People who know Gerry Jackson describe him as 100 percent Rotarian, an innovative thinker and a great family guy to his wife Debbie and their three children.
Starting July 1, the Rose Township resident and Davisburg Rotarian will use those skills as Rotary International’s District 6380 Governor, serving the approximately 2,025 Rotarians and 50 clubs from the suburban area outside of Detroit and Windsor.
‘I get the opportunity to make a difference in the world,? said Jackson. ‘It’s not about me being important. It’s about being able to answer the question about myself of why am I here. The job is about helping other Rotarians succeed.?
While Jackson does not fill the role until July, the Davisburg Rotary plans to mark his installation as District Governor during an informal event on June 23 at the 4-H fairgrounds.
‘Gerry Jackson is one of those individuals who is a very innovative thinker. He’s a gentleman that if you put him in charge he gets a lot of things done,? said Susan Wallace, a member of the Davisburg Rotary since 1990.
‘We’re very excited,? said fellow Rotarian Judy Windrim. ‘He is 100 percent Rotary and 100 percent service-oriented. He exemplifies all Rotary values and is very family oriented? How he finds the time to do it all (with family and work) ? he must not sleep.?
The process of selecting the Rotary governor started two years in advance, as is custom, in order to train Jackson for the leadership role.
To prepare, Jackson underwent four different training sessions of four days or more in Alaska, Wisconsin and California. The training ranges from understanding Rotary worldwide to tying Rotary information and values together for the coming year’s objectives, explained Jackson.
Jackson will serve a one year term as District Governor from July 1 ? June 30 and must visit every district club at least once to help clubs succeed with their Rotary goals.
Jackson explained much of the work occurs six months prior to installation with training the new presidents of the 50 rotary clubs and setting a staff. The new presidents, like all Rotary leadership, are changed over each year, according to Jackson, who said the changes keep leadership vibrant.
‘The biggest part of the job is being a good cheerleader after the first six months and letting those people know they can do these type of things and make an impact on the world,? said Jackson.
After joining the Davisburg Rotary in 1996, Jackson served as president during the 1999-2000 Rotary year.
He also served as an assistant governor for three years starting in 2001 providing guidance to the Clarkston, Brighton, Milford, Novi and Walled Lake Rotary clubs.
Jackson also gained speaking experience as a Rotary International Exchange Student to Australia in 1975 when the Bellevue Rotary Club of Bellevue, Iowa sponsored him as their first Rotary Exchange Student.