This Week's Program
"COVID - 19 and the impact on small business. "
This month, Dr. Piller begins her third year as Chair, for the Division of Business and sixth year at Thomas University. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and a Ph.D. in Business Organization and Management. Last fall, Dr. Piller was elected to the Board of Directors for Sigma Beta Delta, the National Honor Society for Business, Management, and Administration.
Melinda’s professional career spans three decades, in government relations, campaign management, communications, and nonprofit/association management. Melinda has lead campaign initiatives in Florida and throughout the United States. She has managed and directed campaigns, from presidential to school board.
As a senior association manager, for the Florida Education Association, Melinda directed the political, legislative, and communications divisions during her 12-year tenure. The 100,000 plus member organization grew to become one of the strongest advocates for public education, teachers, and support personnel, in the country.
As an independent consultant, Dr. Piller has worked with numerous national and statewide associations, local nonprofits, and private sector businesses. As a multi-store retail owner, Blue Water Trading Company, she knows the challenges small businesses face every day.
Dr. Piller began teaching Public Administration at Barry University, Miami Springs and Business at Flagler College, St. Augustine, Florida. She continues her advocacy work, representing the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy in Florida. During the last legislative session, Dr. Piller worked on an extensive legislative package, which was successfully passed and is now law, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health.
Melinda resides in Tallahassee and considers herself a Georgia citizen as well. “I look forward to driving to TU’s beautiful campus again soon! We all miss being with our students, although Zoom has provided us the opportunity to teach and stay in close touch.
Last Week's Program
For those who were not able to attend last week’s meeting, you missed a treat. There were 46 in attendance. President John Brown introduced a new segment to the meeting and our guest Lucinda Brown (President of the local chapter of the NAACP) highlighted the career of Thomasville Police Chief Troy Rich. Chief Rich was then presented with a Paul Harris Fellow by Past District Governor Fran Milberg.
The new meeting segment entitled “The Director’s Report,” will be used to keep the membership informed on progress being made by the different committees. Janet Liles and Adam Carvin reported on the club’s membership efforts. It was pointed out that all members can be involved in recruiting new members as we work to energize the existing members. During these challenging times we might want to ask ourselves this question. Am “I” doing my part to help the club be strong and vibrant? New blood can help towards this end.
Our guest Lucinda Brown reflected on the service of TPD Chief, Troy Rich. During Chief Rich’s long career in Thomasville, we the citizens, have been the beneficiaries of his forward thinking and innovations. His flagship contribution to the TPD and Thomasville, was introducing and implementing the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing recommendations. These recommendations were designed to help law enforcement improve its relationship with the community. There are six pillars of 21st Century Policing. Those pillars are: Building Trust and Legitimacy, Policy and Oversight, Technology and Social Media, Community Policing and Crime Reduction, Training and Education and Officer Safety and Wellness. These six pillars help the community and law enforcement work together for the good of all stake holders.
Chief Rich gave an emotional footnote to his career as a servant of the city of Thomasville. He is retiring from that service after 30 years. There is a quote that says, “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” Chief Rich has paid his rent. There is no outstanding debt to be collected. He leaves the TPD and the city of Thomasville in a much better place than he found it. Thanks, Chief Rich. What can we take away from this meeting? Let me suggest this. Rotary Opens Opportunities. Let us as Rotarians serve our community, others and ourselves by fully embracing “The Four Test.” Let us diligently place “Service Above Self.” Then we can each proudly say, we have taken advantage of the opportunities Rotary opened to us.
