Presidents-elect and Assistant Governors Plan for Success in 2016-17
Posted by Sheryl Meehan
on Mar 21, 2016
I personally want to say thank you to our incoming Presidents and Assistant Governors for giving their most precious resource, their time, to participate in last week’s Northeast PETS! I am excited and optimistic that Rotary Year 2016 -2017 will be an electrifying year for our District due to the energy, passion and dedication displayed by our incoming Presidents and Assistant Governors at Northeast President Elect Training on March 10th through March 12th! I know that all who attended acquired knowledge and insights that will enhance not only their Rotary endeavors, but also their personal and professional skills.Northeast PETS is a joint effort of eight Rotary International districts and includes the states of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, southern Maine and southern Quebec. Considered to be one of the very best of its kind in the USA, it is also very unique in that it’s multi-District participation of so many future Presidents and Assistant Governors creates so much energy and enthusiasm.
Our President Elects and Assistant Governors prepared for their upcoming roles through training, listening to provocative plenary speakers and participating in comprehensive breakout sessions. However, I feel that one of the most exciting opportunities was to connect with peers from our district and the additional seven districts to develop informal fellowship and networking opportunities.
Thursday night started our NEPETS off with a bang! Past Rotary International President Rick King gave an impassioned speech that brought a standing ovation and tears to my eyes. In addition, on Friday morning, current Rotary International Director, Julia Phelps, delivered an impassioned speech capped off with a video. Friday's lunch keynote, President-elect Megan Fanion of the Rotary Club of Bristol, CT and past Interactor, brought the house down with a walk down Memory Lane from her days in Interact 14 years ago and how Rotary has always played a role in her life since then. Rotary International Trustee and former RI Board Member, Mike McGovern gave an motivational speech that excited and energized all! Saturday morning, incoming Rotary International Director, Dean Rohrs spoke of her history of living in South Africa during Apartheid and how this has impacted her life and Rotary career. Last, and certainly not least, D.F. Pace spoke about the opportunity given to him as a Rotary Peace Scholar.
I know this program was exceptional and hope the fresh ideas and best practices will be incorporated into our club Presidents year. As I consistently say -- Club President is undeniably the most important position in Rotary. I know that our incoming Presidents will lead great clubs to great things and I am very proud to be able to serve these leaders!