Monday, Gerry Pocock and the 2020-2021 board of directors were Inducted by District Governor Noel Jackson.
It was 942 days ago when Lou Valente called Gerry Pocock and asked him to consider becoming President. Having been asked twice before, Gerry was sure this opportunity wouldn’t come around again. He accepted the invitation and July 6th, 2020 Gerry Pocock was inducted as President along with the 2020-2021 board of directors.
Gerry is grateful to Jules, Gord Faas, District Governor Noel Jackson, PDG Rick Caron and all of the past presidents who have helped him prepare to take on this new role.
His first experience with Rotary was sitting on a panel of police officers for their Easter Seals Telethon. He initially learned about Rotary by sitting on a panel of police officers for their Easter Seals Telethon. Then, in 1991 Chief Jim Adkin detailed him to work with several Rotarians from 1918 who wanted to build a Children’s Safety Village. That brought him to the table with what he describes as “a great bunch of people, who’s intent was to make our city just a little safer.” In 1999, President Steve Payne of Club 1918, asked him if he wanted to join, and without hesitation, he said yes.
Gerry attributes some of his success to Chief Jim Adkins, who’s mentorship allowed him to grow personally and professionally. Those same skills are what he will rely on throughout his 2020-2021 presidency.
Praising the adaptability of the Club, Gerry is looking forward to more opportunities that strengthen leadership, put service into action and improve the lives of those in need. Gerry hopes to make active contributions to both RI President Holger Knaack’s theme for the year Rotary Open Opportunity and DG Noel Jackson Peace Chain initiative.
Taking a moment to recognize the people who have taken a position on the Satellite Committee include:
Chair: Rick Caron
Immediate Past Chair: Colleen Mitchell
Vice-Chair: Pierre Boulos
Secretary / Treasurer: Bev Cyr
Sgt. At Arms/membership: Alioune Ngom
Program Chair: Clinton Beckford
Gerry believes that the Youth Rotary Leaders have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with. To continue to forge a path for the future of Club 1918, he would like to make opportunities available to them to grow their leadership. Bringing them further to the club’s forefront, he would like them to run the weekly meetings at various times throughout the year. The goal is to glimpse what our Rotary meeting will look like in 10 or even 25 years from now.
His inaugural speech also mentions the people who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the club what it is today, thanking Suzanne, Brenda, and Ruthie for their contribution to the club.
Gerry dedicated his year to Rotarian and friend, Ian Henderson. He vowed to work tirelessly for Rotarians in his memory.
“On May 11th of this year, we lost a long-time Rotarian, Ian Henderson. He will always be remembered as a caring, kind and generous person. To me, and many members of this club, he was a dear friend. We will miss him terribly.”
Despite the challenges of adapting the club to our current circumstances, Gerry welcomes the opportunity to continue to make change both locally and internationally in a new way. He says, “The wheels of Rotary do not stop. Yes, this pandemic has kicked us in the teeth and has prevented us from doing some of the things we usually do. But remember, my dear Rotarians, this is not our first rodeo; we will prevail!”
“As your President, I am here to serve you. My phone is always on, and I am available 24/7. What I can guarantee you for the year 2020-2021 is consistent, fair and collaborative leadership. We will get through this horrible pandemic together and emerge stronger and more relevant than before.”
He urged Rotarians to keep an open mind, practice patience and, most importantly, to keep themselves and their families safe.
Congratulations to the board and President Gerry Pocock!
President
