Alexandria — The Rotary Club of Alexandria formally installed Raymond V. Petniunas as the 85th club president at the July 10 meeting at Belle Haven Country Club that also recognized the 2012-2013 slate of officers and board members.
"Many say that Rotary clubs are composed of old men and their fathers, and they just meet for lunch," said Petniunas, who has been a member of the club since 2003. "I disagree. Our club is composed of dedicated individuals who want to help our community."
"We have never been a luncheon club. We are an achieving club."
— Alexandria Rotary Club President Raymond Petniunas
Petniunas is managing principal of Utility Resource Consulting, an Alexandria-based utilities consulting firm. Born in Kaunas, Lithuania, he earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Connecticut and a master of science in engineering administration from George Washington University, where he is also a candidate for Ph.D. in economics.
"I want to thank John Woods for his dedication and hard work during the past year and all of his accomplishments," Petniunas said of his predecessor. "But our work isn't over. We will continue our efforts toward humanitarian goals for our community and internationally by using Rotary's core mission of 'service above self.'"
Petniunas and his wife Susan, owner of Public Affairs Resources Incorporated, have been married and living in Alexandria for more than 30 years.
"No question she is my better half," Petniunas said. "I would not be here without her."
Petniunas, who served as a captain in the U.S. Army, challenged members to continue the club's longstanding tradition of community service.
"We have never been a luncheon club," Petniunas said. "We are an achieving club. But actions speak louder than words and we all need to contribute, not just a few of us. We should be proud of our accomplishments over the years and as your incoming president, I want to thank you for this opportunity to serve you, our club and our community."