Interview with President Ross Plourde

Emily Stratton

Interview with President Ross Plourde
by Emily Stratton

For a number of years I have been invited to interview our current Rotary president at the end of his or her term for an article in our Rotary newsletter. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity. You will love reading below about Ross Plourde’s experiences as our president.

What is your first memory of Rotary?

I went to a Rotary Club meeting with Burns Hargis some time in the mid-1980s.  I really don’t remember that much about the meeting other than the sense of camaraderie and community that seemed to pervade the meeting.  I grew up in a small town and the thing that I missed about it was the sense of belonging, of knowing most of the people I met, and sharing not only a common past but a future.

What brought you into Club 29?

I saw what Club 29 had done for the community in the past and what Rotary International had accomplished in the world, and those things aligned with my priorities.  I knew many people who were members of Club 29, liked every one of them, and wanted to be a part of the same organization with them. And that sense of camaraderie and community that I sensed as a visitor about 10 years earlier.

Looking back over your year, do you have a favorite Rotary activity?

I truly enjoy the meetings, the weekly meetings, Rotary After Hours, Breakfast Meetings when I get to attend, and even board and committee meetings.  I enjoy interacting with really intelligent, caring and committed people who don’t mind sharing a laugh while getting something accomplished.

How about also a favorite Rotary moment—something that was funny, crazy or especially touching?

I was the chair of the Rebuilding Together committee for two or three years.  One year in particular I recall trying to get things organized on our service day when David Walters approached me and asked what he could do.  I didn’t know that he is a pretty good carpenter and told him we really needed painters.  He said “I brought my tools.”  It took a second for it to sink in that he didn’t want to be a painter.  When it finally did, I showed him a window that we needed to replace and we talked about how the sill didn’t seem to be in very good shape.  When he took it apart, it turned out that it was in much worse shape than we initially thought.  He spent most of the day rebuilding it and did an excellent job.  But the most enjoyable part was watching him interact first with the owner’s grandson, who spent most of the day watching him and visiting with him, and then with the owner who wanted to meet the former governor who was rebuilding her house.

Comment about Rotary service projects—do you have a favorite?

I really enjoyed Rebuilding Together when we did that.  But I also like ringing bells for the Salvation Army and thoroughly enjoy myself every time I do it.

Did we have any new projects(s) this year that we didn’t have before? If so, how did it get started?

None that come to mind.

What was the hardest thing in adjusting to being president?

I got a lot of really excellent advice from people who are much more capable of doing the job than I am.  The hard part was figuring out what of that advice I was capable of doing.  I have managed to keep my hands out of my pockets while at the podium though.

What surprised you the most about being president?

It is much easier than I expected.  The president gets such incredible support in this Club, from Megan, to Cheryl, to past presidents, to committee chairs, and much more.  That all became apparent when I went to president-elect training in Fort Smith and saw what other club presidents had to deal with that I didn’t.

From your involvement in earlier Rotary activities/committee positions or community involvement, what do you think prepared you the most for your year as president?

Just showing up.  I have managed to maintain a perfect attendance record since I joined the Club 26 years or so ago.  I might be a slow learner but it would be devilishly hard not to learn something in that 26 years.

Tell me about attending Rotary’s International Convention—where did you go? And when? How did it affect you? Positives about attending?

I attended the convention in Calgary in June 2025.  The programs were, by and large, great and well managed.  The chance to meet people from all over the world who shared many of the same goals I have was priceless.  And it was humbling to see the level of respect Club 29 commands in the Rotary world.

Did you learn something about Rotary this year that you didn’t know?

Sure.  I really didn’t know much about Rotaract, the differences between Wings of Rotary and Rotary Youth Exchange, or the Rotary hierarchical structure.  Megan is still tutoring me. 

Why do you see it is important for us to continue to strive to be one of the largest Rotary Clubs in the world?

Being one of the largest brings with it a level of respect and influence in the Rotary world that I regard as invaluable.  It also carries with it an inordinate amount of influence in our district and allows us to vastly leverage our impact in international projects.  It allows us to attract top quality speakers.  It magnifies our standing in the community and makes us the premier civic club in the city and state.  And it concentrates and focuses our individual charitable giving. 

How did Club 29’s fundraising do this year compared to past years?

Generally about the same.  We do a great job as a club.

If you were encouraging someone to join Club 29, what would you tell them is the value of membership?

The same things that attracted me to the Club still hold true.  The chance to truly make a difference in our community and the world, the opportunity to do it with some of the finest people in the community, and the pleasure of meeting each week with people who are just a pleasure to visit with and associate with.

What do you appreciate or enjoy the most about our weekly meetings?

Just the opportunity to break bread together with good friends, share a story or a laugh, and hear about what is going on in our community.

As we know, our Rotary programs are all very good. Is there one that really stood out to you, made an impact, influenced you?

There have been many – all of them in some way or another.  Julie Bisbee and the program committee have done such a great job this year.  From Burns Hargis and Bob Burke, to the US Attorney Bob Troester, to Senator Lankford, to Chief Justice Rowe, to District Attorney Vicki Behenna, to Shawn Arnold who was the last victim of Polio in Maine, to the participants in the Clara Luper sit in, to Darci Lynn and the Oklahoma Opry, to Bob Funk, to Congressman Lucas, to Mike Knopp talking about the 2028 Olympics, every program has been one that I have been proud to be on the podium for.  Even some of the programs for which my expectations weren’t quite as high turned out to be highly informative and enjoyable.  I didn’t know what to expect from the mayor of Hochatown, but it far exceeded my expectations and was very entertaining.

Do you enjoy coming up with a quote at the end of the meeting? What is your process in finding a quote?

To be honest, I use the internet.  I feel better getting that off my chest.  I just try to think of a theme that is appropriate for the day and pick one that I find profound or funny.

When you look back at your Rotary year—say 10 years from now—what do you think you’ll remember the most?

Probably the tremendous support and encouragement I have received from everyone, for which I will be forever grateful.

Any special advice for Lance as he starts his year as president?

Lance starts out light years ahead of me in terms of podium presence and I wouldn’t attempt to offer any advice on how to improve.  But I would pass along what Jim Sharrock told me – everyone wants you to succeed.  I have found that to be true.

Thank you so much, Ross, for sharing your thoughts about your year as President and about our Rotary Club. We have enjoyed getting to know you better and appreciate your willingness to give of your time and talent to serve our club! Thank you for the outstanding job you have done!!!!

Emily Stratton