Past R.I. Vice President visits Peoria North

The Rotary Club of Peoria North was honored to have past Rotary International Vice President Greg Podd speak at the April 25 meeting at Arizona Broadway Theater. 

Members of several the Surprise and Sun City West Rotary Clubs joined Peoria North members to hear Greg share stories of his experience serving on the RI board, as well as issues and challenges facing Rotary International.

Greg became a Rotarian in May 1982 and is a member of the Evergreen Rotary Club.  He served a six-year term as a member of the Rotary International Investment Committee and a three-year term as the Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator for Zone 27. He also served a three-year term as a member of the Rotary International Finance Committee and as a Regional Rotary International Membership Coordinator where he chaired the Rotary International Presidential Membership Conference in Phoenix, Arizona – January 2009.  Greg also chaired the Zone 21b & 27 Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico – September 2010. He has also served as a Rotary International Training Leader at the International Assembly in San Diego – January 2010 and 2011 (where Pam and Greg served as the Hospitality Host) and as a Rotary Foundation Future Vision Training Leader – January 2013. Greg and Pam also served as the Assistant Chief Sergeant at Arms at the International Assembly – January 2012.

Greg has also served as a Rotary Foundation Major Gifts Advisor where he established his District’s Million Dollar Dinner raising over $3,100,000 for the Rotary Foundation in one night.  He was the Group Study Exchange Leader to District 3790 – Philippines in February 2006. Greg has served as the President’s Representative for Rotary International for many years and was his District’s representative to the Rotary International Council on Legislation – 2007. Greg is an International Rotary Leadership Institute Vice-Chair of America West and established the “Rocky Mountain Division” and the “Lone Star Division” training seminar for all Rotarians in the western part of the United States.

During the Rotary year 2014 – 2015, in addition to his duties as a Rotary International Director, Greg chaired the Rotary Audit Committee, the Rotary Board Council on Legislation Advisory Committee, and the Service Above Self Award Selection Committee. He also served as a member of the Rotary Board Programs Committee, Council and Board Committee and Rotary International District Governor / Director Allocation Committee.  Greg also served as one of the Rotary International Director – Elect trainers for the Rotary year ending 2015 and 2016.

During the Rotary year 2015 – 2016, Greg  served as the Vice President of Rotary International and a member of the Executive Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Council and Board Committee  and the Workgroup to examine Rotary’s current International Convention model.

Greg is the recipient of the “Service Above Self Award” and The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service Award.  Greg and his wife Pam have been married for 40 years, and have three beautiful children; Kyle (Jessi), Melanie (Matt) and Bryan and four very special grandchildren; Carter, Madison, Payton and Vivian.  All members of the family are Paul Harris Fellows with Greg and Pam being Multi Paul Harris Fellows, Paul Harris Society Members, Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member, Bequest Society Members, and Major Donors.  In addition both Greg and Pam are Arch C. Klumph Society Members.