Local People

Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 January 2023 14:41

Stephanie Urchick, member of the Rotary Club of McMurray, PA, USA, will become the second woman to take office as president of Rotary International on 1 July 2024.

Stephanie Urchick

During her one-year term, Urchick will lead the global service organization in adapting its systems and structures to enable Rotary’s 1.4 million members in 200 countries and regions to deliver impactful and lasting solutions to the continued challenges facing the world today in a more efficient and regionally effective manner.

To that end, Urchick will strive to foster an understanding of how regional differences affect the way Rotary members work together, and how to leverage and embrace different perspectives to create a strong foundation for innovation, sustainability, and growth.

"Rotary is not the same for everyone everywhere. Understanding how culture, religion, geography, language and so much more inform how Rotary members work together is critical to furthering Rotary’s impact,” said Urchick. “By acknowledging, respecting and responding to these differences, Rotary can increase cooperation and create and sustain meaningful change everywhere we live, work, and serve.”

Urchick will also seek to bridge information and communication gaps and foster connections through technology.

“Rotary successfully pivoted to the digital world at the outset of the pandemic, and I want to continue to maximize the benefits,” said Urchick. “Virtual platforms remain a great way for members to engage with Rotary and spread the word about its causes and work.”

Urchick holds a doctorate in leadership studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. A Rotary member since 1991, Stephanie has served Rotary in many roles and capacities. Her service includes building a primary school in Vietnam; installing water filters in the Dominican Republic; mentoring new Rotary members in Ukraine; and coordinating a Rotary Foundation grant project in Poland.

Rotary members throughout the world develop and implement sustainable, community-driven projects that fight disease, promote peace, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, grow local economies and protect the environment. Over US$5.5 billion has been awarded through The Rotary Foundation – Rotary’s charitable arm that helps clubs work together to perform meaningful, impactful service.