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During its June 28 meeting, the Demopolis Rotary Club saw the incoming of a new president in Sean Parker. Parker takes over from Laurie Willingham who served as club president from 2022-2023. Parker assumed leadership of the club on Saturday, July 1.

Willingham became a Rotary member in 2019, served as Treasurer in 2020, and became president in 2022. Willingham said that as her term comes to a close, she is just now realizing what being a member of Rotary is all about.

During Willingham’s year as president, the Demopolis Rotary chapter added three new members and celebrated 100 years as a club. She expressed her appreciation to the member’s faithfulness and thanked the board for guiding her and answering any questions or concerns she had.

“I have enjoyed this time and as I pass the gavel to president-elect Sean Parker, I vow to be Rotary ready and put service above self to support and assist him during his term. Please let Sean know how you can offer to him and let’s make this coming year the best ever,” said Willingham.

After accepting the gavel and his new position, Parker took a moment to thank the club for giving him the opportunity to be its next president. He also promised to give 100 percent effort in his new role.

“The Rotarians here are leaders. Only the people that get out and try, work like a dog, really go out on a limb for something you believe in, are the ones who ever make mistakes,” said Parker. “I’m going to make mistakes. I will go 100 percent because that is the only speed I have. If I make a mistake, tell me. We’re going to make some mistakes, but we’re going to go 100 percent.”

Parker will serve as Rotary president from 2023-2024.