Optimist International leadership looks to the future

The 99th Annual Optimist International Convention was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico July 6-8, 2017. During the event, an International President-elect was announced, the International President-designate was introduced, and the Immediate Past International President was celebrated as the current International President presided over the business and social events.

(L to R) Nick Prillaman, Jim Kondrasuk, Dave Bruns, Rebecca Butler Mona

President Jim Kondrasuk reminded the assembly that there are approximately 90 days left in the administrative year which is enough time for all clubs to achieve the Honor Club recognition. Find out more about Honor Club at this link. Under his chairmanship, the results of the bylaws amendments were:

• Issue 1 - Dues and Fees - simplifies language, emphasizes policy, and changes the tier 1, 2, and 3 countries to developing and non-developing countries. PASS
• Issue 2 - Reserve Membership - eliminates the category of membership called Reserve Membership. PASS
• Issue 3 - Friend of Optimist - places the Friend of Optimist member as a category of membership and then exempts the category from club board of directors' actions. PASS
• Issue 4 - District Secretary/Treasurer - removes the restriction adopted at the 2016 Optimist International Convention that an individual may not serve as District Secretary/Treasurer for more than three consecutive years. FAIL
• Issue 5 - presented with 100% consensus of the delegation - Indemnification of officers - requires written proof that an individual or agent is acting on behalf of Optimist International and/or an Optimist Club. PASS 

Immediate Past International President Dave Bruns was recognized by the Board of Directors for his service, but not before he had the opportunity to recognize eighteen District Governors who earned the Distinguished Governor recognition in 2015-2016. Vice Presidents Mark Clausson and Mark Harris were also recognized for highest percentage regional growth and new club building.

Nick Prillaman, International President-designate, took the stage and presented his introductory speech. Telling a story that went from his childhood to today, he proclaimed that Optimists are heroes, something that we will certainly learn more about in the 2017-2018 administrative year that begins October 1, 2017. 

Finally, the assembly looked to the future as it was announced that Rebecca Butler Mona was selected as President-elect. She will become Optimist International President on October 1, 2018.

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Butler-Mona via Facebook.