Our new District Governor Liz Compton ended the Ceremonies, and made her closing remarks, one last time as District Governor Elect, by thanking Niecy for her outstanding Rotary year. In her own words, here's Liz.......... Please Read more .....
Good evening everyone,
Before I say anything else, I want to take a moment to thank my dear friend, District Governor Niecy, for an incredible year of leadership.
Niecy, you are truly one of a kind. You have led this District with joy, authenticity, compassion, and a spirit that is impossible to miss. Whether you're wearing one of your famous onesies, dancing into a room, or offering support to someone who needs it, you have a remarkable way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved.
You are deeply loved throughout our District, and tonight we celebrate not only all that you have accomplished, but who you are.
And if you'll allow me a personal moment...
Niecy, throughout this entire journey, you have been by my side every step of the way.
You have answered my questions, shared your wisdom, listened when I needed someone to listen, and encouraged me when I wasn't always sure I was ready for what lay ahead.
There were moments when I doubted myself, and you never let me stay there for long. You lifted me up, reminded me of my strengths, and believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself.
That is a gift.
And while the District knows you as an extraordinary leader, I have had the privilege of knowing you as an extraordinary friend.
Niecy, I love the incredible human being that you are.
Thank you for your friendship, your guidance, your unwavering support, and the love you have shared so freely with all of us.
I am a better person because of you.
People often say to me, "Boy oh boy, you have big shoes to fill." And they're absolutely right.
But what Niecy has taught us is that leadership isn't about filling someone else's shoes—it's about walking your own path with authenticity, joy, and love.
But here's the thing: Niecy has shown us something incredibly important. She has shown us that leadership isn't about trying to be someone else. It's about having the courage to be exactly who you are. No filters. No pretending. Just showing up with love.
And that is exactly what I intend to do.
As I begin this journey as your District Governor, I do so knowing that this District has never been about one person. It is about all of us. It is about the collective strength, passion, and commitment of our members.
As we move forward, while always respecting and honouring our past, we must continue to build a District where every member feels welcomed, included, and valued. A District where everyone has a voice. A District where we celebrate our differences, support one another, and recognize that together we can accomplish far more than any one of us can alone.
Let us continue to lift each other up.
Let us celebrate each other's successes.
Let us lead with kindness, compassion, and purpose.
This year, Rotary International is calling us to Create Lasting Impact.
We will create that impact through the projects we champion, the events we host, the partnerships we build, and the people we meet along the way.
But some of the greatest impact we will ever have may not come from something that can be measured.
Sometimes it comes from a conversation.
A helping hand.
A word of encouragement.
A simple act of kindness.
And often, we may never truly know how much that kindness meant to someone.
What does impact really look like?
Maybe it's something we feel.
Maybe it's something that lives on in others long after the moment has passed.
Because impact is not just something we talk about.
It is something we create.
In the way we lead.
In the way we serve.
In the way we care for one another.
And as we look ahead to this upcoming year, each of us has the opportunity to create something that truly lasts.
And it starts with us.
It starts with our stories.
Every one of us has a Rotary story.
Why did we join?
What made us stay?
Was it a project that touched our heart? A friendship that changed our life? A moment when we realized we were part of something bigger than ourselves?
These stories matter.
They remind us why we serve.
They inspire others to become involved.
And perhaps most importantly, they connect us to one another.
When we share our stories, we move beyond being members sitting around a table. We begin to understand one another. We build relationships. We create belonging.
This year, I am asking each of our Presidents to lead with their story. Tell your members why Rotary matters to you. And then invite them to share their stories as well.
Because the more we listen to one another, the stronger our clubs become.
The more we understand each other's journeys, the more we discover what truly connects us.
And that is why my theme for this year is The Power of Love.
Because love is what inspires us to serve.
Love is what connects us to one another.
Love is what helps us see the good in each other.
And love is often the force behind the impact we leave behind.
I do hope you can join us at our District Conference.
It will be an amazing journey filled with inspiration, connection, laughter, hope—and dancing, of course!
You will hear from extraordinary speakers who have faced adversity and chosen to lead with love. You will leave energized, uplifted, and reminded of the incredible impact we can have when we put love into action.
I cannot wait to share that experience with all of you.
And now, I would like to introduce the incredible team that will help make all of this possible.
Our District Governor Team:
Immediate Past District Governor, Niecy Dillon-Tyrovolas
District Governor Elect, Tina Martin
District Governor Nominee, Terry Caputo
Our District Leadership Team:
Treasurer — or as we like to call him, Dr. No... Maybe... and sometimes Yes — Larry Whatmore
Secretary — Karen Schilling
Governance Chair — Howard Back
Learning & Development — Iosif Ciosa
Protection Officer — Lynda Ryder
Youth Services — none other than Mal Balachandran
Membership — Joan Barrett
Action Plan & Partnerships — Richard Mewhinney
Public Image — Dave Andrews
Rotary Foundation — Virginia O'Reilly
And our outstanding Assistant Governors:
Deb Murray
Jeremy Taft
Drina and Steve Tallo
Don Alton
Jeff Van Kessel
Karey Anne Large
Matt Emmerson
Joan Barrett
Anthony Abhumhen
Gil Storey
Binoy Luckoo
Laura Bradford
Kenneth Chin
Jobson Easow
Please join me in thanking these incredible leaders for their willingness to serve and support our clubs throughout the year ahead.
Thank you for your trust, your friendship, and your commitment to Rotary.
I am excited for what we will accomplish together.
Together, let's create lasting impact, share our stories, serve with purpose, and show the world the Power of Love.
Let's make this a year to remember.
Liz then introduced her dear friend Paige Fernandes, her District 7070 Conference Chair, who talked about our upcoming Conference and she encourage each and every one to register, if you haven’t done so already!