Our New President-Pat Ward

Posted by Pat Korb

Pat Ward will be installed as the 96th President of the Rotary Club of Hazleton at the annual President’s Party to be held at the Valley Country Club on June 22..., 2016.

Pat has been a member of the Rotary Club of Hazleton for 20 years and he was sponsored for membership by Rotarian Bernie Rudegeair. Ward’s Rotary activities have included service as the club’s Sergeant at Arms, webmaster and club secretary, as well as vice president and president-elect. He is also a Paul Harris Fellow.

“The theme of the coming year in Rotary International is “Rotary Serving Humanity.” Ward said. “That is something we should all aspire to, and I know our club will continue to work hard to help local organizations better serve the community. We can also look to assist other Rotary clubs around the world on international projects, should the opportunities arise”.

Ward Continues, “We want to grow our membership this year, and welcome anyone who is interested in becoming a Rotarian and joining our great club, to reach out to one of our members. Our club will be challenged to “Focus on our community, focus on fellowship and focus on fun”. We currently have 90 active and 15 honorary members. These great Rotarians honor me by electing me as their President. We look forward to a great year”.

He has served as President of the United Way of Greater Hazleton since August, 2006. He assumed the position after stepping down as Chairman of the United Way Board, a volunteer position, to lead the organization through its transitional period and annual fundraising campaign.

Ward was a United Way volunteer for more than 25 years, including two years as campaign chair. He is a well-known community activist, public relations and marketing professional, political consultant and broadcast journalist, with over 35 years of experience in Northeast PA

Ward is a member of the board of the United Way of Pennsylvania and has been recipient of a number of community awards including the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year, Elks Distinguished Citizen and the Hazleton Jaycees Distinguished Service Award.

He is an active member of Holy Annunciation Parish, where he serves as lector and usher.

Ward officially takes over the reins of the club on July 1, 2016. Other officers and Board members will be: Toni Frumkin, President-Elect; Lisa Finkelstein, Vice President; Bernie Rudegeair, Secretary; Lani Drobnock, Recording Secretary; Pat Owens, Jr., Treasurer; John Schwear, Sergeant at Arms; and Ron Avellino, Immediate Past President. Members of the Board will be: Donna Barna, John Beltrami, Mark Imbriaco, Gary Lagana, Dr. Gary Lawler, Katherine Oh, Jim Reinmiller, Kenneth Trippett, and Alan Whitaker. Pat Korb will continue as Publicity Co-ordinator.