Installation Story 

CLUB’S LEADERSHIP TEAM INSTALLED; ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING CHALLENGING YEAR HIGHLIGHTED 

There was a lot of activity at the club’s June 23 Installation and Awards Program, but it would have been hard to miss Steve Payerle, as he recognized outgoing President Jim Miller, accepted his award as Rotarian of the Year and was installed as club president before joining his fellow board members during their installation. 

The last meeting of the 2020-21 year saw a strong turnout at the noon event at the Worthington Educational Center with 35 in attendance and nine on Zoom. Presiding over his final meeting President Jim described the challenges of dealing with the Covid pandemic and the positive ways that club leaders and members responded.  

“Leadership is a team sport,” Jim said, and he thanked members for their contributions to the club. “You’re one of the best teams, and I appreciate it,” he added. 

Jim admitted that it was quite a challenge to hold together a club that could not meet face-to-face for most of the year and also maintain projects traditionally done by the club. “We were still able to build trust and connections.” he commented. “Everyone has had to be creative and different in some way.”   

Among the club’s accomplishments Miller cited were community service projects, the new Columbus State Community College scholarship program, online polio plus event, Zoom meetings with Dominican Republic (DR) and Mongolia sister clubs, high-quality meeting speakers, improved club communications, online raffle to support DR vocational scholarships and the online holiday silent auction.   

Jim also recognized the efforts of President-Elect Steve, whom he characterized as a “true partner, good friend and great Rotarian.” He praised Steve’s IT skills, which he indicated saved the club on numerous occasions and in many ways. He credited Steve for being at the center of the club’s fund-raising efforts.  

Jim and Steve were thrust into their leadership positions a year earlier than expected due to the sudden death of Bill Shantz, who was to become president. Bill was diagnosed with melanoma cancer in April 2019 and died on June 25. During the meeting club members observed a moment of silence to reflect upon Bill’s friendship and contributions to the club. 

Recognition of President Jim’s Leadership 

Steve recognized Jim’s leadership skills, praising his collaborative, inclusive and team-oriented approach. “We were fortunate as a club to have him step into a leadership role at a time of crisis,” he said, pointing to Jim’s career as the executive director of a non-profit where he had to deal with situations and people in crisis on a daily basis.? 

Steve attributed Jim’s steady, measured, thoughtful approach in response to the club’s needs and issues as a key reason the organization made it through the last 12 months so successfully.  “I can’t think of anyone else in our club who might have been more prepared to help our club during this time”, he said.”? 

Presenting Jim with a special past president pin and other gifts, Steve concluded, “It was an honor and privilege to work with you this year, and I appreciate the friendship we've created.” 

Gratitude to Leadership Team 

Before the installation of the club’s board of directors for the 2021-22 year by incoming 6690 District Governor Maryjane Shackelford, Jim and Steve recognized this year’s board members, citing special ways each had helped in the governance of the club. They are: Teresa Russell, vice president; Dave Hansen, secretary; Jerry Katz, treasurer; Jennifer Best, Christie Bruffy, Courtney Chapman, Chuck Gibson, Dave Kittredge, Nick Linkenhoker and Roe Mauro. All of these individuals will continue their service on the board. Leaving the board is John Butterfield, past president.  

Jim Farmer, who was club president in 2001-02, will serve as vice president in the coming year, and Sue Coady will also join the board. 

Steve will present a preview of the coming year at the July 7 meeting. 

Photo 1:Newly installed board members for the 2021-22 year, starting July 1, are, front row from left, Christie Bruffy, Steve Payerle, Roe Mauro, Sue Coady, Jim Miller; back row from left, Teresa Russell., Dave Hansen, Jerry Katz, Courtney Chapman and Jim Farmer. Not pictured: Jennifer Best, Chuck Gibson, Dave Kittredge and Nick Linkenhoker.  
Photo 2: Steve Payerle displays his president’s pin following his installation by incoming 6690 District Governor Maryjane Shackelford. 
Photo 3: President Jim shares a laugh during his recognition of board members. 
Photo 4: President-Elect Steve welcomes District 6690 leaders Steve Heiser, 2020-21 District Governor, incoming District Governor Maryjane Shackleford and Assistant Governor Wolf Lant.