Rotary Charities and Rotary Camps & Services have announced the selection of their next executive director.

Becky Ewing (pictured) will take the reins at Rotary at the end of this year, succeeding Marsha Smith, who is retiring in December after 25 years with the organization. Ewing is currently serving as the Associate Director of Rotary Charities. A succession planning committee, comprised of board members of Rotary Charities and Camps & Services - as well as leadership from the Traverse City Noon Rotary Club - has been meeting since January about the position. A recommendation to promote Ewing was unanimously approved by both boards earlier this month. Ewing, who has been with Rotary 10 years, previously led the organization twice during extended leaves by the executive director.

"Becky's strong leadership and long experience with both Rotary Charities and Camps & Services are critical to the many initiatives we currently have underway,” says Elaine Wood, chairperson of Rotary Charities. “We're looking forward to having her expertise at the helm."

Sharron Zimmerman, chairperson of Rotary Camps and Services, says Ewing has an "energetic and warm leadership style."

“She has a great blend of organizational history and innovative approaches and perspectives," Zimmerman says. "Her background in science and in community growth will fit well with the changes ahead throughout Rotary. I cannot think of a better person."

Ewing has indicated she intends to retire in two to three years. According to a release from Rotary, her leadership over the next few years will provide both Rotary Charities and Rotary Camps and Services "time to sharpen their strategy, make some big decisions, and show progress on their direction. The boards' intent is to perform a national search as Becky's tenure winds down."

Smith praised the selection by the boards, saying Ewing "is the right person at the right time" to lead the organization. “Her leadership has already helped shape our thinking and emerging direction," Smith says. "I am thrilled with the boards’ selection, and I’m confident she will continue the Rotary tradition of community impact."