Jennifer E. Jones, of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, is the President of Rotary International for 2022-23.
Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, became Rotary International’s President for 2022-23, a groundbreaking selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organization’s 115-year history.
Jones officially became the Rotary International President on July 1st 2022!
Jones says she sees Rotary’s Action Plan as a catalyst for increasing Rotary’s impact.
“As we reflect upon our new strategic priorities, we could have never envisioned that our ability to adapt would become our North Star during what is inarguably the most profound time in recent history,” Jones said in her vision statement. “Silver linings rise out of the most challenging circumstances. Using metric-driven goals, I will harness this historic landscape to innovate, educate, and communicate opportunities that reflect today’s reality.”
As the first woman to be nominated and elected president, Jones understands how important it is to follow through on Rotary’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement. “I believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion … begins at the top and for us to realize growth in female membership and members under the age of forty — these demographics need to see their own reflection in leadership,” Jones said. “I will champion double-digit growth in both categories while never losing sight of our entire family.”
Jones is founder and president of Media Street Productions Inc., an award-winning media company in Windsor. She was chair of the board of governors of the University of Windsor and chair of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce. She has been recognized for her service with the YMCA Peace Medallion, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and Wayne State University’s Peacemaker of the Year Award, a first for a Canadian. Jones holds a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.).
A Rotary Foundation trustee, Jones has been a Rotary member since 1997 and has served Rotary as RI vice president, director, training leader, committee chair, moderator, and district governor. She played a lead role in Rotary’s rebranding effort by serving as chair of the Strengthening Rotary’s Advisory Group. She is the co-chair of the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee, which aims to raise $150 million for polio eradication efforts.
Jones led the successful #RotaryResponds telethon, which raised critical funds for COVID-19 relief and was viewed by more than 65,000. Jones has also received Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award and The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service. She and her husband, Nick Krayacich, are members of The Rotary Foundation’s Arch Klumph Society, Paul Harris Society, and the Bequest Society.
The members of the Nominating Committee for the 2022-23 President of Rotary International were: Robert L. Hall, Dunwoody, Metro Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Bradford R. Howard Oakland Uptown, California, USA; Per Høyen, Aarup, Gelsted, Denmark; Peter Iblher, Nürnberg-Reichswald, Zirndorf, Germany; Ashok Mahajan, Mulund, Mah., India; Sam Okudzeto, Accra, Accra, Ghana; Eduardo San Martín Carreño, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Takeshi Matsumiya, Chigasaki-Shonan, Chigasaki Kanagawa, Japan; Michael K. McGovern (secretary), Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA; José Alfredo Pretoni, São Paulo-Sul, São Paulo, Brazil; Saowalak Rattanavich, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand; Hendreen Dean Rohrs, Langley Central, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada; Kenneth M. Schuppert, Jr (chair)., Decatur, Alabama, USA; Ravindra P. Sehgal, Belur, West Bengal, India; Noel Trevaskis, Merimbula, Tura Beach, Australia; Giuseppe Viale, Genova, Genova, Italy; and Chang-Gon Yim, Daegu-West, Daegu, Korea.
Vision and Goals for Rotary Jennifer Jones
“In order to live in the kind of society you want, you have to help build it.” This is a quote from my youngest brother and it speaks to the core of who we are and what we do. I believe we are rooted in what our founders set forward – our core values, the objects of Rotary and our Four-Way Test. These are the principles that are the bedrock of who we are as Rotarians. Times may change – but these remain our sacred truths. I see a Rotary that increases our impact by focusing on our strategic plan and expands our reach by engaging the Family of Rotary at every age, gender and culture to create lasting change. As we reflect upon our new strategic priorities, we could have never envisioned that our ability to adapt would become our North Star during what is inarguably the most profound time in recent history.
When the world stepped down, we stepped up. Silver linings rise out of the most challenging circumstances. Using metric-driven goals, I will harness this historic landscape to innovate, educate and communicate opportunities that reflect today’s reality. As a globally recognized communicator, I will open direct dialogue with the family of Rotary through our social channels to heighten awareness of our most pressing issues, like Polio Eradication, Supporting the Environment, Elevating Rotaract and Growing Rotary. I believe that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) begins at the top and for us to realize growth in female membership and members under the age of forty – these demographics need to see their own reflection in leadership. I will champion double-digit growth in both categories while never losing sight of our entire family. I pledge to Grow Rotary by hosting DEI Summits to create leadership opportunities that foster balance across our membership.
Interview Jennifer Jones
1. What characteristics do you personally have that would make you an effective leader of volunteers and Chairman of the Board for Rotary International? As a collaborative leader and a consensus builder, I believe in respect, honour and the importance of continuity of leadership. I am known for empowering colleagues, inspiring future leaders and leading with warmth while taking decisive action and getting results. As the chair of several prestigious boards in higher education, business and health, I have led world class CEOs, thousands of employees and have stewarded more than a billion dollars in assets and acquisitions. Leadership means knowing your own strengths and weaknesses and complementing them with the brightest minds, knowing how to listen and learn. I am receptive to all ideas, and when needed, will make the tough calls. I have a proven track record for crafting a unique vision, assembling the right team and then empowering them to succeed. Relationships are paramount to our success and living our core values is how we lead by example.
2. How would you effectively promote diversity and equity in membership around the World even as you promote growing Rotary worldwide despite the regional imbalances in membership growth? If we are truly serious about diversifying to attract young members, young thinkers and women, then now is the time to select an effective and proven leader who bridges generations and addresses the gender gap: a leader who can trailblaze and create a picture of what is possible for every member of the Rotary family. While some areas of the world are notably increasing their membership, we all remain united in our challenge to create a balanced composition in our clubs. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement is a clarion call to ensure we attract a diverse perspective regardless of geography, gender or age. Using my vocational skill set, I champion initiatives that embrace modern communications, provide meaningful hands-on service, encourage personal skills development and cultivate strong leaders. I believe that focusing on these key elements and enhancing participant engagement is the proven path for member success and satisfaction.
3. How would you promote Rotaract as partners of Rotary, not merely a program of Rotary? To optimize Rotaract we must ensure they have authentic leadership opportunities, at all levels of Rotary – at the club, the district and the international level. While we have made strides, it is now time to maximize our efforts. What is measured is managed and I will charge the board with creating systemic change to further elevate Rotaract and strengthen our relationship as partners. For example, I will dedicate up to 10% of President’s Representative assignments to qualified Rotaractors. As the Chair of the Supporting the Environment Planning Group, I have selected four Rotaract leaders to complement four Rotarian leaders as we prepare to launch this 7th area of focus. We must hear their voices in all we do. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) statement speaks directly to their inclusion and we will host DEI Summits across the globe culminating with a large event at the Melbourne Convention.
4. How will you ensure that the strategic plan is implemented at the club level? As President, I will use my knowledge and experience to harness our wide array of communication channels to speak directly with our most important consumers – our club members. From our strategic plan concepts: Expand our reach, Increase our impact, Enhance our participant engagement and Increase our ability to adapt aren’t simply words or concepts - they are our clubs’ call to action. As the Moderator of the 2020 International Assembly, it was critically important to me that our training be focused on these priorities with clear action steps for club engagement. While this was highly successful, we know that it takes time for these concepts to make their way to the front lines. Communication and implementation is key. My goals and metrics will be defined and directed by these priorities and I will collaborate with the Trustee Chair to quantifiably incorporate these into The Rotary Foundation and our grant process.
5. What would you do to position Rotary as the premier service organization of the World? I believe the role of President is a dual function – both as the primary internal leader and as an external ambassador to raise our voice and extend our profile and partnerships. As President, I will harness our social platforms and strategically engage with the family of Rotary and the global community. The world needs to see what we see. Initiating an advocacy working group will help align us with thought-leaders, heads of state and notable CEOs and then capitalize on in-person and virtual meetings and interviews for broadcast. We will engage top-tier media personalities to accompany us on international visits to shine a direct light on our seven areas of focus. I will introduce a “State of Rotary” message directly following each board meeting, as well as a video version of the President’s and the Trustee Chair’s monthly message to expand our reach to non-Rotarians, potential partners and untapped donors.
