District 5495 is now accepting applications for the position of District Governor for the Rotary year 2029–2030.
This notice is being shared with all Club Presidents, Secretaries, Assistant Governors, and Past District Governors residing in District 5495. It is also publicly posted on the district website. Please help us spread the word by announcing this opportunity at your upcoming club meetings. We want every Rotarian to be aware of this opportunity and encouraged to consider or recommend a qualified candidate.
Why Serve as District Governor?
Serving as District Governor is one of Rotary's most meaningful and rewarding leadership opportunities. It is a chance to inspire and strengthen our clubs, support meaningful service throughout our communities, expand Rotary's impact, and leave a lasting legacy. We are seeking leaders who are passionate about Rotary's mission, committed to collaboration, and eager to help our clubs and district grow, succeed, and make an even greater impact together. If you know a Rotarian who embodies these qualities, we encourage you to recommend them for this exceptional opportunity.
Application & Interview Process
Interview Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 (in-person only)
Time: 9:00 AM – Noon (Individual times will be assigned by the Nominating Committee.)
Location: Anthem Civic Building, Meeting Room 1
3701 W. Anthem Way, Anthem, AZ
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit the following:
- District Governor-Nominee Application Form (with club endorsement). Click here to access form.
- Personal Biography and Recent Photograph, including completion of the fillable form that will be available on the District website
- A Statement of Interest addressing your qualifications and desire to serve
- Written Responses to the supplemental Written Interview Questions provided. (Click on “Read More” below)
Qualifications & Guidelines
Applicants are encouraged to review the Rotary International Manual of Procedure, Section 16, (copy attached) to ensure they meet the qualifications of a Governor-Nominee. Additionally, please familiarize yourself with the District 5495 Bylaws, Policies, and Procedures (Section 1, B, 3 found at https://rotary5495.org/ under Resources/Key Documents/Master Documents) and adhere to Rotary’s election integrity guidelines, which include:
- Understanding and following both the spirit and the letter of Rotary International’s election policies
- Avoiding personal initiatives designed to gain visibility, recognition, or advantage
- Not responding to other candidates’ improper actions with similar conduct
- Limiting club visits or communications during the nomination period to necessary, pre-existing duties
Per District Bylaws, any club in good standing may nominate one of its own members or a member from another club in good standing, provided neither club has outstanding indebtedness to Rotary International or the District as of the prior Rotary year-end.
Next Steps
If you or someone you know is a qualified and passionate leader ready to serve and shape the future of Rotary in District 5495, we encourage you to apply. Your leadership can make a profound difference in our clubs, communities, and the world.
Please submit your complete application electronically to: Assistant Governor, Nominating Committee Chair, Katheryn Tuberty, kt976@katheryntuberty.com no later than 11:59 PM AZ on September 8, 2026. The Nominating Committee will conduct the interviews and will notify each applicant of the time for their interview.
Together, let's inspire leadership that strengthens Rotary and helps us build a brighter future for years to come.
With sincere gratitude,
Joe Sweeney
District 5495 Governor
Rotary District 5495 – District Governor Written Interview Questions
Purpose:
To understand your qualifications, leadership experience, values, and vision as a candidate for District Governor. Please be specific and concise in your responses, using examples where appropriate.
1. Collaboration & Teamwork
1A. Describe a time you helped resolve conflict within a Rotary board or committee.
- What did you do to include others and ensure a positive outcome?
1B. What Club or District-level committees have you served on?
- What role did you play, and how did you collaborate with others?
1C. Share one example of successful collaboration across clubs or teams.
- How do you build trust and unity in diverse groups?
2. Rotary is strongest when every member, regardless of gender, age, background, or experience, has an equal opportunity to lead and contribute.
- Can you describe how you've demonstrated that commitment in your leadership?
2. Listening & Communication
2A. How do you make sure everyone feels heard in a meeting or discussion?
- Share a specific time when good listening changes the outcome.
2B. Describe a time someone disagreed with your decision.
- How did you handle it, and what did you learn?
3. Leadership & Inspiration
3A. What excites you most about being a District Governor?
- How will you inspire others to engage and lead?
3B. Describe your leadership style.
- Share when you used a consensus approach and when you made a decisive call.
- How did others respond?
4. District Governors are often tempted to share what worked in their own club. How would you shift from thinking as a club leader to thinking as a district leader of 59 Rotary clubs and 7 Rotaract Clubs, each with its own culture, strengths and challenges.
4. Continuity & Club Support
4A. How will you help maintain continuity across leadership transitions?
- Share three specific strategies that have worked for you.
4B. What approach would you take to support struggling clubs?
- How would you partner with them to reignite energy and engagement?
5. Strategy & Adaptability
5A. What is your understanding of Rotary’s Action Plan?
- How would you help clubs apply it in ways that match their unique culture?
5B. Describe a time you had to change your plan significantly.
- What caused the shift, and how did you bring others along?
6. Public Image & Inclusion
6A. How would you strengthen Rotary’s public image in your year as DG?
- Share three specific strategies you’d use to promote our brand and voice.
6B. Regarding Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity, which do you feel our district could most improve on? Why? And what solution would you propose?
- Share one example of how you’ve fostered inclusion in Rotary or your community.
7. Organization & Follow-Through
7A. Describe a large project or event you led involving multiple people or clubs.
- How did you plan, communicate, and keep things on track?
- What tools or systems helped you stay organized?
8. Openness & Innovation
8A. Share a time someone brought forward an idea that differed from your own.
- How did you respond?
- What was the result, and what did you learn?
9. Commitment & Availability
9A. The District Governor doesn't lead alone — the role depends on close collaboration with the District Team (Assistant Governors, (DLT) Committee chairs, DG line, and incoming/outgoing DGs).
- Describe how you see your role as DGND, DGN, DGE and DG working alongside this team and share an example of a time you successfully led through others rather than around them.
Any other important comments you wish to share that may not have been covered in the prior questions:
Thank you for taking the time to thoughtfully complete this application. We look forward to learning more about your leadership and vision.