We were honored to welcome our 2026–2027 District 6630 Governor, Terri Speck, on September 1, 2026. Her passion for Rotary was evident throughout her presentation, and her enthusiasm left our club members energized and motivated to make an even greater impact in our communities. The clubs that DG Terri has not yet presented to have a lot to look forward to when she visits!
Terri kicked off by sharing the 2026–2027 Rotary International theme from President Yinka Babalola: “Create Lasting Impact.”
A Lifelong Rotary Journey
Terri’s connection to Rotary runs deep. Her father was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Nordonia Hills, and that very club sponsored her as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student to Australia. The experience was life-changing and jump-started what has become a 37-year Rotary journey.
Over the years, Terri and her husband have hosted Rotary Youth Exchange students, many of whom they remain connected with to this day. They also participated in the Group Study Exchange (GSE) program and continue to maintain friendships with people they met through Rotary.
Terri shared that she has stayed involved in Rotary for nearly four decades because she has witnessed firsthand the lasting impact Rotary can have on communities and the lives of people around the world.
Find Your Passion — and Your Superpower
One of Terri’s key messages was the importance of passion. She said, “Feeding off your passion is critical,” encouraging clubs to connect their programs and activities with the interests and passions of their members. Those passions can also become powerful tools for engaging others and inviting them to experience Rotary.
Terri shared an example from one of her fellow District Governors in Ohio, whose passion for the Imagination Library became the All Ohio District Governors' class project. By bringing their collective energy and resources to something they were passionate about, they were able to amplify the impact they could make for the organization.
She challenged each of us to find our “superpower” and use it to support our clubs and help achieve success. Get to know the people around you. Discover what they are good at, what inspires them, and what they are passionate about — then find ways to put those strengths to work.
Terri also shared a personal goal for the year: “My goal is to be a better communicator — it’s about listening, not just talking.” She encouraged Rotarians to share their ideas with her and welcomed hearing from members throughout the district. She can be reached at tspeckrotary@gmail.com.
DG Terri’s Priorities for 2026–2027
Terri outlined two key areas of focus for her year as District Governor:
- Youth Engagement & Continuity
- Strengthening Club Excellence & Support
She also reminded us of another inspiring message from Rotary International President Yinka Babalola: “Become the Best Version of Yourself.”
Making an Impact Across the District
There are already many exciting initiatives underway throughout District 6630, including:
- 25 Acts of Kindness
- 250 Trees being planted across the district
- New membership initiatives
- An End Polio fundraiser that recently took place at a Guardians baseball game
Save the Date: 2027 All Ohio United District Conference
A new approach is also coming to our District Conference this year. The All Ohio United District Conference will bring together all five Ohio Rotary Districts for one exciting event.
📅 April 30–May 2, 2027
📍 Hilton Columbus/Polaris
Mark your calendars and plan to attend!
Terri’s message was a great reminder that Rotary’s greatest strength is its people — their passions, talents, connections, and willingness to make a difference. By finding our own “superpowers” and sharing our enthusiasm with others, we can truly Create Lasting Impact.
