The Valdosta Rotary Club held its annual Passing of the Gavel ceremony on Wednesday, June 26. Outgoing President Deanna Smith (2023-2024) passed the leadership role to Mark Manchester, who will serve as the club's president for 2024-2025. The ceremony ensured a smooth transition, maintaining the continuity of the club's mission and values.

Smith thanked the board and club members for an extraordinary year of success, including earning Rotary 6920 District Gold Club status, a recognition bestowed on clubs demonstrating exceptional levels of participation, including service projects, leadership, and fundraising endeavors throughout the year. 

In addition to Manchester and Smith, the 2024-2025 Valdosta Rotary Club board and officers include Thressea H. Boyd, president-elect; Mike Bourgoin, president-nominee; Richard Stalvey, treasurer; Betty Morgan, executive secretary; Shannon Hauser, Bill Booth, Ken Krieger, Bill Kent, Rob Kellner, Chad Teeter, Sharah Denton, Talia Hansen, Tom Gooding, Jim Halter, and Mercedes Iturralde. 

The Valdosta Rotary Club meets on Wednesdays at noon at the Rainwater Conference Center. For more information, visit the club's website at www.valdostarotary.org or email [email protected]