John Waterston, a former Human Resources executive at the World Bank, and our newest member, talked about the the transformation of the Human Resources profession, from mainly administrative tasks to more strategic responsibilities. John mentioned how artificial intelligence and data management have automated many staffing and recruitment efforts. But he also mentioned the growing importance of Human Resources professionals at corporations, nonprofit organizaitons, and government, and how they help define the “corporate culture.” John cited recent developments at one large tech firm—Uber—and how the corporate culture had created a number of serious issues at the company. John will be a great addition to our club—Dave Fitzwilliam already has signed him up as an advisor on his internship project.

Jay Davies discussed his early years in the Peace Corps and in Alaska. Jay and his wife served in the Peace Corps in Morocco, where they worked on community projects, including planning and construction projects. After the Peace Corps, he returned to his native North Dakota, and then decided to go to a warmer climate…Eagle River, Alaska. Jay worked on a variety of jobs in Alaska, helping with major construction projects. One of his favorite projects was a school in a remote village–all the building materials had to be brought in by cargo plane. The school eventually became a community center and is still in use. Jay learned about Rotary in Alaska, participated in an exchange program, and eventually joined the Rotary Club of Eagle River, where he became president. He later moved to the Washington area, joined our club, and served as president in the early 1990s.

Once again, we’ll be getting our feet wet picking up trash in Rock Creek Park in April. Our adopted site is at Beach Drive and Kensington Parkway, where we have removed dozens of bags of trash over the past few years. We’re hoping to involve our Rotaract Clubs this year. For more information, contact Kevin Flynn. Rob Follit (shown at left) promises better weather this year.