President’s Corner: Leadership with Your Sleeves Rolled Up
Leading by Example: Herb Kelleher’s Thanksgiving Lesson in Service Many years ago, on a Thanksgiving weekend, severe storms brought airports across Texas to a standstill. Flights were delayed, tempers flared, and luggage piled up faster than workers could manage. At Dallas Love Field, passengers were stranded, and employees were stretched to their limits. Amid this chaos, a man in a suit stepped onto the tarmac, grabbed a bag, and began loading luggage into the belly of a waiting plane. That man wasn’t a ramp worker — it was Herb Kelleher, founder and CEO of Southwest Airlines. When an employee recognized him and asked, “Herb, what are you doing out here?” he smiled and replied, “We’re in the airline business, aren’t we? Let’s get these people home.” His example sparked a remarkable response: off-duty workers voluntarily came in to help. By the end of the day, hundreds of flights had moved, and thousands of travelers were on their way. The lesson was clear: leadership isn’t about commanding from above — it’s about serving alongside your team. Herb Kelleher’s story reminds us that true leadership is grounded in humility and action. As John Quincy Adams famously said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Leadership is not a position or a title — it’s the embodiment of service. This is the spirit that lifts Roswell Rotary. Every time a member arrives early to set up tents, stays late to clean up after a fundraiser, or warmly welcomes a guest, leadership is in motion. Honoring Our Heroes: Roswell Rotary’s First Annual Family Farm Day This past weekend, the Roswell Rotary Club proudly hosted our annual Family Farm Day — a special celebration dedicated to the brave men and women who protect and serve our community every day. We were honored to welcome members of the Roswell Police Department, Fire Department, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers, along with their families, for a day of appreciation, relaxation, and community connection. It was a picture-perfect day — blue skies, delicious food, and a shared spirit of gratitude that could be felt throughout the event. The laughter of children echoed across the farm as families enjoyed painting birdhouses, decorating pumpkins, face painting, the ever-popular jumpy house, and even panning for “gold.” For many, it was a rare and meaningful opportunity to slow down, spend quality time together, and simply enjoy being in the moment. Several officers shared how deeply they appreciated the chance to unwind with their loved ones. One officer noted that seeing his children laugh and play that day made him feel truly valued in a way words couldn’t express. Roswell’s new Fire Chief Pabel Troche also commented that it was “one of the nicest, most well-done events he’s ever attended honoring those who serve the community.” Giving back to our first responders is at the heart of what Rotary stands for. These men and women dedicate their lives to protecting ours, and it’s our privilege to show them how much their service means. Events like Family Farm Day remind us that gratitude is not just a word — it’s an action, and one that strengthens the bonds of our entire community. Of course, a day like this doesn’t come together by chance. It happens through the dedication and teamwork of Rotarians who live out our motto, “Service Above Self.” A heartfelt thank-you goes to Gary Garrett for graciously hosting us on such an incredible property, and to Dave Young, Lynne Lindsay, Kathy Igou, Alicia Hughes, Gene Beckham, Jack Wyche, Michael Curling, and Bob Clarkson for their leadership, creativity, and hard work on the planning committee. Together, we made Family Farm Day not just an event — but a lasting expression of appreciation for the heroes who keep Roswell safe.As Mother Teresa wisely reminded us, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” I am so proud of this club, and proud to serve alongside each and every one of you! Service Above Self is not just a motto at Roswell Rotary… Cornhole for Polio With a Fresh Spin Looking ahead, we continue this commitment with our PolioPlus Cornhole Tournament later this month. As we raise funds and awareness to help eradicate polio worldwide, we join millions of Rotarians in a decades-long mission fueled not by fame or fortune, but by determination, teamwork, and compassion. Please take note of the NEW format for our cornhole tournament and get ready to “pick” the winning team from those in the field! It’s going to be a fun opportunity to win a raffle prize. (Details to follow — please ask!) Polio eradication is one of Rotary’s greatest achievements — a testament to what can be accomplished when ordinary people unite behind an extraordinary cause. Our collective service truly embodies Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self. As we serve our first responders and toss cornhole bags for a cause, let us remember Herb Kelleher’s simple wisdom: “We’re in the people business.” That’s what Rotary is all about — people helping people, one act of service at a time. Through these acts, both big and small, we build stronger communities and a better world. That’s leadership. That’s Service Above Self. That’s Roswell Rotary. Thursday Panel
Hometown Giants- Delta Airlines and UPS
We are honored to have two dynamic speakers on Thursday on our Hometown Giants Panel. Delta Airlines and UPS are in the DNA of Atlanta and we are so excited to hear from these two executives. The panel will be moderated by our own Roswell Rotarian, Past President and Founder of End Human Trafficking NOW. You do not want to miss this exciting panel discussion. Skiffington Holderness, Director of Government Affairs & Political Director and Analyst-Delta Airlines is a political professional who successfully partners with policy experts to advance federal public policy across a broad range of topical areas. Experienced public speaker who communicates policy positions to large, diverse constituencies. Effectively negotiates the passage of bipartisan legislation through the U.S. Senate. Skiffington joined Delta in November 2021 as Director of Government Affairs. Prior to Delta, Skiffington worked in the United States Senate overseeing a wide variety of issues for over twelve years as Special Projects Director and Senior Professional Staff for the Foreign Relations Committee, Staff Director for the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Senior Advisor to Senator James E. Risch (R-ID). Skiffington earned a Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University where he was a two-time Bryce Harlow Fellow and holds a Bachelor of Science from Boise State University in Accountancy. In 2019, he was a Young Leader with the American Council on Germany. An Idaho native, Skiffington lives in Washington, DC with his wife. Cathy Scott, Vice President of Social Impact and The UPS Foundation, is a powerhouse of passion and purpose where she manages the company’s global volunteerism philanthropic investment strategy, Foundation Operations, and Global Community Relations. As the architect behind the UPS Foundation’s Volunteerism Philanthropic Investment Strategy, Cathy ensures that more than $30M annually is distributed to volunteer, community, and employee engagement programs that are advancing equity and justice. Cathy manages the companywide Employee Giving and Engagement program; powered by Benevity, as well as the strategy and funding investments for UPS’s Fight Against Human Trafficking Impact Fund. UPS employees are passionate about giving back and contribute nearly 2 million volunteer service hours annually to deliver what matters to communities in need. A proud UPS employee for 28 years, Cathy has held various leadership positions in Finance & Accounting and Learning & Talent Development, but her true calling lies in making a difference. She is active in multiple community and civic organizations and serves on the board of Wellspring Living, Points of Light Corporate Service Council, GA Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force, and the GRACE Commission. As I'm sure you can guess, there’s more to Cathy than her impressive resume. As a Breast Cancer Survivor, she advocates passionately for equitable health solutions in marginalized communities. You'll find her donning her pink tutu, walking alongside her family and UPS family at the annual SGK Walk for a Cure. A native of Illinois, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Western Illinois University. Oct 15
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President's Polio Power Play
The Fight Against Polio: A Legacy of Courage and Compassion In the early 1950s, polio was one of the most feared diseases in the world. Outbreaks paralyzed or killed more than half a million people every year, striking children without warning and leaving lifelong scars on families and communities. Even President Franklin D. Roosevelt was afflicted by polio, leading him to found the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis — later known as the March of Dimes — to fight this devastating virus. Thanks to the introduction of the first effective vaccines by Dr. Jonas Salk in 1955 and Dr. Albert Sabin in 1961, the world began to see hope. But it was Rotary International that transformed that hope into global action. Rotary’s Unwavering Commitment to Eradication In 1985, Rotary launched PolioPlus — the first and largest internationally coordinated private-sector public health initiative in history. Since then, Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the CDC, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) have reduced global cases of polio by over 99.9%. What once crippled 350,000 children each year now affects fewer than 20 cases worldwide. Rotary has contributed more than $2.6 billion and countless volunteer hours toward vaccination campaigns reaching over 2.5 billion children. Every donation truly matters: a single dose of oral polio vaccine costs just about 15 cents, meaning that $1 protects six children, $10 can safeguard an entire classroom, and $100 can protect a village from this paralyzing disease. A Call to Finish the Fight While the progress is extraordinary, the fight isn’t over. If polio immunization efforts were to stop today, experts estimate that within ten years the disease could reemerge and paralyze over 200,000 children annually around the world. Rotary’s commitment — our commitment — ensures that doesn’t happen. October is World Polio Month, a time when clubs like ours renew our pledge to end this disease once and for all. Every dollar we give is tripled by the Gates Foundation, multiplying our impact and bringing us closer to the day when no child, anywhere, will ever have to fear polio again. Together, we can truly say we were part of history — the generation that ended polio forever. Sic Vos Non Vobis Veterans Board Chair
Board Member Spotlight- William Brown
William Brown, who joined Roswell Rotary in 2023, brought with him a raft of experience in the legal and government sectors. Serving as a Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army JAG Corps legal officer, he provided legal advice in areas including litigation, government contracting, labor and employment law, regulatory compliance, and administrative ethics investigations. While on Active Duty, William was appointed and served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma. Amongst other distinguished awards and accommodations, William was awarded Bronze Stars for combat duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan while providing legal advice to military commanders. William graduated from Vanderbilt University where he attended as a student-athlete on the varsity football team, then earning a Juris Doctorate (JD) from St. Louis University School of Law, a Master of Law (LL.M) in Civil and Administrative Law from the U.S. Army Legal Center & School, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from St. Mary’s University Greehey School of Business. As a member of the law firm Chalmers, Adams, Backer & Kaufman, LLC’s (CABK) Atlanta office, he focuses on business litigation, employment litigation, and government contracting. Providing advice on corporate and franchise matters including corporate formation, regulatory compliance, and governmental affairs, William also advises clients on compliance with cybersecurity, privacy, consumer protection, and regulations related to the use of Artificial Intelligence. Assuredly, he is experienced in developing and maintaining change management and compliance programs to ensure clients proactively comply with applicable laws and regulations. William and his wife, Dr. Marilyn Brown (pediatrician and military veteran, U.S. Air Force) have three children: William, an engineer in Phoenix, Arizona and former professional NFL/CFL football player; Alexander, a graduate of Vanderbilt University, former varsity football student-athlete, and a law student at Creighton University School of Law; and Ashley, a pre-med biology major at the University of Georgia and UGA Presidential Foundation Fellow. ER Nurse's Week
Honoring Heroes at WellStar North Fulton
During the week of October 4-11, ER Emergency Room Nurse Appreciation, Roswell Rotary was given a wonderful opportunity to serve these heroes. Roswell Rotary served dinner to the Emergency Room night shift nurses on Wed, Oct. 8th and after seeing RRC social posts, Outback Steakhouse jumped in and brought them dinner on Sunday Oct. 12. Many of us in the Club have been in emergency situations and received care from these amazing heroes at WellStar North Fulton, which is a Level II Trauma Center. Thank you to all of the emergency personnel who serve our community, and to the North Fulton Rotary Club for involving us in the project and Sandy Springs Rotary Club, who are also honored the ER staff on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. Thank You video CLICK HERE Youth News
Sweet Apple Interact Combines with Student Council
I just witnessed one of the best Interact Club meetings ever. They combined the Interact Club and student council so they have 50 active and enthusiastic members! Their meetings are an hour long after school, which will give them so much time for projects. There are three teachers total working the meetings. Very impressed by this group of amazing young students! ~ Michael Schoppenhorst Rotary Liaison Last Week at Rotary
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