Philman sworn in as Rotary’s District Governor

By Carrie A. Mizell
After 23 years serving as Gilchrist County’s judge, Ed Philman will retire later this year and turn his focus to serving as District Governor for Rotary District 6940.
Philman was sworn-in last week after serving as an assistant governor for three years. During his time as an assistant governor, Philman underwent training before he could be named district governor for the year 2012-2013.
“I will be speeding up in my retirement, rather than slowing down,” Philman said.

Panama City Beach resident Jean Ann Quave, who was the 2011-12 Rotary District 6940 President,
gives the Oath of Office to Ed Philman during a Trenton Rotary Club meeting held last week.

A member of the Trenton Rotary Club for 31 years, Philman will now serve over 50 Rotary clubs that make up District 6940, which stretches throughout North Central Florida, as well as the Panhandle. As district governor, Philman will work to provide leadership and motivation as he visits each of the Rotary clubs in the district during his tenure.
Rotary’s theme for the year will be “Peace Through Service.”

Past Trenton Rotary Club President Bill Clifton gives the Four-Way Test as current
Trenton Rotary Club President Jo Buckles looks on.

With this year’s theme in mind, Philman plans to encourage each Rotary club in the district to place special focus on new generations, group study exchange, membership and the foundation, while continuing with Rotary’s commitment to the world and End Polio Now.
Philman remembers joining the Trenton Rotary Club in 1981 because he felt like Rotary was doing a lot of good in the world, as well as in local communities.
It’s not hard to ascertain why Philman is so passionate about Rotary, both the organization and the man operate under the principle: “Service above self.”