Longtime Chattanooga Civic Leader John Germ has been selected to serve as President of Rotary International from 2016-2017. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Mr. Germ is Chairman of the Board of Campbell & Associates, Inc., consulting engineers. A member of the downtown Rotary Club since 1976, John Germ has served in numerous leadership roles including President of the Downtown Club from 1993-1994; District Governor from 1996-1997; and, International Assembly Training Leader from 2000-2001. He was an incorporator of Blood Assurance and currently serves as Chairman of the Board. In addition, he was an incorporator of the Public Education Foundation. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board.
Mr.
Germ served on the RI Board of Directors from 2003-2005; was Vice President from 2004-2005; member of the International Assembly Committee and Chairman of the Council on Legislation; and, Vice-Chair of Rotary Centers Major Gift Initiative. He served as Aide to President Wilf Wilkinson and Vice Chairman of the International convention in 2012.
John Germ was honored by President Barack Obama in 2013 as one of 12 Rotary international “Champions of Change”. He is an active member of the Chattanooga community, serving as past President of the Boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement Boy Scouts, and Campaign Chairman of the United Way. He has also served as President of the Tennessee Jaycees and was honored with the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award.
John Germ has been instrumental in work at Orange Grove Center with the Recycling Center named in his honor and is currently working with community volunteers in raising funds to build Chattanooga’s Miracle Fields, which provides softball and recreation fields that are accessible to individuals of all abilities.
Chattanooga Rotary President Fred Decosimo said, “This is a huge honor not only for the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, but also for our City. We are proud of our native son and know he will make an outstanding President of Rotary International. We look forward to supporting him in the important work ahead.
Mr. Germ said, “I am honored and humbled to be elected to service. Rotary makes a huge impact around the world. From eradicating Polio, to working on providing potable water for communities and serving as a partner to Habitat for Humanity here in Chattanooga, Rotarians make a difference from local to international levels. I look forward to continuing the important work done by so many men and women around the world. It’s important for all of us to work together across socio economic and political spectrums. I am honored to be a part of the solution.”
Mr. Germ will be honored this Thursday, from 5-7 pm by the Club at a reception in his honor at the IMAX located on Chestnut Street.