The Rotary Club of Innisfil welcomed the club’s new president, Ken Simpson, to the helm in July.
As a resident of Innisfil since 1985 and a former town councillor in two non-consecutive terms, Ken Simpson has a breadth of knowledge about the community.
His desire to serve as the president of the club this year — a term that runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 — is furthered by his vocational history in public health and as a fire inspector.
Simpson has been a member of the club since 2015, and he served as its president for the first time from 2017 to 2018.
“My responsibilities vary, from leading, motivating and listening to members,” he said. “Members should feel connected to each other and the community.”
He explained the club has many goals, which include continuing to deliver food to the Troy Scott Community Fridges and Innisfil Food Bank, installing the remainder of the Peace Poles, holding the annual Harvest Dinner on Sept. 14, hosting its gingerbread house contest, and connecting with the Innisfil Lions Club for the community golf tournament.
“I look forward to a club the community will come to know as we promote integrity, goodwill and peace,” Simpson said.
Past presidents of the club told InnisfilToday that they are "delighted" and "pleased" that Simpson is the club’s current president.
“(He) is a skilled leader empowering the club members with responsibilities within the club and aligned with their skills. Ken is a known leader in our community having served on the municipal council and (been) involved in many community activities,” said fellow Rotarian and former Innisfil mayor Barb Baguley. “His steady and thoughtful leadership of our (club) will be appreciated by Rotarians as well as other community leaders.”
“Ken will be a great president. He is popular amongst our members as well as the community. I know during his term as president he will ensure that our club maintains its very positive reputation in Innisfil and that we will continue working on projects and events that will benefit our community,” said Anne Smith.
Simpson and his wife, Andrea, have two daughters each and “many” grandchildren. His volunteerism extends beyond Rotary, as he is a past member of the Gilford and Killarny Beach Lions Club, currently volunteers with the Ontario Trillium Foundation on their grant review team and past chair of Simcoe-Dufferin-Muskoka Crime Stoppers (South).
“My past experience has helped me appreciate the value of assisting in our community,” Simpson said. “When goals are set and achieved, everyone wins.”
“Ken brings a lot of knowledge, skill, and a team approach to our members and in Rotary initiatives. I look forward to the year ahead and where President Ken takes us,” club secretary Janey Morozuk said.
“Ken is well thought of by our members and also is a well-known, and a well-respected member of our community. Being president is a wonderful experience and the year I was president I remember fondly conversations with Innisfil residents who would say, ‘I know you, you're the president of the Rotary Club,’” said club sergeant-at-arms Al Gilchrist.
“Anyone can join our club, we are open to all,” Simpson added. “Members can enjoy contributing to our community and laughing along the way. Lifelong friendships are made.”
The club meets every Wednesday at the Lakeshore branch of the Innisfil ideaLAB and Library (967 Innisfil Beach Rd.) at 7:30 a.m. Learn more about it by visiting its website.
