New leader at Wilshire Rotary takes helm
NEW PRESIDENT Janice Prior was sworn in July 1. At left is Past District Governor of Rotary International, Scot Clifford.
Joyce Kleifield steps down after two years
Janice Prior was sworn in as new president of the Wilshire Rotary Club at a ceremony July 1 at Buca Di Beppo restaurant at Universal City.
Prior joined the organization with some trepidation 20 years ago, she told us. She has gone on to serve on the board multiple times, and she has grown to appreciate the group’s global efforts to eradicate polio.
“It’s amazing to be a part of an organization that can say that,” Prior said.
She also appreciates the club’s efforts closer to home, such as collecting food and money to help supply a local food bank. “That was a huge hands-on highlight moment.
“We can come together and make things happen rather quickly,” she adds.
What she likes most about the 61-member group is, “You don’t get tied to one specific cause. You can do multiple things and pivot to what’s most needy.”
Among her goals in the coming year is getting the word out that the Rotary is not your grandparents’ club.
“It’s often joked that it’s the best-kept secret, so we’re trying to get the word out… the face of Rotary is changing. It’s service-minded professionals.” Pretty much like Prior herself.
Prior, who grew up in the area, lives in historic Lafayette Square with her husband Chris and their teenage son and daughter. Her parents, Elsa and Larry Gillham, are longtime Wilshire Rotarians.
Prior is director of sales at Ampersand, a TV advertising and technology company.
Joyce Kleifield stepped down after serving a two-year presidency.
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