The past and future of the Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa met in grand fashion last week, as Rotarians marked the end and the beginning of another Rotary year. Outgoing President Warner Johnson thanked his board members, presenting each with kind words and plaques celebrating their service. He then led incoming President James Leitner in the oath of office, and officially handed over the gavel. President Leitner also presented Warner with golden gavel of his own to mark his year, and thanked all for their hard work.

President Leitner then introduced the members of his incoming officers and directors and led them in their oath of office. Incoming officers include Karen Baldwin; President Elect; Nancy Jones, Secretary; Joe May, Treasurer and Bruce Burrows, Sergeant At Arms; and on the Board of Directors: Lowell Davis, Programs; Clark Swail, Membership; Ryan Stallings, Communications; Mitchell Loper, Vocational; Chuck Turner, Community Service; International, Margaret King; and J.G. Brazil, Rotary Foundation. The Club also recognizes the ongoing service of Jerry Shepherd, who continues to serve as Assistant District Governor, as well as the Rotarians charged with guiding the Tuscaloosa Rotary Memorial Foundation.

The meeting concluded with President Leitner offering a few remarks on his vision for the coming year. His plan centers on three core areas of focus. First will be what he called “Back to Basics,” and agenda which will focus on sustaining membership and attendance, and submitting reports in a timely manner. Other basics focus on the Rotary Foundation, including a goal of having at least three new Paul Harris Fellows each year. President Leitner also emphasized his goal of instituting a sustained service project, one that will involve club members in work and service in the community beyond simply writing a check. A second area of focus will center on Strategic Planning, and will include investment in a year-long consulting process that will result in a well-thought out long-term vision for the club. Finally, President Leitner stressed that he will want the club to have fun. He hopes to have a significant event for club fellowship at least once a quarter, and of course a series of excellent programs at each weekly meeting.