Oct. 4, 2009
Kiwanis International CEO Rob Parker , announced his decision to step down effective October 16, 2009 in a letter to the Kiwanis family.
“Those of you who know me well will not be surprised that I am totally excited about what the future might bring for Stephanie and our family,” said Parker. “This change will allow me to accelerate my graduate studies, while continuing to write and speak on the value and importance of leadership. My time at Kiwanis has helped fuel my passion for a more global approach to leadership, and I look forward to the public speaking opportunities that lie ahead both in the United States and internationally.”
Parker continued, “Over the past three years, I have been blessed to work with some amazing volunteers and staff members. Your passion and love for others has inspired me so significantly that I will certainly smile every time I think of you. During this time together we have made progress in a number of areas, but there is still much work left to be done. Thanks to each of you for your friendship, your leadership and your commitment to children. “
Parker assumed duties as Kiwanis International’s chief executive officer in August 2006. He was responsible for providing leadership and direction to the board, staff and volunteers for the global organization of both adult and youth members totaling more than 600,000.
During his tenure, Parker instituted Project ROI (return on investment), an initiative that evaluated every program and expense within the organization, to minimize expense in any area that did not benefit the member, while at the same time freeing up resources for investment in programs that did. Kiwanis International sits in good financial shape today because of this initiative. Funds from Project ROI were immediately redirected towards new growth programs, marketing and branding initiatives and technology.
As a change agent, he began working on Kiwanis Next, an opportunity to create a Kiwanis that would be more inclusive, diverse and relevant within today’s fast changing society while upholding respect for our great history. He oversaw the creation of three internal staff teams: Global Marketing, Global Impact and Global Operations, meant to create cross-functional collaboration on global member issues related to all clubs.
Communications was a key component to Parker’s organizational strategy. He created a periodical update to Kiwanis leaders called the Kiwanis Insider, which kept over 80,000 volunteer leaders up to date on Kiwanis issues. He also created a leadership web blog and started a weekly conference call with Kiwanis International board officers.
An accomplished speaker and trainer, Parker has extensive experience presenting in the United States and abroad. Throughout his career, he has worked directly with some of America’s most dynamic business leaders, CEOs and nonprofit leaders; and is a highly sought after public speaker.
ABOUT KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL
Founded in 1915, Kiwanis is a global organization of member-volunteers working to change the world one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis International and its Service Leadership Programs, including Circle K, Key Club, Key Leader, Builders Club, K-Kids, Kiwanis Junior, and Aktion Club, dedicate millions of volunteer hours and invest US$100 million to strengthen communities and serve children annually. The Kiwanis International family comprises more than 600,000 adult and youth members in more than 70 countries and geographic areas. For more information about Kiwanis International, please visit www.kiwanis.org or call 800-KIWANIS.
