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| Cliff Kiernan, Naugatuck,
CT |
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Cliff Kiernan was
elected to a two-year term as Region 12 vice president at the 2006
National Convention. He is a retired case manager from the
Department of Mental Health for the State of Connecticut.
Cliff joined
Exchange in 1981. He served as club secretary and club president on
three occasions, and chaired the club’s successful fundraising golf
tournament for the past 10 years. For the Connecticut District, he
served as president in 2000-01, district division director for four
years, and district secretary. Highly active at the district level,
Cliff received district awards, grew membership, and chaired
conferences and a convention. He serves on the Awards and Leadership
Development Committees for the National Exchange Club. Cliff is vice
president of the Exchange Club Family Life Center of Greater
Waterbury, and is involved with the Hop Brook Golf Association.
He lives in
Naugatuck with his wife Regina. They have two children and
three grandchildren. |
What have you accomplished in your
first term?
The past two
years serving as Regional Vice President 12, and also having the opportunity
of being a member of both the Awards and Leadership Development Committees,
has been a great learning experience and extremely rewarding. I have
established a great working relationship with members from both the New
England and Connecticut Districts. The friendships that I have made in these
districts along with other Exchangites across the country, will last
forever.
What
insights do you have now that you didn't have two years ago?
It is
very important that those of us who serve at the National Board level be on
top of all issues and concerns that are presented to the Board, as our
decisions and votes need to be in the best interest of Exchange.
What do you want to accomplish in your
second term?
To have Exchange grow in both the New England and Connecticut Districts
through new members, retention and new club building. To continue to spread
the word that Exchange is the "Premier Service Club in America" and that the
Program of Service that we provide make a difference in our
communities. To continue to identify new leaders for our region, and to
bring my enthusiasm and commitment to the National Board.
What is the greatest challenge facing
clubs, and how can national help?
Our greatest challenge is membership and retention, and the greatest cause
for that is club complacency! We, as club and district officers, need to
keep our members focused and involved with club programs, activities and
fundraisers. Members need to know that what they are doing is greatly
appreciated and that they are helping to make a difference. Club leaders
must be aware and reminded to utilize the national web site and club planner
as they provide useful information.
What should members of the board do for
growth?
As leaders, we must
show by example, so first we must recruit at least three new members each
year and assist with new club building projects. We must also work with our
district presidents with their district planning for growth and always
promote growth, retention and new club building when we speak at Exchange
Club functions.
How can we develop the next generation
of leadership?
We have to continue
offering and improving our Leadership Excellence training to our clubs and
district. I also strongly believe that it is the responsibility of past
club, district and national officers to always speak about leadership and to
identify members in Exchange who have strong leadership qualities and a
passion for Exchange.
Starting at the club level, how can we
build awareness of Exchange?
By reaching out to
our communities through our Program of Service. To always have good public
relations with our local newspapers, radio stations, and if possible, local
television and/or recruit a new club member who might work in these
professions. Also, by getting involved with either the local Chamber of
Commerce or United Way.
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Candidates for Office
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