NEWS

Bill Bartee Becomes the 110th President of Charlotte Rotary

With the start of the 2026–27 Rotary year, the Rotary Club of Charlotte proudly welcomes Bill Bartee as its 110th President. During the Club's annual Passing of the Gavel ceremony, President Patrick Baker formally passed the gavel to Bill, marking the beginning of a new year of leadership, fellowship, and service.

 A lifelong outdoorsman, entrepreneur, and community advocate, Bill is the owner of Jesse Brown's, Inc., a Charlotte institution that has inspired generations to explore the outdoors and embrace healthy, active lifestyles. Raised on an Angus cattle farm in Clover, South Carolina, Bill developed an appreciation for hard work, leadership, and service at an early age. An Eagle Scout, student body president, and graduate of Birmingham-Southern College with degrees in marketing and finance and a minor in English, he returned home after college to join Jesse Brown's, Inc. full-time before purchasing the business in 1994.

 Under Bill's leadership, Jesse Brown's, Inc. has grown far beyond a specialty outdoor retailer. Through innovative programming, educational events, guided adventures, and a commitment to authentic relationships, he has built a business that serves not only customers but also the greater Charlotte community. His long-running Carolina Outdoors radio show and podcast has introduced thousands of listeners to the beauty of nature while encouraging stewardship of the outdoors and lifelong learning.

Bill's leadership philosophy centers on optimism, encouragement, and genuine human connection. Known for his warm smile, engaging storytelling, and ability to make everyone feel welcome, he believes that lasting relationships are built through listening, empathy, and shared experiences. Those qualities have made him not only a successful business owner but also a respected community leader.

A dedicated Rotarian, Bill has faithfully served the Rotary Club of Charlotte in numerous leadership roles and has been deeply committed to advancing the Club's mission of "Service Above Self." As President, he looks forward to strengthening member engagement, welcoming new generations of Rotarians, and building upon the Club's remarkable legacy of service to Charlotte and beyond.

Bill also serves on the board of SouthPark Community Partners and remains actively involved in organizations that strengthen the Charlotte community. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have been married for more than 26 years and are the proud parents of four children. Whether hiking mountain trails, fly-fishing on a quiet stream, or gathering people together through Rotary, Bill believes that meaningful experiences—and meaningful lives—are built through relationships, service, and a spirit of adventure.

The Rotary Club of Charlotte is honored to welcome Bill Bartee as its 110th President and looks forward to the leadership, enthusiasm, and vision he will bring throughout the 2026–27 Rotary year.