Beth Fetterley Heller, 2026-27 Rotary Club of Milwaukee President

The 2026-27 Rotary Year marks the ever-increasing importance of the Rotary Club of Milwaukee’s ongoing commitment to civic engagement.  We are delighted to welcome our new Executive Director, Melissa Marschka, who supports this commitment. Together, we will focus on our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change-- across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. 

Rotary’s Theme for the 2026-27 Rotary Year is “Create Lasting Impact.” Announced by Rotary International President Yinka Babalola of Nigeria, he asks us look beyond immediate outcomes and focus on sustainable, long-term change. In person, Yinka’s presence is warm, upbeat and engaging, reinforcing that we are an extended family of Rotarians serving as a much-needed force for good across the globe.

The Rotary Club of Milwaukee is ready to meet President Babalola’s challenge.  As a large club (19th largest in the world), our members bring a vibrant mix of talents, skills, and strengths. Plus, we are already engaged in work of lasting impact. For example, locally, our scholarship program provides college tuition and Rotarian mentors to deserving Milwaukee youth. Internationally, our Guatemala projects bring clean, potable water to Highland communities, improving health, learning outcomes and livelihoods.

When I joined in 2010, I wanted to get to know people who value kindness and are committed to being engaged citizens, not just of Milwaukee, but of the world. It also was important to connect with people whose perspectives are different from my own so together we could cultivate deeper understanding, broaden perspectives and shape informed actions.

Many Rotarians have had a lasting impact on me since joining, starting with my dad, who introduced me to the club, making me the third generation of Fetterley’s to join the Rotary Club of Milwaukee. Over the years, Rotarians welcomed me at social gatherings, pushed for excellence in delivering on our philanthropic and volunteer commitments, modelled peacebuilding, cultivated empathy and approached our time together with genuine curiosity and care. We have fun together, making for joyful community engagement.

I look forward to engaging the talents of all members- potential, new and ongoing - as we “Create Lasting Impact” in ourselves, Milwaukee and abroad. If you would like to learn more about our club, please do not hesitate to contact me or another member.