The Kessler Report

Posted by Drew Kessler, Director Elect
The Excitement of an “E”
 
Before I talk about my excitement and my path, I would like to recognize and congratulate our very own Director Valarie Wafer on the accomplishment of becoming Rotary International Vice President for the 2021-22 year. Her work moving our organization forward in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has been nothing short of amazing and I know she will bring the same level of enthusiasm and professionalism to this new role.
 
By the time this article is published I will be 31 days into my Elect year which is such a cool time along the path to be Director and reminds me when I was entering my Elect year as District Governor. The positions are similar from a preparation and timing standpoint as it is the calm before the proverbial storm (mind you an awesome storm, but a storm none the less). As past RI Director and current RI Communications Chair Jeffry Cadorette states “Rotary is a winter sport” so it is this summer that I get to have a more relaxed schedule then what is to follow in the coming months. I can take a breath and appreciate the opportunity ahead of me.
Over the coming months just as when I was a DGE I will spend time selecting individuals to aide in events, trainings and projects that will be happening in the coming Rotary years along with selecting sites for these events and trainings to take place. Some of this work has already occurred but much of it is still to be done. I will continue to sit in on as many Zone Committee meetings as I can to understand what is being worked on and familiarize myself with the Zone team of which many will remain during my term as Director.
 
From my perspective the key to this role as it was during my elect year as Governor and my hope is it is for all of the Elects reading this article is to ensure that during the run up to July 1 and the years that follow the focus is on the three “C’s”, Continuity, Collaboration and Consistency. It is my intention to continue to build off what Director Valarie and all Directors that have come before her have built for our Zones, collaborate with her and the existing Zone team and remain consistent in what we are doing as an organization from a resource, communication, and culture perspective.
 
Having the opportunity to serve as a Governor or a Director gives someone the privilege to sit at the head of the table if you will, but it is a table in which others sit at and provide feedback and direction. It is the team approach that will move our organization forward and ensure its success.
 
It is exciting to know that in eleven short months I will have the opportunity to be part of the decision making that will lead our organization into the future as a Director for the Rotary International Board. For all of those who are 31 days into their Elect year join me in taking a deep breath and appreciate all that is to come.