We are honored to have the opportunity to meet with our Rotary District Governor, Craig Gillis, at noon on Thursday, October 18, 2018, at The Ram Restaurant & Brewery in Puyallup, WA.  Craig’s biography and introductory message to us as District Governor follow.

District Governor, Craig Gillis

Craig is a teacher at heart. During his University of Victoria training, he met his wife Gerry. Soon they began their careers in Prince Rupert high schools. In 1976 they moved Campbell River, teaching until retirement in 2008. Both have Master of Education degrees. Craig worked as a counselor, vice-principal, and principal before eight years as K-12 Director of Instruction and Assistant Superintendent for School District 72. His wife, Gerry, a high school career facilitator and counselor, chartered the Timberline Secondary Interact Club.

Since retirement, Craig has worked as a consultant, behavior specialist, mentor, and Aboriginal Education Improvement Agreement facilitator. He has supervised over 60 student teachers for UVIC and VIU and trained all Campbell River election workers for Elections Canada. As a British Columbia Marriage Commissioner, he has launched nearly 500 couples on their ‘happily ever after’.

A Rotarian with Campbell River Daybreak since 2001, Craig has service in his blood. He acted as director/grants chair for the C.R. Community Foundation for seven years. Named as ‘Rotarian of the Year’ prior to his year as President in 2010-2011, Craig’s primary focus has always been youth through Literacy, Student of the Month, Scholarship, Youth Exchange. He assisted with his club’s distribution of 280 wheelchairs to Colombia. A perennial presenter at DTA, he has served as District Trainer and Youth Exchange Chair. Last year, District 5020 was named as the outstanding Youth Exchange District in North America. Craig has co-facilitated thirty Rotary Club Vision sessions.  

Craig is a Paul Harris Society member. Craig and Gerry are major donors. They are very proud of their daughter, a clinical psychologist, their son, a documentary filmmaker, and their first grandchild, destined to be a future Rotarian!

Craig’s message as District 5020 Governor

“What an honor to serve Rotary District 5020 as District Governor! It is daunting to follow in the footsteps of so many that I have admired for their wisdom, commitment, and passion for Rotary. As the largest Rotary District in North or South America, we have such potential as community and world leaders.

Rotary International President, Barry Rassin, has gifted us with a motivating theme: Be the Inspiration! Through our collaborative efforts ‘we’ will leave a deep and sustainable imprint on the lives of others. Rotary International asks us to Support and Strength Clubs; Focus and Increase Humanitarian Service; Enhance Public Image and Awareness.

In attracting new members and in retaining existing members we strengthen our ability to serve.

In increasing contributions to our Rotary Foundation, our clubs have access to funds that support both local and international projects.

In identifying our collective work through our Rotary brand, we build an awareness of the family of Rotary.

Like so many, I was drawn to Rotary as a dedicated network that provides service, yet it is our Rotary friendships that inspire our efforts and help us to acknowledge the ‘heart’ of Rotary.  This year I ask you to deepen your knowledge of Rotary and continue to support your clubs in their service and fundraising efforts. When we give to our Foundation we create opportunities to aid others who don’t share the privileges we know as citizens of first world countries. We remain united in our efforts to eradicate polio.

I look forward to meeting you in your clubs and in your communities.

Collectively, let’s make it our mission to Be the Inspiration!”