RI's General Secretary
Posted by Rual Perkins
The day-to-day operations of Rotary International's Secretariat are under the supervision of the general secretary, the top professional officer of Rotary. Although the general secretary is responsible to the RI Board and president, he provides the ongoing management for nearly 650 staff members who work at RI World Headquarters and the seven international offices.
The general secretary serves as secretary to the RI Board and is also the chief executive of The Rotary Foundation, under the Supervision of the Foundation Trustees. He is the secretary of all Rotary committees as well as the Council on Legislation, regional conferences, and the annual RI Convention. The general secretary is appointed by the RI Board for a term of not more than three years, which may be renewed by the Board for a term of up to five years.
Since 1910, 10 men have served in that position. Chesley Perry, the original general secretary, served from 1910 to 1942. Others who followed were Phil Lovejoy (1942-1952), George Means (1953-1972), Harry Stewart (1972-1978), Herb Pigman (1979-1986 and 1993-1995), Philip Lindsey (1986-1990), Spencer Robinson, Jr. (1990-1993), Geoffrey Lange (1995-1997), and S. Aaron Hyatt (1997-2000). Ed Fuita was appointed in 2000. Throughout the history of Rotary, the personal influence and administrative skills of our general secretaries have significantly shaped the course of Rotary programs and activities.
Since 1910, 10 men have served in that position. Chesley Perry, the original general secretary, served from 1910 to 1942. Others who followed were Phil Lovejoy (1942-1952), George Means (1953-1972), Harry Stewart (1972-1978), Herb Pigman (1979-1986 and 1993-1995), Philip Lindsey (1986-1990), Spencer Robinson, Jr. (1990-1993), Geoffrey Lange (1995-1997), and S. Aaron Hyatt (1997-2000). Ed Fuita was appointed in 2000. Throughout the history of Rotary, the personal influence and administrative skills of our general secretaries have significantly shaped the course of Rotary programs and activities.