Naperville Rotary Club's new president aims to help 'Create Hope in the World'
The Rotary Club of Naperville recently named Rich Tatara as club president for the July 2023-June 2024 year.
After serving in various roles for the club, he takes the reins as president with a theme that mirrors Rotary International's annual theme: "Create Hope in the World."
Tatara, who has been a member of the club since 2017, has made an immeasurable impact since that time.
He has served in various roles, including as foundation chair.
"I want to thank everyone for the confidence they have placed in me to lead the Rotary Club of Naperville for this coming year," Tatara said. "I join a long line of great business and civic leaders who have worked to make our world better and our Naperville community one of the best places to live in the country."
"I will be continuing the course set by outgoing Rotary International President Jennifer Jones and outgoing Rotary Club of Naperville President Kim White toward diversity, equity, and inclusion in our club and community," Tatara said. "Adding to this course the theme set by new Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally to illuminate mental health needs both near and far. Let us 'Create Hope in the World' by getting involved and taking action."
At one of Tatara's first club meetings on Aug. 10, McInally was the guest speaker. He elaborated on his vision for Rotary on local and international levels and shared his personal connections to improving and advocating for mental health services. This is the first time the Rotary Club of Naperville has hosted the Rotary International president.
Tatara has been a Naperville resident for 35 years. He retired in 2014 as the vice president, customer service of Coriant (formerly Tellabs). Rich and his wife reside in Naperville, and they have two adult sons, Mark and Chris.
The Rotary Club of Naperville was founded on March 31, 1941, with 15 members. Today, the Rotary Club of Naperville has over 100 members who are dedicated to "service above self" and provides a wide variety of service projects in the community and globally.
The club meets at 12:15 p.m. most Thursdays in person or on Zoom, and guests are welcome to join.
The Rotary Club of Naperville is a member of Rotary International, one of the first humanitarian organizations, and is a part of over 35,000 Rotary Clubs in more than 200 counties and geographical areas with 1.2 million members worldwide. The purpose of our fellowship is to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to help build goodwill and peace in the world. The Rotary Club of Naperville includes members who are leaders in the fields of business, education, religion, nonprofit organizations, government, and many other vocations. Visit www.rotaryclubofnaperville.org for more information.