It is an honor to serve as your District Governor for 2026–2027. I look forward to seeing the difference you continue to make in our communities and around the world, and to accomplishing even more together.

As we begin this Rotary year, I extend my sincere gratitude and congratulations to DG Steve Ivory and the 2025–2026 leadership team for their outstanding service. Because of your dedication, our district achieved and exceeded its goals. Thank you also to our generous donors whose contributions of $1.131 million to the Annual Fund and PolioPlus far surpassed our $1 million goal. Your generosity ensures that Rotary's work will continue to make a lasting difference.

I also want to recognize the commitment of our DG Line (IPDG, DG, DGE, DGN, and DGND), along with our Past District Governors and their leadership teams. Your dedication to Rotary's ideals has built the strong foundation on which we will continue to grow.

Rotary International President Olayinka (Yinka) Hakeem Babalola’s message for this year is "Create Lasting Impact." As we serve our communities, I encourage every club to highlight how your projects and service contribute to peace. Every act of service strengthens understanding, improves lives, and creates lasting change.

To support Rotary International's message, our District theme is Peace through Economics, Culture, and Education. As People of Action, we will continue to focus on Rotary's Action Plan by growing our impact, expanding our reach, enhancing participant engagement, and increasing our ability to adapt.

When we identify needs in our communities, I encourage us to focus on solutions. I also challenge every Rotarian to take PRIDE in all you do—Personal Responsibility in Developing Excellence.

Together, we will continue serving our communities while working to eradicate polio, empower our youth, and strengthen our clubs through strategic, intentional, innovative thinking and bold leadership.

Let us accept President Yinka's challenge to make this our best Rotary year yet. I know we can.

See you soon!