Passing the Baton: Winchester Noon Rotary Installs New President

The Winchester Noon Rotary Club recently held their annual Installation Dinner announcing Felicia Wright as their new president for the upcoming year.

              Felicia Wright is stepping into her new role as president of the Rotary Club with energy and determination, succeeding her husband, Tim Wright, who served in the position last year. She plans to keep the club’s momentum moving at a freight train’s pace, with a focus on boosting community engagement and growing membership. Under the Wrights’ leadership, the club saw an increase in participation, with membership rising from 24 to nearly 40—progress Felicia hopes to build on through continued outreach and service-driven events.

              Before officially handing over the reins, outgoing president Tim Wright reflected on what the past year had meant to him, describing his time leading the Rotary Club as both an honor and a deeply rewarding experience. He spoke warmly of the Franklin County community and the relationships he and his wife have built through service, noting that the club’s mission of fellowship and impact had grown even more meaningful to them over time. Wright thanked fellow Rotarians for their support during his term and expressed confidence in the club’s future under Felicia’s leadership.

Noon Rotary President Felicia Wright presents Past President, her husband Tim Wright, with a plaque, thanking him for his service as the Rotary President and all the work he has done for the Franklin County community.

              “We knew we could move anywhere in the world.  And we chose Tennessee.”, said Wright.  “We did not come here to retire and sit on the front porch in rocking chairs.  We came here to serve the community.  We’ve been here four years, and it’s been amazing how much we’ve been involved in and how much we’ve grown to love this town, this community, and the people in it.”

              Tim Wright described his experience as Rotary Club president as “incredible,” reflecting on a year filled with service, connection and community growth. As he passed the baton to his wife, Felicia, he expressed full confidence in her leadership and her ability to guide the club toward an even brighter future. He also took time to recognize and honor the club’s officers and key members, thanking them for their dedication and the crucial roles they played in making the past year a resounding success.

              Officiating the installation of the new officers was Chattanooga Rotary Assistant Governor from district 678 Gina Crumbliss. 

Chattanooga Rotary Assistant Governor Gina Crumbliss leads Felicia Wright in taking the oath as the new Winchester Noon Rotary President.

              “I am so honored and so humbled to be here.”, stated Crumbliss.  “Winchester is close to my heart.  You all have done great things and looking at some of your successes, last year you added 11 members.  And this year, to date, you’ve already added five.  That’s phenomenal.”

              She then introduced the new incoming officers.  Felicia Wright, the new president.  Kyle Hatchett, the new secretary.  And T. Simmons, the treasurer. 

              After officially taking her oath as president, Felicia Wright took to the mic to address her fellow Rotarians.  She thanked her husband for his past work as president and presented him with a plaque for his tireless efforts put forth to see the club through to success.  She announced that the new rotary theme would be “Unite for Good”. 

              “This is simply a powerful phrase that reminds us of the core of rotary.”, stated the new president.  “The power of human connection—it challenges each of us to unite with purpose, unite with passion, and unite with service in our hearts.  Because when we come together across generations, professions, and perspectives, we create something much bigger than ourselves.  We create meaningful change.”

              She told her fellow Rotarians that the club called them to welcome new members with open arms and warm heart, collaborate with community partners on service projects, and share their stories. Wright encouraged attendees to spread the word about the Rotary Club’s mission and ongoing efforts, emphasizing that many in the community are eager to get involved—they just need an invitation.  

              Looking ahead, the Franklin County Rotary Club is setting its sights on an ambitious year of growth and service. Leaders hope to boost membership to 50, expand youth engagement through the potential launch of an Interact Club at Franklin County High School, and strengthen local partnerships by supporting initiatives like Habitat for Humanity. The club also plans to build on its slate of successful fundraisers, ensuring continued impact throughout the community.

              “We are not just a club.  We are a movement.”, stated Felicia Wright.  “And this year, we are moving forward, united for good.  When we combine our time, our talent, and our resources with rotary’s global reach, there is truly no limit to what we can accomplish.  Let’s make this year the year that we grow stronger, reach further, and serve deeper.  Let’s make this year we unite for good.”

Winchester Noon Rotarians gather at the Country Club to enjoy a catered meal, live band, and fellowship during their Installation Dinner held last Tuesday night.

              The installation dinner concluded with the recitation of Rotary’s Four-Way Test, reinforcing the club’s guiding values and a renewed commitment to “Service Above Self.” With an energized leadership team, ambitious goals, and a growing roster of dedicated members, the Winchester Noon Rotary Club is poised for a year of meaningful impact. From local initiatives to broader outreach, members say they’re prepared to work tirelessly to serve the Franklin County community—and build a legacy that reaches even further.