Get the fast facts on your new regional leader, President Lizzy, including fun photos!

An Interview with President Lizzy

The Facts
Born in Ithaca, NY
Graduated from Candor Central Schools 2001, SUNY Oswego 2006
Profession: Advertising Professional with Advance Media New York since 2007
Connect on LinkedIn
Married to: Scott Martin
Pets: Vinny, Chihuahua, Age 17, and Mouse, Fluffy Gray Cat, Age 13
 
 
The Fun
Hobbies: Cooking, Crafting, Shooting Darts, Party Planning, ROTARY, Word Puzzles
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Team: NY Giants
Favorite Ingredient: Mushrooms and Thyme
Favorite Shows: Parks & Rec, The Office
Favorite Movies: Nightmare Before Christmas, all the Wonka-related ones, The Green Mile
 
Rotary Resume
Joined Rotary in 2009 - Baldwinsville Rotary 
Club Secretary 13 years
Club President 2019-20
D7150 District Conference Chair, Public Image Chair, Innovative Clubs Chair
 
 
Things to Know
-She cannot eat gluten, lactose, garlic or red meat (apologies in advance, but just ask her if you need guidance on this!)
-She does not do any kind of public transportation or anything on the water due to motion sickness
-She is not great at golf, but will give it a try if it's not too hot out.
-She loves a competition of any kind!
-She won't be singing again publicly unless it's to raise money for the Rotary Foundation
 
What made you go out for this position?
Well, I actually interviewed to be a District Governor of D7150, but we knew there was a possibilty of change on the horizon. I had no idea it would be all of this - re-envisioning regional leadership, building brand new teams across the board, coordinating a multitude of details to bring it all together. But I'm so glad that's how it played out because it's been really rewarding, which is why I enjoy volunteer leadership and would put myself up for a role like this in the first place. You get to work with so many great people who have the same kind of mission as you. I learn a lot from the leaders I am surrounded by, sometimes directly and sometimes by osmosis!
Also, we can blame PDG Cheryl Matt.
 
What are you most excited about?
The area visits! It's going to be a challenge to create 22 new group events for our clubs, but they will be fun and social. I'm really hoping these become a tradition for each area that the members look forward to each year in the future. It's a bit of a puzzle to put them all together on the calendar, but I like puzzles. This is really the fun part that all PDG's talk about - time with fellow members. It's going to be awesome!
 
What are you most nervous about?
Making sure that I truly make the most of this year while maintaining balance. The term of President is short, for good reason, but that means it will fly by. It's kind of a lot of pressure to squeeze out every drop. Can I keep up with the pace? Will I get to do all the things? Will I come out the other side better for it? I'm hoping this experience makes me a stronger leader thanks to the support of our entire team and better human being for getting to know so many more Rotarians. And I want to do it all with balance between work, family and volunteering.

What do you most want members to know about this whole CNY Rotary business?
I hope they all understand the massive amount of care that's gone into creating this new region, and that it's all for them. Everything the steering committee did was to reinvent how we provide support, education and inspiration to the members and clubs with the goal of strengthening and growing all of CNY. We want every club to thrive, every leader to feel supported, and every member to have the best possible Rotary experience. It takes a little time for a member to get acquainted with our new structure and hear about all the resources we can offer, but it's worth the effort to learn about all we've built for them. And also that it is a work in progress, and always will be. So constructive feedback and patience are a must!
 
You can follow @RotaryLizzy on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected to her travels around the region for the coming year.