Changing of the Guards

Dear Rotarians,

I imagine that waking up July 1 will be quite surreal. On any other day, I’d turn the key in the lock and start another day at the District Office. I might get a call from the Governor, perhaps a PDG, work on an upcoming event, and visit with a few Rotarians stopping by to drop off a check or to say hello. However, this July 1 will be the first day I don’t report for duty at the District Office.

As most of you know, I’m leaving my job here. After working here for 5 years and being involved with New Generations for over 10 years, the decision to leave wasn’t easy. The Rotary journey has been incredibly enriching. I’m the luckiest girl in the world to have been able to work with the finest that Los Angeles, I’d say even the world, has to offer-the Rotarians in our District. In my time here, I’ve seen what Rotary can do-from repairing a dilapidated home for a struggle resident to raising money for polio to giving a teenager self confidence at RYLA. I couldn’t have been more honored to work with District 5280.

I’m not sure where the road will take me next, but in the direction of the arts. Please stay in touch! Send me an email at the office and I’ll be sure to give you my personal contact info. I’m passing the baton to Emily Blair, our new District Office administrator. Emily will be a great fit for District 5280, and if you haven’t already met her, be sure to say hello at the next event. She comes from a Rotary family and I couldn’t be happier that she was chosen to take the lead from here. Thank you for this wonderful experience-to all of you who have been a support, a mentor, a friend, and an example, I’m forever grateful.

Sincerely,

Tori Hettinger

Ahoy Rotarians!

This is quite an exciting year for me. I’m getting married in October, we just bought our first house and now I have this new job. I am so thrilled to have the pleasure of running the district office! It means so much to me to have a job that will allow me to be a part of such a wonderful organization and meet so many interesting people.

Yes yes, I do know I have big shoes to fill. You remind me all the time! I certainly have gotten used to Tori being with me here and it will be so hard to see her go but I know she won’t be gone for good. We have become good friends and I hope that is a sign that I will make a decent replacement. I will certainly try my best to fulfill all my duties and provide the best administrative support to you that I can.

Thank you so much to Doug Baker, Pat Cashin, Brad Robinson and Susanne Sundberg for having enough faith to hire me. A big thank you goes out to Tori for doing her best to train me. My life has seen so much change in such a short amount of time and she has been a real cheerleader through this process. This is a challenging transition and I am grateful that so many people have already reached out to lend me a helping hand. It gives me great encouragement to know that you all want to see me succeed here and that you all have shown me compassion during my learning curve. I know this is the start of a long relationship and I look forward to the many years ahead! I can’t wait to get to know all of you and your wonderful clubs.

Best Wishes,

Emily “Em” Blair