The June 27 meeting featured the changing of the guard and the installation of the 2023-2024 club president, Asad Khan, and the new board.

Sandy Roeger led the songs, and Todd Kamenash led the invocation. Visiting guests included Asad Khan’s family. Among the announcements, Roberta O’Keefe asked people to sign up for prayers and President Dave requested volunteers for the Kent Heritage Festival.

Outgoing President Dave Myers began the program by expressing his thanks to everyone who makes the Rotary Club of Kent a special club. He thanked the church volunteers, past presidents, current board members, foundation board members, pianists, Rotareminder authors, people who offer invocations, tech team who make hybrid meetings possible, and organizers of birthday acknowledgements, students of the month, holiday party and annual auction.

Dave also mentioned the club's achievements during the year. He highlighted various projects and events, such as restocking shelves at Kent Social Services, raising funds for flood relief in Pakistan, participating in community events, assisting the Portage County Rural Relief effort, serving meals with the Lord's Lunch program, organizing the foundation event at the basketball game, raising funds for literacy projects, and successful participation in district conferences and other fundraising events.

He concluded his speech by expressing his optimism for the future of the Rotary Club of Kent and his gratitude to all the members for their contributions. “This club has such a rich history, and I’d like to think I honored that. But it also has a rich future,” he said.  “This will be an experience I cherish for the rest of my life.”

Following Dave’s speech, Justin Gates and Nithya Venkataraman assisted in the induction of the new president, new officers and board members. Justin acknowledged the importance of leadership within Rotary and expressed confidence in Asad Khan's ability to lead the club. Nithya Venkataraman spoke highly of Asad's leadership skills and highlighted his influence on her personal growth. She commended his commitment to service and community.

Asad and the new officers and board members then took the oath of office, pledging their dedication to fulfill their duties and support the goals of the club, district governor, and Rotary International. The members of the Rotary Club of Kent also pledged their support to the new president and board.

Asad expressed his gratitude and presented Past-President Dave with a badge, pin and gavel to commemorate his service. “Regardless of whatever you’ve heard on social media,” he joked, “the peaceful transfer of power does happen from time to time in this Rotary Club.” He unveiled the new Rotary International theme, "Create Hope in the World," emphasizing the focus on peace and mental well-being.

He said his tenure would focus on maintaining or exceeding the high fundraising bar of past presidents, marketing the club’s activities and honoring the club’s tradition of service.

“I pledge to keep with decorum with tradition. And we'll try to do a few new twists, which hopefully will be fun,” he said.

Kathy Myers gave the response, noting the youth and energy of the new club leadership. “When I saw the board I saw leadership, I saw excitement, I saw youth, and I saw people who want to make a difference,” she said.