Meeting

Report

 
HOW I GOT WHERE I'M AT
by Dee Milligan
 
Alan Adler, born in Detroit during the 1950s, currently runs a management consulting firm coaching companies to effectively reach greater levels of profitability. Alan reflects ‘less is more – there are no limits except those we place on ourselves’. Alan has been prepared to deal with challenges his whole life being forced in his early school years to use his right hand even though he was left handed. As a Boy Scout, Alan built an understanding about contributing to community early on. Alan attended University of Michigan then graduated with honors from Wayne State University obtaining degrees in both Education and Marketing Communications. He also uses his ‘right hand’ and his ‘left hand’ to play several instruments – saxophone, clarinet, trumpet and guitar – and participated in band and orchestra throughout his school years. Alan put his education and communications knowledge into practice teaching middle school and as an AM/FM radio newscaster – working seven days a week presenting news, weather and sports. He then joined a production firm where, through his boss, Alan had the privilege of being exposed to Ford Motor Company business icon Lee Iacocca. He credits this ‘who you know versus what you know’ experience as very important in his career. For two years Alan directed and produced a syndicated TV show while simultaneously teaching college at Oakland University. Alan then spent 10 years building to profitability and selling his interest in Call Processing Solutions, an 85 person company located in New Jersey. Now faced with ‘what’s next’, Alan decided to move with the aspiration of improving his quality of life which he found in Charlotte. The most important title Alan feels he has ever had is ‘Dad’. Alan’s passion for Rotary has already transferred to his lovely daughter, Sloane. Even at the early age of 7 (going on 18 in her dad’s eyes), it was evident that Sloane comprehends the ideals of Rotary when she instinctively asked if she could meet the family that moved into the Charlotte Rotary Habitat House. Alan is also very proud to mention that his significant other, Beth Montgomery, was the second female member of the Belmont Rotary Club.
 
Cecily Durrett is one of our newest Rotary members. She obtained a degree in Radio and TV at Appalachian State then moved to Charlotte in 1980 to work for WBT radio covering City Hall. During her routine of going to work at 5:00 PM while watching everyone else go home, she had an epiphany – she wanted a change. Cecily jokes that she possibly ‘holds the record of having more jobs than anyone else’. Moving to WPC radio, Cecily had the opportunity to work with Bob Raiford. Working in radio during the day was akin to a sitcom. While one the air one day she noticed fewer and fewer people in the newsroom only to learn there was a bomb threat at the station. Next steps for Cecily included working at Duke Power in the role of spokesperson for the nuclear power plant under construction at the time. When the project was completed Cecily went to Charlotte Memorial in a public relations role covering significant events, including the privilege of reporting on their first hear transplant. After taking a role at Jones Miracle Network, her first daughter was born and it was clear to Cecily that her place at that time was at home. By the time her daughter turned five, Duke Power encouraged her to return and within six months was heading up Advertising. Following the Penn Energy merger, Cecily took the opportunity to head back home and fill the role of ‘mom’ again. At the request of the Food Lion Legal Department, Cecily extended her communications services to interpret legal actions so that they could be understood both internally and to the public. She joined Presbyterian at the time they merged with Novant, and then went back to WBTV 3 as marketing and program director. While effectively performing in both corporate and at home careers, Cecily also volunteered as a dedicated member of the United Way of the Central Carolinas board which led to the most recent link in her career as their newly appointed Vice President of Marketing.
 
Gregg Walker launched his career as a human resources and planning consultant. He does not consider himself a ‘finished product’ and suggested the best way to describe his outlook is through is favorite song – ‘Fingerprints of God’. Gregg is a grandson of a Minister who inspired him and took the time to write him letters which Gregg treasures. He is the son of civically involved Ace Walker and an extremely supportive mom who insisted Gregg display good manners and always uses correct grammar. Gregg was on the school’s soccer and wresting teams and cherished his mom’s attendance and support at each game. As a student, Gregg was inspired by Margaret Bragg at Charlotte Country Day for encouraging him to also look outside of North Carolina as he planned for college. Gregg is grateful to his wife Anne for taking him has a husband, loving him unconditionally, and changing his life. Gregg and Anne have three boys (including twins) who love when their father sings to them. As a father, Gregg contributes as a coach and enjoys playing tennis. As a Christian, Gregg serves God as a Sunday school teacher. Gregg attained his degree at Williams College. With a passion (and talent) for singing, Gregg was selected for the schools a cappella singing group, The Williams Octet, which was featured at a Baltimore Orioles game! He interprets ‘service above self’ by reinforcing ‘you are blessed so that you can be a blessing to others’. Gregg identifies with the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” and lives by the fact that ‘no person is a failure that has friends’.
 
Myra Johnston joined the Charlotte Rotary in 2000. She was born in Memphis and moved to Morristown when she was four. Having all brothers, a competitive spirit prevailed and her parents inspired all of them to set goals – transferring a mindset to Myra that ‘you can do whatever you set your mind to’. From kindergarten through graduation, no one in Myra’s family ever missed a day of school. Myra and all of her brothers worked at McDonalds from the time they turned 16 until they completed their graduate degrees – in fact, McDonald’s paid for Myra’s graduate degree. In college, Myra aspired to be an interior designer. Struggling somewhat, she tested to discover her true personal orientation which turned out to be Business and English. She was then inspired by the content of a course on Death and Dying and the professor teaching the course. She knew her calling at that moment, re-directed her effort and obtained her graduate degree in social work. With enthusiasm and a ‘can do’ attitude, Myra began her career at Presbyterian. After one week on the job, an Oncology social worker resigned and Myra raised her hand for the job – her boss responded with ‘no, that job requires a seasoned social worker’. Disappointed, Myra understood but never let this diminish her spirit. It quickly became apparent that the Oncology social worker hired was not going to work out and Myra was given the opportunity to meet the challenge. Myra is forever grateful to Bryon Bullard for giving her that chance. Later she had an idea – a vision – and has Rex Welton to thank for his support and commitment by giving her the opportunity to carry it out. With Rex as a role model, mentor and commitment that can only be paralleled to that of a ‘biological dad’, Myra now successfully runs the Presbyterian Buddy Kemp Caring House (cancer center). It is clear to Myra that Rex, at her side the entire way, believed in her then and continues to believe in her. Myra is currently working to attain her Doctorate. Personally living the value that life is precious and special, Myra has three healthy, happy children and is first committed to being successful as a parent. Lessons learned along the way, ‘God can do amazing work’! 
  
Head Table:
Cecily Durrett, Alan Adler, Catherine Browning, Frank Timberlake, Gregg Walker, Myra Johnston, Richard Bailey
  
Visitors and Guests:
Invocation: Bill Meanor; Health & Happiness: Kip Kiser; Invocation: Lamar Thomas; Song: Gregg Walker

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