June 26- President’s Day- Bret Anderson, President, Rotary Club of Lexington, 2024-25

A YEAR OF BOLD STEPS AND DEEPER ROOTS

When I took the gavel last July, I knew leading the Rotary Club of Lexington would be an honor. I didn’t realize how much it would also stretch, inspire, and ground me. This year wasn’t about maintaining momentum — it was about charting a future.

We began at a crossroads: a club with a proud legacy but faced with the question every legacy organization must confront — how do we evolve without losing who we are?

I’m proud to say we didn’t shy away from that question. We faced it head-on with honest conversations, creative new ideas, and a willingness to shake up the status quo. From launching Around the World as a signature fundraising event, to reframing our membership strategy with targeted outreach to Lexington’s top professionals, to holding a town hall and comprehensive survey to align leadership and member priorities — we leaned into change.

We also had fun along the way. Dancing with the Lexington Stars set a new standard — not just in dollars raised, but in community buzz. We saw a fresh crop of Yearlings step into leadership. And we gave longtime Rotarians a chance to renew their impact through mentorship, sponsorship, and service.

One of my personal highlights was celebrating the Living Legends of our club — those extraordinary members whose decades of service, wisdom, and wit continue to shape our culture. Whether at the mic or behind the scenes, their example reminded us that leadership isn’t about holding office — it’s about showing up, lifting others, and embodying Rotary’s values every single day.

Was it perfect? Of course not. Change rarely is. But what I saw over and over again was something more important than perfection: commitment. Rotarians showing up — not just out of habit, but out of belief. Belief in what Rotary means, what it does, and what it can become.

I’m deeply grateful to the Board, our event chairs, our past presidents, and the incredible team stepping in to lead us forward. I also want to thank every member who spoke up, pitched in, or simply kept showing up — it made a difference.

As I pass the torch, I do so with pride, humility, and optimism. We’re not just maintaining a great club — we’re building something that matters. Something that lasts.

Thank you for letting me serve.

• President Bret