Second woman to become Rotary International president

Stephanie Urchick, a member of the Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, will become the second woman to take office as president of Evanston, Illinois-based Rotary International on July 1, 2024.

During her one-year term, Urchick will lead the global service organization in adapting its systems and structures to enable Rotary's 1.4 million members in 200 countries and regions to deliver impactful and lasting solutions to the continued challenges facing the world today in a more efficient and regionally effective manner.

To that end, Urchick will strive to foster an understanding of how regional differences affect the way Rotary members work together, and how to leverage and embrace different perspectives to create a strong foundation for innovation, sustainability, and growth.

"Rotary is not the same for everyone everywhere. Understanding how culture, religion, geography, language and so much more inform how Rotary members work together is critical to furthering Rotary's impact," said Urchick.

"By acknowledging, respecting and responding to these differences, Rotary can increase cooperation and create and sustain meaningful change everywhere we live, work, and serve."

Urchick will also seek to bridge information and communication gaps and foster connections through technology.

"Rotary successfully pivoted to the digital world at the outset of the pandemic, and I want to continue to maximize the benefits," said Urchick. "Virtual platforms remain a great way for members to engage with Rotary and spread the word about its causes and work."

Rotary members throughout the world develop and implement sustainable, community-driven projects that fight disease, promote peace, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, grow local economies and protect the environment.

Over $5.5 billion has been awarded through The Rotary Foundation - Rotary's charitable arm that helps clubs work together to perform meaningful, impactful service.