Elkins Rotary installs 2023-2024 officers
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The Rotary Club of Elkins welcomed its 2023-2024 officers and governing board members during its final weekly meeting of the 2022-2023 Rotary year.
Kenny George was installed as president by outgoing president Kristie Vandevander. George, a partner within Blue Ridge Risk Partners, has been employed for over 24 years, serving as a benefits producer/consultant for all of his 24 years.
George is also a 5-year member of the Elkins Rotary club. He has been a member of the club's governing board and served as vice president this past year. George currently serves on the Elkins YMCA Board, Board of Directors at Davis Trust Company, and the Randolph Tucker Child Advocacy Center Board.
"This is a big honor. I am super proud to be standing up here in front of all of you," George said. "When I was asked to join Rotary, I didn't really understand the depth of what Rotary was. Over the years, we've had some substantial changes, especially through COVID.
"I look forward to enhancing the Rotary Club of Elkins and I look forward to being involved even more. I want to focus on community service. During COVID, it was very difficult to get out and about in the community and there are a lot of things we need to catch up on.
"We've got some great things in line and as a collective group we've got a lot to offer to the community. We need to work together to figure out what's best for the community," said George.
Tammie Rizzio, executive co-director of Youth Health Services, has been a member of the club since 2016 and will be serving the club as vice-president for the coming year. She has also served the club as a governing board member, as membership chair and program chair.
Rizzio serves on the Patient Family Advisory Council at Davis Medical Center and is a member of the Beverly Elementary PTO and Orlena United Methodist PPR.
Mike Ellis, owner of Elkins Papa John's Pizza, will serve as the club's program chair. During the meeting, Ellis also received recognition for attaining his Paul Harris Fellow +1 designation.
The Rotary International Foundation's giving society is named for founder Paul Harris; every Rotarian who contributed $1,000 to the foundation is named a Paul Harris Fellow. Each additional $1,000 contribution made by, or on behalf of, a member adds a "+" designation for that member.
Phillips Kolsun, senior information assurance engineer for Leidos, will be serving as the club secretary as well as chair of the Foundation and Public Image Committee.
Chris Jones, director of career services at Davis & Elkins College, will be serving as the club's treasurer. Jones was also recognized as Rotarian of the Year for his hard work and contributions to the club during the past year.
"Chris picked up the treasurer's position in the middle of the year and he was always there to help," said Vandevander.
Molly Propst of Propst Realty continues to serve the club as sergeant at arms.
Grace Roy, director of human resources at Elkins Rehabilitation & Care Center, and a member of the club since 1993, will be serving the third year of her second term as Assistant District Governor for the Elkins and Tucker County region for Rotary District 7545. Roy was also recognized as having 30 consecutive years of perfect attendance.
Additional members of the club's governing board are Nathaniel Bonnell, president of Citizens Bank of West Virginia, Leesa Harris, senior vice president of Citizens Bank of West Virginia, retired educator Pat Schoonover and retired AXAEquitable agent Jeff Welshonce. Outgoing President Vandevander will also serve as a member of the club's governing board.
Hoy Ferguson, president of Davis Trust Company will be serving the club as chair of the Finance Committee; Vandevader will be serving the club as chair of the Membership Committee; and Pat Schoonover will serve as chair of the Service Projects and Grants Committee.
Brody Vandevander, son of out-going President Vandevander was presented with honorary membership in the club for all his help and participation in club activities during the past year.
"I am very excited to do an honorary membership [for Brody] in the club on my last day as president," said Vandevander.
"I have really enjoyed my Rotary year. We hit a lot of goals that I set and it's been a great year. I feel like I've got to become friends with a lot of you that I wasn't before. I want to thank everybody for helping me make this a wonderful Rotary year," Vandevander said.
Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in their communities, and in themselves. Visit www.Rotary.org to learn more about Rotary International, visit the club's Facebook page -- Rotary Club of Elkins -- or contact club president Kenny George at kenneth.george@blueridgeriskpartners.com for more information about the Rotary Club of Elkins.