Derek Budd Named President of the Rotary Club of Dubois County; Austin Welp Honored as Rotarian of the Year

The Rotary Club of Dubois County officially welcomed Derek Budd as its President for the 2026–2027 Rotary year during the Club's annual Changeover Meeting held on June 25. Budd's term will begin on July 1.

Budd, a Financial Advisor with Eagle Crest Financial and a Jasper resident, has been an active member of the Club since 2016. He succeeds outgoing President Deidra Church, Director of the Memorial Medical Center Foundation, who has led the organization over the past year.

“Serving as President of the Rotary Club of Dubois County is both an honor and a responsibility that I’m grateful to accept,” said Budd. “Rotary is built on service, fellowship, and a commitment to making our community stronger. I look forward to working alongside our members as we continue to make a positive impact in Dubois County and beyond.”

During the meeting, the Club also recognized Austin Welp as its 2025–2026 Rotarian of the Year, an honor presented annually to a member who exemplifies Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.”

Welp was recognized for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the Club, particularly through his efforts to strengthen Youth Services initiatives. Under his leadership, the Club expanded student recognition efforts, increased participation in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and established the inaugural Rotary Club of Dubois County Interact Scholarship for graduating seniors. In addition, Welp is known for his willingness to volunteer, often taking on responsibilities behind the scenes that help ensure the Club's success.

“Austin embodies what it means to be a Rotarian,” said Church. “He is often one of the first people to volunteer, quietly taking on responsibilities behind the scenes without seeking recognition. Through his leadership of Youth Services, our club has expanded opportunities for local students through enhanced recognition programs, participation in RYLA, and the creation of a new senior scholarship. His passion for investing in the next generation and his unwavering commitment to service have made a lasting impact on both our club and our community.”

Under Church’s leadership, the Club reached all of its annual goals and continued to build upon its strong foundation of service, fellowship, and community engagement.

“Serving as President this past year has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my Rotary journey,” said Church. “I’m proud of the positive momentum our club has built, including welcoming several new members, and grateful for all who continually step up to serve our community. Our future is bright, and I look forward to watching the club continue to thrive under Derek’s leadership.”

As the Club continues its celebration of 25 years of service to Dubois County, members reflected on a year marked by impactful projects, meaningful partnerships, and community leadership.

Highlights from the 2025–2026 Rotary year include:
• Awarding nearly $19,000 in Community Grants to TRI-CAP, Trotter House, and Deaconess Memorial Women & Infant Services
• Hosting the 13th Annual ATHENA Leadership Awards Banquet, honoring Laura Grammer and welcoming Olympian Lilly King as keynote speaker
• Partnering with McDonald’s to recognize World Polio Day and raise funds for Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign
• Presenting the 21st Annual Indiana University Kelley School of Business Economic Futurecast Luncheon
• Collecting more than 1,500 diapers and nearly 5,000 baby wipes for local families through the Club’s Holiday Diaper Drive in partnership with the Warrick County Rotary Club
• Hosting a healthcare-focused Leadership Luncheon featuring representatives from Deaconess Health System
• Conducting the annual Clay Shoot fundraiser
• Presenting the inaugural Rotary Club of Dubois County Interact Scholarship to Jasper High School senior Johnson Dong and partnering with the Jasper High School Interact Club to provide hygiene kits to area schools
• Announcing sponsorship and coordination of the Jasper Strassenfest Pickleball Tournament, scheduled for August 1 at Vincennes University Jasper

The Club also welcomed a variety of guest speakers throughout the year who highlighted local initiatives, business trends, and community opportunities. Monthly social events provided members additional opportunities to strengthen relationships and build fellowship, including a hands-on apple strudel-making experience and a Dubois County Bombers game outing.

The Rotary Club extends sincere appreciation to Vincennes University Jasper for hosting weekly meetings throughout the year.

2026–2027 Rotary Club of Dubois County Leadership• President: Derek Budd
• Immediate Past President: Deidra Church
• President-Elect: Austin Welp
• Secretary: Judi Brown
• Treasurer: Tanner Egbert
• Sergeant-at-Arms: Gary Schnell
• Public Relations Director: Megan Ziegler
• Club Service Director: Jim McFaul
• Vocational Service Director: Ed Cole
• Community Service Director: Christian Blome
• International Service Director: Dan Collignon
• New Generations/Youth Services Director: Deidra Church
• Membership Director: Anna Galloway
• Club Administration Chairperson: Kenny Speed
• Rotary International & DCCF Foundations Chair: Bernard Gogel
• ATHENA Committee Chairperson: Manda Combs
• Economic Futurecast Chairperson: Jim McFaul
• Clay Shoot Chairperson: Derek Budd

The Rotary Club of Dubois County meets every Thursday at 11:45 a.m. Beginning July 9, meetings will be held at the Ruxer Center Bistro on the Vincennes University Jasper Campus. Guests are always welcome.

For more information about the Club, upcoming events, and membership opportunities, visit www.duboiscountyrotary.com or follow the Rotary Club of Dubois County on Facebook and Instagram.