Q&A: Santos discusses role as Rotary president

From the Florence Recorder, written by Melissa Stewart, and also found on Cincinnati.com

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20130627/NEWS0103/306270027/Q-Santos-discusses-role-Rotary-president

FLORENCE — Billy Santos, 33, of Park Hills has many titles. At The Bank of Kentucky he’s vice president and regional manager. At home, he’s dad, and most recently at the Florence Rotary Club he’s president.
It may sound like a lot to juggle, but the Boone County businessman wouldn’t have it another way. Santos recently sat down with the Florence Recorder to talk about his new role within the club and what he enjoys most about the organization.
Q: How did you get involved in Rotary?
A: I was initially invited to the Campbell County Club by the superintendent of the schools in 2006. I was managing a (Bank of Kentucky) office in Fort Thomas at the time. I joined the Florence club when I transferred to one of the bank’s branches located in Florence; I was invited to join by longtime Florence Rotarian Willard Rusk.
Q: What about Rotary piqued your interest?
A: For me it was the combination of the altruistic goals of the organization in helping the community while having the opportunity to get to know great people who are leaders in our community.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the Florence Rotary Club?
A: Our club has over 100 members. We are a very active club and I can see that through the results of our efforts. There’s also a good sense of fellowship in the club.
Another thing that is really unique about Rotary International is that it’s one of the few organizations where you can be in Florence, but have projects that impact places like Kenya. Rotary has a broad reach.
Q: How does it feel to be named president?
A: It’s humbling to think they would entrust me with a club with such a rich history as ours has. Previously, I served as treasurer several years and I’ve gotten to understand the nuts and bolts of the operations of the club, I’m looking forward to the new responsibilities and the challenge of serving as the club’s president.
Q: What are your goals for the organization?
A: The theme for Rotary International in the coming year is “Engage Rotary, Change Lives.” My goals mirror this theme in that I want to engage our community and our members to be even more involved with our projects in this coming year. When we give of our time, talent and treasure, we as the giver gain as much if not more satisfaction as the recipient. By getting involved, we can change others’ lives as well as our own. Another primary goal I have is to get more young professionals involved in Rotary.