Michael Duben installed as Governor
Michael Duben from the Rotary Club of Windsor St. Clair is the 2011-2012 Governor for Rotary International District 6400 which encompasses 50 clubs - in Essex County in Ontario and Wayne, Monroe and Lenawee counties in Michigan. As Governor, he will lead more than 1,650 women and men who comprise District 6400, providing vision and leadership and confirming the District as one of the very best across the globe.
He will assume his official duties July 1, 2011 and will be installed at a special ceremony in Harrow, Ontario on Tuesday, June 28, 2011.
Born in Montreal, Michael is an attorney and is the VP of Customer Relations for Enwin Utilities in Windsor. A graduate of Leadership Detroit and a member of the Advisory Committee for Leadership Windsor Essex, Michael's community involvement has extended to various boards and committees.
A member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-St. Clair since 1996, Michael has served his Club in many capacities. He was first exposed to Rotary as a member of the Rotary International Group Study Exchange (GSE) team which travelled to South Africa in 1995. He later became District 6400 GSE Chair. Michael has also served the District as a facilitator on the Club Visioning Team.
Together with wife Shelly, the husband‑and‑wife team created R.E.L.A.Y. (Rotarians Enhancing Learning of African Youth). With the assistance of the Windsor St. Clair Club, they have led five team trips to Africa ‑ two to Ghana and one each to Kenya, Ethiopia and Mozambique. More than 50 volunteers have traveled to Africa with R.E.L.A.Y. and over $250 000 has been raised for education and literacy projects in these countries. Future plans call for projects in Ethiopia and Namibia.
“My involvement with Rotary - both at home and around the world - has allowed me to impact the lives of the less fortunate in a very positive way,” says Governor-Elect Duben, “It is a humbling experience being asked to assume a leadership position which I consider a privilege. There are many skilled and qualified individuals in District 6400 and I am honoured to have been selected to serve.”
Rotary is a volunteer organization with more than 32,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. It initiates humanitarian projects that address today’s challenges affecting the world today, such as hunger, poverty, and illiteracy. Rotary club members represent a cross-section of business and professional leaders around the world. These 1.2 million men and women donate their expertise, time, and funds to support local and international projects that help people in need and promote understanding among cultures. Rotary International is the worldwide association of Rotary clubs united under the motto of Service Above Self.
Duben and wife, Shelly, live in Windsor with their two children, Justine and Marcus.