Generally Speaking

When you first learned that our new Kiwanis International President Don Canaday is a retired US Army General, you may have wondered what that would mean for our organization.  How could a man who was accustomed to such power and authority be successful in an environment where everyone is a volunteer?  What would happen the first time he gave an order and people did not snap to attention?   And how would the General handle the fact that our clubs and districts don’t always march in a straight line?  And what about the tragic loss that Don experienced this past summer?

The short answer to these questions is that President Don is doing great!

For the two years leading up to his year as International President, Don worked closely with the other officers and our KI staff to prepare for this important year of leadership.  For the past four months as KI President he has been leading our Officers, Board Members, Governors, and other key leaders with both strength and humility.  With grace and style Don has traveled the Kiwanis world motivating and inspiring leaders to grow Kiwanis so that more children can be reached. 

Demonstrating a quiet strength, Don has stepped into the spotlight when necessary, but more often has allowed the spotlight to shine on others.  He has overcome great personal adversity these past few months and has served as an inspiration to many.  Almost daily we hear from Kiwanis members and leaders who received a call or a visit or were touched in some way by Don’s passion for Kiwanis.

As one who works nearly every day with Don I can tell you that he has treated me as a true partner in this important work of leading Kiwanis.  As Chairman of the KI Board of Trustees and the Chief Volunteer Officer of the organization, Don has jump-started our growth efforts while simultaneously building strong relationships with our Kiwanis leaders.  Don has delegated the operations of the organization to our staff team and has focused his efforts on providing inspirational leadership to our volunteers.  He is loved and respected by staff and volunteers alike and we are all working very hard for him and the organization.

Generally speaking, four months into this Kiwanis year, your President is awesome!