"Which Rotarian started the Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) program at PCHS in 1984?"
The answer: Greg Ranney
Greg was raised in Pekin and graduated from PCHS as part of the Class of 1970. He attended Illinois Central College participating in several professional development classes. He also partook in a number of Zenger Miller Leadership classes. This educational growth would serve him well in the many roles to come in a life that would call for a proven leader.
His early career was in the construction business where he was a supervisor for many projects in the Pekin and Morton area. He also served for 15 years on the local board of his construction union. In 1990, he became an employee of the City of Pekin--a career change that became his professional calling. As his responsibilities grew, he became the manager and later the superintendent of recycling while also overseeing the yard waste and garbage departments. Given his success, school and city bus transportation management as well as maintenance and repairs of all city buildings and vehicles were added to his duties. Besides seeing that 3,200 kids arrived safely to school and back home on a daily basis he was also responsible for several million dollars of the city's budget.
After retiring from the city, Greg worked at John Evans Supportive Living. When the Director's position at Pekin United Way became available, Greg eagerly applied. Among 39 resumes received, Greg's was exemplary. His community involvement stood out. As his predecessor told the Pekin Times upon Greg's selection, "He's been all over the place. He's been a volunteer at many events...He's a perfect fit." October 1 marks Greg's one-year anniversary and, as expected, his tenure has met with great success.
Over the years, Greg has served on countless boards including the Pekin Marigold Festival, Pekin First, Pekin Transportation Committee, and several volunteer positions at Grace United Methodist Church. But for our club, we know him as a member since 1992, a board member, Past President, and Paul Harris Fellow. He also served as chairman of our Rotary Readers program for several years. He recently assumed chairmanship of our newly formed Membership Committee. I asked him to take on that responsibility because I know he will make it a success--just like everything else he undertakes.
Lost in Greg Ranney's proven experiences is the answer to the trivia question about SADD. How did he get involved? What inspired him to do so? Students Against Drunk Driving is just part of his legacy--one that's perhaps another story for another time.
Gary Gillis
The new branding of "The Rotary Grill" was an eye-catching success and we saw many people looking at our table-top cards learning the Pekin Rotary story.
