Editor's Note: Sometimes we get to working so hard, we don't take time to get to know the people we're spending time with; that's why Dave Burr has decided to share more about our member's in an occasional profile in the bulletin - starting this week with President Louise. If you'd like to write a profile, send it to Jackie Cuthbert at cuthbert@mindspring.com,
Our new club president, Louise Barden, Ph.D., lives in Peachtree Corners with her husband, Ron, who is also a club member. Louise first became aware of Rotary through her father who was a Rotarian in Durham, NC and then later while working as a scientist at the Centers for Disease Care Control and Prevention where she witnessed how Rotary International worked to eradicate polio. At the CDC, Louise worked on campaigns to promote appropriate use of antibiotics and to increase the awareness of Hepatitis C.
In 2011 she decided to get involved with Rotary and reached out through RI's website and was matched up with the Rotary Club of Dunwoody. Initially, Louise struggled to become active within the club. She'd reached out to different project leaders but didn't receive direction on how to contribute. This experience has influenced her view of the importance of member onboarding and mentoring. She wants every member to become involved in an activity so everyone has a job within the club. Louise's favorite club activities have been the Governor's Ball and preparing Tapestri's backpacks, plus all the social events. At the end of our general meetings you will often hear Louise adding her 5th test to the end of Rotary's Four-Way Test - "Is it fun?".
Outside of Rotary, Louise enjoys spending time with her five
grandchildren, trips to the beach, and oil painting. Want to know more about President Louise? Click here.