The district governor performs a very significant function in the world of Rotary. He or she is the single officer of Rotary International in the geographic area called a district. The district governors, who have been extensively trained at the International Assembly and regionally at the governors-elect training seminar, provide guidance and leadership to the more than 32,000 Rotary clubs of the world. They are responsible for maintaining the high performance of the clubs of their district.

The district governor is a very experienced Rotarian who generously volunteers more than a year to leading the district, has a wealth of knowledge about current Rotary programs, purposes, policies, and goals; and is a person of recognized high standing in his or her profession, community, and Rotary club. The governor must supervise the organization of new clubs and strengthen existing ones. He or she performs a host of specific duties to ensure that the quality of Rotary does not falter in the district and is responsible for promoting and implementing all programs and activities of the RI president and board of Directors. The governor plans and directs training for incoming district officers and also oversees the organization of the district conference and other special events.