Dover Rotary’s newly inducted president is a recognized business leader, a passionate volunteer, and a fierce pickleball competitor ready to lead the club’s community service initiatives locally and world-wide.
Rob Gagnon began his presidency of the Rotary Club of Dover, NH, on July 1, not long after he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Business Development, at Piscataqua Savings Bank with 30 years in retail and business banking, and hands on community volunteering.
A former resident of Dover, currently living in Portsmouth, Gagnon has managed to bridge his interest in both communities, praising Dover’s openness to new ventures and opportunities.
“I feel connected and I really like what Dover’s doing,” he said.
Gagnon believes in Rotary’s moto of service above self and sees a strong club that supports both the Dover community and international projects with dedicated members willing to work hard.
“I’m humbled to see the amount of work we do in the community as well as on outside projects working with other Rotary clubs,” Gagnon said. “When I met other presidents-elect during training, I realized Dover’s Rotary club was looked at very highly in our District, and people knew about us and our success.”
As a business development executive, Gagnon sees opportunities to increase membership by offering options such as business memberships and companion clubs.
A business membership would allow more than one employee to attend meetings, join projects and participate in teamwork. The concept of a companion club, also being implemented in other Rotaries, provides for an alternate club as part of the home club that holds meetings after the regular workday, usually in the early evening that mixes fellowship with work projects.
“The idea of a companion club is a place for people to get together who can’t make midday meetings - young families, people working day jobs,” Gagnon said. “It’s about keeping people connected, doing service work.”
In addition to membership goals, Gagnon is interested in expanding Rotary’s fundraising strategies to include the potential of community partnerships, sponsorships and grants to fund programs such as its Milk & Egg fund, scholarships, Shoe & Boot project, plus gifts of warmth and nourishment and more for the needy in the community.
Thanks to bingo and other donations, Gagnon said the club is financially sound but needs to consider future funding challenges.
“We have some reserves and we are doing well,” he said. “We can take our time to get things in place, to build the materials and stats we need to show other people what we plan and how they can participate.”
In addition to Rotary, Gagnon has two active sons, a 13-year-old and a college freshman, he regularly volunteers with the Seacoast Community Lunch and is always ready for a pickleball challenge (his version of golf).
Joining Gagnon on Dover Rotary’s Board are officers: Elizabeth Fischer, President-elect; Gregg Dowty, Treasurer; Marion Cheney, Secretary; Cathy Beaudoin, Immediate Past President; and Directors: Rod Bryce, Kathy Fink, Cindy Imbro, Steve Pappajohn, Nick Pellman, and Mike Schulenberg.
Rotarians Gary & Deb DeColfmacker had the honor to present the Rotary Club of Dover NH annual scholarships at Dover High School for the twenty-fourth year! 
Rotarians and Gibson Bonner's family celebrate his announcement as Dover Middle School Student of the Month for February. Gibson Bonner received from his teachers. They said he takes tremendous pride in his school community and appreciates the little things in life. He takes in all that school has to offer and seizes learning opportunities. He is thoughtful in his work and always takes his time to do his best. Likewise, he is extremely supportive of his classmates and is a quiet leader. He is extremely deserving of this Student of the Month award because he is so compassionate and hard-working, and he truly makes our school a better place.
