2026 Changing of the Guard - A Toast to President Kent Lovern

And now we can have a little bit of fun.

It's hard to believe it's been a year But at last year's change, and for me it's a little weird because I'm up here like the ghost of Christmas past, kind of this bleak reminder of what things used to be like before Kent, PK.

So at last year's changing of the guard, I remember Kent's lovely wife Susan joking that he might not be fun or funny enough to be the RCM president.

I have two thoughts about that.

One, Kent is actually much funnier than people might believe or that his very public and important role allow him to be.

Two, As Mary will attest, each president approaches their year with their own style and all are unique yet effective.

As we reflect on Kent's year, there are three words for me that come to mind.

Kent has led with inclusion, impact, and integrity.

He has modeled a life of service and in many ways is a walking example of Rotary's values at work.