At its annual dinner on June 5, the Rotary Club of Columbia-Patuxent honored the Rotarian of the Year, inducted new officers and directors, and welcomed 2026-2027 President Francois Ngijoi.
Current President Linda Ostovitz, who steps down July 1, thanked club leaders who made her year a success, crediting them for setting the tone and course of events that helped “keep us on the cutting edge of service above self. I don't believe that, in this life, anybody accomplishes anything on their own. We all accomplish and succeed because of who surrounds us. That’s how we remain as good as we are, and how we all make each other better,” she added.
As an example, Linda cited Rotarian of the Year Audra White, who “floated to the top” in just over her first year in the club. During that time, Audra has brought in another new member, recruited restaurants and event sponsors, and agreed to become our new secretary.
“She’s an individual who made a very conscious decision to commit herself to the community,” Linda said. “She's president of the Business Women's Network of Howard County, she's involved with Respite Retreats, and the Chamber of Commerce Community Action Council. She’s thrown her heart and soul into all of them. Thank you for being an exceptional member who's made outstanding contributions to the well-being of our club, and we look forward to more to come.”
Ken Solow, a club past president and former Rotary District 7620 Governor, administered the oath office for our 2026-2027 leaders. He reminded them that “we are blessed that our club has had terrific leadership since we were founded in February of 1986.” The newly-inducted group includes:
President - FRANCOIS NGIJOI President Elect - HARRY THOMPSON
Vice President - PAUL HANGES Secretary - AUDRA WHITELOCK
Treasurer - TOM ALLEN Membership - KAREN MOSEL
International - LARRY NEWMAN New Generations - KELLIE LEGO
Community Service - GEOFF CARTON Public Relations - DAVE BITTNER
Foundation - CHARLIE MCCABE Club Service - KATIE SMITH
Immediate Past President - LINDA OSTOVITZ
Francois, who takes office July1, praised Linda and her leadership team, stating that because of their work, the club is strong, “rolling,” and making a meaningful impact in the community. He is committed to (1) build on the club’s foundation; (2) strengthen member engagement; (3) expand our impact locally and globally; (4) ensure every member feels inspired to serve and lead; and (4) reinforce Rotary’s vision of seeing a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in local communities, and in ourselves.
Francois described key strategies for his presidential year. These include:
- welcome new voices into the Rotary family
- a more engaged member experience, not just passive attendance
- initiatives like mentorship or a support system to help new members integrate and thrive
- encourage every member to actively serve on a committee
- launch new international projects with particular focus on Central Africa
- initiate at least one global grant project
- strengthen partnerships with other clubs and community organizations
- introduce new ways for members to connect and collaborate
- establish a technology roundtable for innovation in how the club operates and serves
- create more inclusive opportunities for participation and open engagement
- use digital platforms/social media to reach wider audiences and share our stories and successes
Francois emphasized that the coming year will not be the work of one leader, but of all of us—the entire board and membership. He invited all members to get involved, share ideas and, most importantly, take action to make it a truly impactful Rotary year.
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