The Rotary Club of Metropolitan Savannah will induct its new slate of leadership for the 2026-2027 year at its July 7 meeting and is proud to announce their new Club President, Rowena (Ro) Patrick. 

 

Ro Patrick steps into the presidency with a clear vision and a signature rallying cry: Rebel with a Cause. Rooted in Rotary International's timeless motto of Service above Self, Ro’s theme is a reminder that putting others first doesn't have to be buttoned-up—it can be ridiculously awesome. 

 

“Joining Metro Savannah Rotary introduced me to a whole new side of Savannah and deepened my love for the place I call home,” said Ro. “Now, it’s my turn to give back. This year, we’re going to serve Savannah harder than ever, break a few molds, and have a blast doing it. Rebel with a Cause—big heart, bold moves, and yes, a few shenanigans. Let’s go!” 

 

Metro Savannah Rotary invites individuals, businesses, and community leaders to join in this year’s efforts to strengthen connection and create lasting impact in Savannah. Around here, every project, event, and initiative gets put to the club’s unofficial test: “Will it be ridiculously awesome?” If the answer is yes, Metro Savannah Rotary is in.

 

Ro has spent more than two decades doing public service. As Senior Vice President, Campaigns and Programs at the Ad Council, the national nonprofit that harnesses the power of advertising, media, and technology to drive change on the country’s most pressing issues, she leads national public service campaigns tackling issues like gun violence and the overdose crisis. It’s big, systemic work, and she loves it.

 

But there’s something different about doing that work close to home. Metro Savannah Rotary is where Ro gets to roll up her sleeves and see the impact in the faces of the people she’s serving—the families and individuals who make up this city. The issues may be similar, but the scale is different. 

 

“Getting to do both—make an impact nationally and show up personally in my own backyard—is a privilege I don’t take lightly,” said Ro. 

 

Before the Ad Council, Ro held senior client services roles at advertising agencies FCB and Ogilvy. She holds a Master of Science from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science from New York University. A native of Hong Kong and a long-time New Yorker, she has called Savannah home since 2016 and joined Metro Savannah Rotary in 2022. On most days you can find her walking around Ardsley Park with her dog Rusty and her husband Brad Patrick, who is also a proud member of Metro Savannah Rotary.

In addition to Ro, the 2026-2027 board includes President-Elect -Jamie Arkins (Thomas & Hutton), Treasurer – Jasmine Mills (CustomFit Training Center and Noom), Secretary- Jaimie Falzarano (Falzarano & Associates), Immediate Past President-  George Seaborough (Chatham Citizen Advocacy)  Sergeant-at-Arms – Kat Erickson (Savannah Tree Foundation), Programs Co-Chairs – Suzanne Kirk (Employee Development Strategies) and Deanna Whitt (Ernst & Young), Service Chair -  Ruth Hutson (SESCO Lighting), Communications Co-Chairs – Kristin King (Sago Property Management and New Arts Ensembles) and Katie Rudder-Fender (South University) and Destiny Mojica-Taylor (Destiny Mojica LLC), Foundation Chair – Whitney Shephard (Green Truck Pub & Transport Studio),  Membership Co-Chairs – Emily Doherty (City of Tybee) and Florence Slatinsky (Advertising Specialty Services), Legacy Chair – Jordan Chase (JTE Holdings), Interact Liaison – Ben Barksdale (Barksdale Group at Keller Williams Realty Coastal Area Partners), Youth Programs Chair– Aaron Miller (Miller Real Estate), Family of Rotary Chair – Chelsea Dye (Purpose & Plants lifestyle, Alchemist Untamed), Grants Chair – Cari Clark Phelps (Salacia Salts), Disaster Response Chair – Chelsea Sawyer (Chatham Emergency Management Agency) Director of Fun- Cecilia Arango (Thomas & Hutton)