June 27 marked a new role for Lt. Tony Rees, as he was installed as president of the Batavia Rotary Club. During the club’s annual Pass the Gavel Breakfast, former president Dan Haglage personally thanked each member of the club for his/her involvement over the past year, before turning over the gavel to Rees.

Haglage served as president from July 1, 2016 to June 27, 2017. This was his second term in office, having served as president once before in the 2010-11 Rotary year. During Haglage’s presidency, he worked to engage every member to be part of a club committee or event. He focused on producing a club video that would showcase the history of the Batavia Rotary and help recruit new members to be part of the club’s future. This video is slated to be finished later this year.

Upon being installed, Rees told the club a bit about himself. He is originally from Oak Hills and grew up in Union Township. He attended St. Thomas More School and Archbishop McNicholas High School. He attended the University of Cincinnati for his Bachelor’s degree and Northern Kentucky University for his Masters in Law Enforcement. Rees is currently a lieutenant with the Union Township Police Department, and he loves his job.

“You have an obligation to make a good impression as an officer,” said Rees. “A simple hello can lead to a thousand things. I now take every opportunity in my job to promote the great things being done by Batavia Rotary.”

During his year as President, Rees will focus on member recruitment and retention as a top priority. His goal is to grow the group by at least two new active members, assigning them a mentor to assimilate them through their first few months. Social media will play a big role in his term in office, as well as continued exposure to local media that will highlight the work being done by Batavia Rotary.

Rees will work with club members to complete the video project begun during Haglage’s year as president so it can be used as a recruitment tool for potential new members. Additionally, Rees hopes to collaborate with other Rotary groups in the county, as well as non-profit organizations in the community.

Rees and his wife, Tracy, have been married for 17 years. They have two boys, 11 and 13 years old, and reside in Union Township.

Batavia Rotary meetings are held each Tuesday at 7 a.m. at the Hawk Building on the Clermont County Airport Campus. For more information, visit www.batavia-rotary.org.