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July 2024

Volume 24 Issue 8

Congratulations to the newest Rotarian in the Club! Camille Robinson and her husband Dan welcomed Birdie Monroe Clifton into the world on June 28^th at 2:30am. She is a happy, healthy, and really good baby according to her parents!

L. Christian presents Bob Cosby with Paul Harris Fellow recognition, which Bob arranged for his son. Well done!

SERVICE ABOVE SELF

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Dr. John M. O'Bannon III, Chairman of the Virginia State Board of Elections

“Supporting Accurate, Fair, Open and Secure Elections”

Dr. John O’Bannon is a lifelong Virginian who has dedicated himself to caring for others. As a child growing up on a farm in Rappahannock County, John helped his family sell apples at the family fruit stand near Skyline Drive. A graduate of Hargrave Military Academy and the University of Richmond, John attended medical school at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV), where he was elected President of the Student Body. Later, as a resident at MCV, he was elected President of the Housestaff Council, served as Chairman of the Dean’s Advisory Committee, and was named Chief Resident in Neurology.

A well-regarded physician, John O’Bannon was a partner in Neurological Associates Richmond medical practice. He has served as Chief of Staff of Henrico Doctors’ Hospital and served on the Board of Trustees. He served 2 terms on the VCU Health System Authority Board. His peers named him an “Outstanding Physician of the Year” in Richmond Magazine’s annual poll.

John O’Bannon is a national leader in improving the medical profession. A leader in the American Medical Association (AMA), John served on the AMA Delegation from the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) and as a member of the AMA’s Council for Ethical and Judicial Affairs from 1997 through 2004. John is past Chair of the Board of the Richmond Academy of Medicine where as Chair of the Legislative Committee, he helped pass the Virginia Patients’ Bill of Rights.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Rob Ukrop, President, Richmond Kickers Soccer

“Richmond Kickers. Sports + Entertainment!”

Rob Ukrop, part of the Ukrop's Super Market family, grew up in Richmond where he attended Collegiate School and starred with both the school's golf and soccer teams. Upon graduation from high school in 1988, he had roster offers from Wake Forest and the University of Richmond. However, he chose to attend Davidson College where Rob brought Davidson College into National prominence by leading them to the NCAA Final Four in 1992 and being named first team All-American.

That same season, Ukrop led the nation in scoring, was named the Intercollegiate Soccer Association of America (ISAA) Player of the Year. As a professional player, Ukrop played 12-seasons teams in the NPSL, APSL, MLS, and the USL. He spent most of his career with the Richmond Kickers helping to lead them to the 1995 US Open Cup Championship and the 1995 USISL League Championship. 

Upon his player retirement from the Kickers in 2004, Rob held the club record for career goals, career assists, career points, and matches and in 2011, he was inducted into the Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame. In 2018, 22 Holdings LLC, where Rob serves as Chairman & CEO, purchased the Richmond Kickers where he now serves as President. 

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

First Lady of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin

““Virginia is alive and well with greatness!”

By always aspiring to Strengthen the Spirit of Women+girls, the First Lady works on a variety of initiatives to uplift and support women and families. Her efforts largely focus on behavioral health, wellbeing, and workforce preparedness. She works to connect people with resources and organizations that can provide the tools and information required to support, heal, and enable growth and flourishing.

Mrs. Youngkin is committed to exposing the unprecedented rise in substance use, human trafficking, and suicide. She works alongside various organizations and families to expose the dangers of fentanyl poisoning and lends her voice and platform to destigmatize addiction, anxiety, and depression.

Motivated by the ever-present Spirit of Virginia, Mrs. Youngkin seeks out compassionate Virginians who are making a difference in their communities. She created the Spirit of Virginia Award to recognize and give thanks to the persons and organizations exemplifying works of goodwill.

In 2022, Mrs. Youngkin opened the decades-old Virginia Executive Mansion for the first time in more than two years after closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, guests are greeted by a first-of-its-kind art exhibit that celebrates and promotes Virginia artists. Working with museums, art institutions, and living artists from across the state, Mrs. Youngkin curated the “Art Experience” highlighting original works and artifacts.

Mrs. Youngkin promotes engagement in Petersburg, VA through the Partnership for Petersburg — the Governor’s comprehensive approach to uplift a vulnerable community. The First Lady is an active volunteer in Richmond-area schools and churches. Each quarter, the Youngkins donate the gubernatorial salary to a Virginia nonprofit organization that is making great strides in areas of need.

The First Lady serves as an honorary member on many boards including the State Ballet of Virginia, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Council, and the Wolf Trap Associates Board. She is President of the Phos Foundation, manages the affairs of a small equine farm in Northern Virginia, continues to engage in array of philanthropic activities, and is a mom to four incredible children.

Governor and Mrs. Youngkin are enjoying 29 years of marriage. They are the co-founders of VA Ready — a nonprofit established to reskill Virginians for sustainable work — and founding and active members of Holy Trinity Church (HTC) in McLean, Virginia.

Cat Anthony, Executive Director of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, presented to The Rotary Club of Richmond.

Brian Trader, Ph.D., President & CEO, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens addressed the Rotary Club of Richmond.

Joy Kline, Rotary District 7600 Governor 2024-2024, inspired The Rotary Club of Richmond.

Kelly Till, President Richmond Times Dispatch visited The Rotary Club of Richmond.

Kimberly J. Wilson, MBA, COO & CHRO, Deputy Director of HR, Museums Ops & Volunteers VMFA addressed The Rotary Club of Richmond.

John Delandro gave his classification talk to The Rotary Club of Richmond.

Whether you are relatively new to the club or a long-serving member, the Rotary Club of Richmond has been serving Richmond for more than a century; do you have your copy of this history? Copies are now available; $20 soft copies; $30 hard copies.

Let's wish our fellow Rotarians Happy Birthday and congratulations on their Rotary Anniversary!