Rotary gavel passed to new president Sharon Wilson

Rotary Board members recognized

TOP PHOTO: Outgoing Rotary president Debbie Petree welcomed Sharon Wilson on as the new leader of the civic organization.

By Charlotte Underwood

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- The gavel was officially passed on Tuesday to Campbell County Rotary’s new president Sharon Wilson during the club’s weekly luncheon held at the LaFollette Methodist Church. Wilson is also the Campbell County Roane State Campus Director.

Outgoing Rotary president Debbie Petree welcomed Wilson on as the new leader of the civic organization and said she knew she was going to “do an outstanding job.” Petree said that the year had “flown by” and that “it has been her true honor to serve as Rotary President over the past year.”

“I appreciate everyone’s patience and loyalty to Rotary, and I look forward to serving Sharon in a new capacity,” Petree said. During the meeting, Petree was also honored with a Paul Harris Fellow pin. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute $1,000, or who have contributions made in their name of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation.

After the gavel was passed, Rotary’s new club president Sharon Wilson spoke briefly on the goals and vision for the club in the future.

“It’s an honor to serve as president in the upcoming year. As I thought about the upcoming year, I thought what word best describes what we want to do with the club and reflecting back on our visioning, the word that kept coming to mind was engaged; engaged in the membership growth, engaged in more fellowship with our members and most importantly, engaged in community service in honor of our community … I look forward to a great year working together,” Wilson.

Wilson also announced the 2025-2026 Rotary president-elect for next term will be Tracie Davis and that other board members will remain the same, with the exception that Petree will now be over social media for the club.

At Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting, 2024-2025 Rotary Club Board members were also recognized with certificates of appreciation. These included President Debbie Petree- President-elect Sharon Wilson, Past president and social media Brandon Johnson Rotary Secretary Cyndi Russell, Rotary Treasurer David Hickman, Rotary Club Foundation Chairman Logan Hickman, Past President Brandon Johnson, Membership Chairman Nancy Green, Scholarship Committee Chairman Shirley Fox Rogers, Service Projects Regina Blankenship, Rotary Youth Services Rhonda Longmire and President nominee Tracie Davis.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-06/25/2025-6AM)