When Larry Hart first invited Cathie Brumfield to a Rotary meeting in 1997, she was a burgeoning business owner who initially felt the club was "all work and no play." Little did she know she would eventually lead the organization through one of its most transformative eras, proving that "fun" is the secret ingredient to a sustainable club.

Reshaping the Rotary Rhythm

As President from 2019–2020, Cathie’s leadership was defined by a practical, member-first philosophy. One of her most famous pivots was the formalization of Thirsty Thursdays. While many remember it as a budget-saver, the inspiration was far more human: Cathie realized members were tired of socializing on Thursday nights only to drag themselves to an early meeting on Friday morning. To preserve everyone’s energy (and sanity), she "killed" the fourth meeting of the month, avoiding a rate increase while creating a beloved social staple.

Success Through Sustainability

Cathie’s "Sustainability" mantra extended deep into the club’s engine room. A numbers-oriented leader, she spent years—both before and after her presidency—overhauling the Treasurer function. By moving billing away from third-party platforms and refining financial reporting, she ensured the club’s data was actually useful for long-term management.

This focus on efficiency was paired with a major shift in club culture. Cathie recognized that if Rotary felt like an "onerous unpaid job," leadership would suffer. By prioritizing enjoyment, she helped transform the leadership pipeline into what it is today: a path that attracts top-tier candidates because the work is as rewarding as it is impactful. As Cathie often recognized that "a volunteer’s time is very expensive."

Service with a Smile

Whether she was hosting GRSP students, painting at the Dunwoody Nature Center (DNC), or pulling invasive species, Cathie has done it all. For her, the specific project matters less than the company; her favorite activities are simply those that involve working with fellow Rotarians to do good while having fun.

After years of dedicated service to our club and the DeKalb Rotary Council, Cathie is taking a well-deserved break. This year, she and her husband, Ritchie, are trading DNC invasive species for Italian vineyards as they head to Italy, for her son’s wedding this summer in a castle about an hour away from Florence.