Philman to be Rotarian governor in 2012

He’s a governor in training and he’s wasting no time learning the ins and outs of his new position 18 months before he takes office.

Carolyn Ten Broeck

Ed Philman

Buy this photo

Ed Philman, a 30-year Rotarian from Bell and an often guest at Chiefland and Williston Rotary clubs, is the organization’s governor-elect.

Quiet and unassuming, Philman spoke with passion to the Williston club about the position,  his training and his goals for Rotary under his leadership.

The duties of the district governor, Philman said, are to further Rotary’s ideals and provide leadership, guidance and motivation.

With 50 clubs in the district that span from Lake City to Alabama, Philman knows there’s going to be a lot of travel in his future.

He assured club members that with careful scheduling, he will not be stepping down from the bench–Philman has been the Gilchrist County judge since 1989.

Using vacation and working closely with the senior judge will enable him to carry out his Rotarian duties. 

As district governor, a role he will assume in July 2012, Philman will visit each club as part of his responsibilities.

He will also select a site and venue for the annual conference in 2013 and then represent the district at Rotary International’s convention in San Diego, Calif.

One thing Philman knows is this is not a task to handle single-handedly so he is surrounding himself with a team of advisors and mentors–and delegating.

His best advice that he still heeds today was when he first became a judge.

“If you don’t know what to do,” he was told, “take a recess and call someone.”

He plans to utilize that tip throughout his governorship.

Getting to the leadership role was no easy process he said.

Potential candidates must first be Rotary members, past president and assistant governor to qualify for the governor position.

Candidates undergo an extensive interview from a panel that includes past district governors and are asked  “What would you do?” questions.

Philman went through the process in Pensacola then made the trek home.

As he was entering a Rotary meeting his phone rang and the news was good — he was the new district governor.

Or was he? The call dropped and he was left wondering if he had heard correctly.

But indeed he had, and the rest, as they say, is history–in the making.