RCB President Nancy Goedecke Shares Vision for the 2026-27 Rotary Year
President Nancy Goedecke leads the first meeting of the 2026.27 Rotary year.
President Nancy Goedecke called the first meeting of the Rotary Club of Birmingham’s (RCB) 2026-27 year to order on July 15th. Club members welcomed the club’s 114th president and 5th female president with a standing ovation, continuing the longstanding tradition.
“I am truly humbled and honored to serve as your president this year,” Goedecke said. “I stand on the many shoulders of the other leaders who have come before me.”
Goedecke reflected on her family's long history with the club, recognizing her father, Past President Charles Collat Sr., who led the club in 2003-04. Goedecke said she was proud to continue that family legacy, noting that her father encouraged her to one day serve as president after she joined the club in 2009.
Goedecke, retired from leading Mayer Electric Supply, shared that a lifetime of civic involvement has shaped her approach to service. She shared that she often has a hard time saying no, but has had the opportunity to be part of exceptional endeavors because of her willingness to engage. She expressed appreciation for the support of her family, including her brother and fellow member, Charlie, and her son Scott, who recently joined the club.
Goedecke noted that the club’s temporary move to off-site meeting locations during renovations at The Harbert Center reflects Rotary’s earliest tradition of rotating meetings among members’ places of business. She said the club will also expand fellowship opportunities outside of Wednesday meetings in response to member feedback gathered during listening sessions and surveys, with a new strategic plan to be unveiled in the coming months.
Goedecke shared highlights from the Rotary International Convention in Taiwan, where more than 37,000 Rotarians gathered from around the world. She said the experience reinforced the global impact of Rotary and introduced members to Rotary International President Yinka Babalola’s 2026-27 theme, Create Lasting Impact. She celebrated the participation of RCB members and Rotaract leaders, highlighting the club’s reputation on the international stage and expressing excitement about welcoming President Babalola to Birmingham later this year.
Goedecke thanked Immediate Past President Jeff Stone and his board for positioning the club for continued success. She also expressed appreciation for the RCB staff, recognizing Executive Director Lora Blalock, June Clark, and Tyler Buck for their support. Goedecke thanked the members of her board of directors and committee leaders for their willingness to serve and shared that they have already been working together through the club’s strategic planning process.
Goedecke explained that RCB continues to stand on a strong foundation built over 113 years of bringing together civic leaders to learn, exchange ideas, and solve community challenges. With approximately 600 members representing 56 industries and more than 440 organizations, it remains the largest Rotary Club in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world.
Goedecke shared that member feedback has reinforced Rotary’s role as a civic home for every season of life. Whether members are most engaged through weekly meetings, local service projects, international initiatives, or fellowship, she emphasized that every member has a place in the club and encouraged continued participation and engagement.
“Our leadership is committed to building on our club’s strengths and evolving to meet the needs of our members and our community,” Goedecke said.
Goedecke shared several priorities for the coming year, including enhancing the member experience while recruiting outstanding community leaders to strengthen membership. The club will continue supporting Operation Wipe Out, the initiative to eliminate cervical cancer led by Isabel Scarinci, with weekly speaker donations benefiting the effort.
The club will also continue enhancing educational opportunities in Birmingham through support for Pre-K, college prep, and scholarships for Birmingham City Schools students. Goedecke also reaffirmed the club’s commitment to Rotary Trail, including continued support of its existing footprint and preparations to break ground on the Eastern Gateway expansion.
Goedecke encouraged members to continue supporting the RCB Foundation, which provides funding for the club’s service initiatives, and thanked Chair Clark Watson for his leadership. She stressed the importance of remaining engaged with Rotary at the district and international levels and support of The Rotary Foundation.
Goedecke concluded by encouraging every member to find meaningful ways to serve, learn, and build relationships throughout the year, whether through weekly meetings, fellowship events, or service opportunities.
“Together we will sustain continuous improvement in our community focused on the important initiatives of this club,” Goedecke said. “Thank you for your partnership and trust in me as we jump into what I know will be a great Rotary year!”
