Nocatee resident George Postell was sworn in July 19 as the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra’s new leader during a “Pass the Gavel Celebration and Installation” event at Maggiano’s in Nocatee Town Center. He is following his first term as president and accepted the club’s request to take on a second term.
His new leadership role began July 1 when the new Rotary year began in every Rotary club around the world. After Postell recited the oath of office, he received his president’s pin. In his speech as Ponte Vedra Rotary president, he said: “Planting seeds, knowing we’re all in this together.”
In addition, Postell presented gifts to his board and handed out several special recognition awards, beginning with one for Denny Baldwin. Jim Russo was honored with the President’s Award for his service to the club. Bob Wiltong was the club’s Rotarian of the Year, and Jill Wiltfong and Dan Romanchuk received accolades for their service.
In return, the club gave appreciation gifts to Postell to commemorate his successful year. After receiving his past president pendant and his 2025-26 framed gavel, Postell also received a special branded cap and jacket.
District Governor of Rotary District 6970 and the event’s officiant Bo Norton was on hand to offer an inspiring speech about Rotary’s mission and to echo the message that the 2026-27 president of Rotary International, Olayinka H. Babalola, unveiled earlier this year. The Rotary theme for 2026-27 is “Create Lasting Impact.”
This theme encourages Rotary members to make their clubs more welcoming, carry out meaningful service projects and allow their Rotary experiences to transform them personally, fostering both individual growth and community improvement.
Also on hand to celebrate and participate in the event were Nocatee and the Beaches Assistant District 6970 Governors, Jennifer Logue from the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach and Bob Wiltfong, Ponte Vedra Rotary club member. Rotary District 6970 encompasses 12 counties in Northeast Florida.
The Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra, chartered in April 2018, is one of 64 Rotary Clubs in Northeast Florida that comprise Rotary District 6970. Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in communities and in ourselves.
All are invited to visit a Rotary Club lunch meeting at 11:30 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays at Really Good Beer Stop in Nocatee, like the Club on Facebook (Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra) or email pontevedrarotary@gmail.com.