June 30, 2010......Bittersweet day....... This date last year, 2010, I was getting 'amped for my official 'first' day as D5520 Governor. Today, the official journey ends 11:59:59 pm and one microsecond. My last official duty is tonight, performing the Hobbs RC Changeover and bringing the 'charge' (my last speech as sitting Gov). Can't believe it's already here, but wouldn't change a thing even with all of the 'challenges' that came up professionally. I looked at this year as short term sacrifice with long term gain (I am a much better person and leader, with a broader world view as a result and hopefully the investments our team made this year will be long lasting).
To serve as Rotary's official officer and CEO for D5520 was an amazing experience and the people, the projects, the commitment, and the 30,000 miles driven were the highlights. I really enjoyed watching folks express Rotary in their own unique way as well as seeing some of them 'stretch' themselves and do things that they didn't think were possible. Success is relative, so won't go into highlights from that perspective, but we did some great things this year, were tops in the nation in one way (and maybe two), and you may be seeing some of the other stuff in the Rotarian magazine!
Thank you Rotary people and my non Rotary family and friends for supporting me in so many ways this past 12 months. Those phone calls and emails made all the difference. A true team effort and awesome ride! Thank you all for your friendship and continued support!
-Timothy Parker, DG 2010-11
