2019-20 District Governor Mahbub Ahmad of the Rotary Club of Yonkers-East Yonkers and the District Leadership Team were formally installed by Rotary International Director Jeffry Cadorette on 23 June 2019. The short but dignified ceremony was attended by our District's Past District Governors, the next 2 incoming District Governors Mary Shackleton (2019-2021) of the Rotary Club of Metro New York City.and George McKinnis (2021-2022) of the Rotary Club of Bronxville. Incoming District Governors Cindi Kish of District 7210 (Rockland County, NY) and Justin Quaranta of District 7255 (Long Island, NY) joined the ceremony in a show of support.
The new one-year term began at midnight on 1 July. The installation ceremony at the picturesque American Yacht Club in Rye was emceed by the incoming District Trainer PDG Greg Arcaro. The District Leadership Team was present and was also installed by the RI Director.
In his remarks, Director Cadorette asked the incoming team to focus on membership growth which is critical for the future of not only the District but also of RI. He said while the District has gained a little in terms of new members, we are still not at the levels of even 3 years ago. Special emphasis should be placed on ensuring that new members are quickly engaged in the activities of the Club. There are now a wide variety of avenues to increase membership - through the formation of new traditional, satellite, passport or e-Clubs. He said RI was piloting membership directly with RI rather than an individual club.
District Governor Mahbub Ahmad thanked his family, all those who sent him good wishes and wished him well. He expressed his gratitude to RI Director Cadorette for his presence and installing the District Team. He said involving the family was one of the important areas of emphasis for membership growth., He outlined some of the new incentives to Clubs and enhanced support for Clubs.
In a message to the District, the new Governor echoed RI President Mark Maloney's call to put our words into action. Governor Mahbub looks forward to an exciting and fruitful year ahead, beginning to implement the Rotary Action Plan and celebrating the 75th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter. Along with District First Lady Rtn. Bina Ahmad, he extended his congratulations to the District Team and urged all members to join hands, look forward and "Connect the World", through service.
