2023-2024 PETS facilitator leader. Demetress along with a committee served as 23-24 DMC for the District as well. Demetress is currently serving as Zone 25b DEI chair with a distinguished list of committee members.
Demetress received the 2015 Roll of Fame award from her District and was a returning presenter at the Rotary International Convention for 2024. Demetress is a Board of Director for the Health Care Professionals Fellowship and the District Governors Fellowship. Demetress is also an Operation Pollination Ambassador for ESRAG.
Demetress was the Rotary International President’s Representative during the 2024 District 5080 Conference in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and shared her true Rotary passion accompanied by her husband with the attendees inspirating all in the audience. Demetress begins this year as the Vice Governor for 2024-2025 under Governor Leon and has been reappointed to the Zone 25B Institute as a presenter. She will also be appointed to the Rotary International Assembly Committee for 2025. Demetress is eager to encourage all to attend the RI Convention in 2025 as she serves a Promotions Team member for Zone 30. With a lot of time invested in Rotary, it is certain that she has a heart for others.
Demetress and Demetrius are major donors and bequest society members. Demetress has been a tremendous champion of quality education for more than twenty years. She as well as her husband have sponsored graduates under the Sherman & Mandy Bell Curl Memorial Scholarship which she founded in memory of her father and grandmother.
Demetress continues to serve in Board roles for Rotary and is an active donor to many local club scholarships as well. This woman continues to commit to making a difference in the lives of others.
Demetress has also written three books and many publications.
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