The Pilot Club in Andalusia introduces new officers and board of directors

The Pilot Club from Andalusia elected the new officers as well as members of the Board of Directors in 2023-2024 during its monthly meeting, held on Monday June 26 at the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce in the area.

Mellisa King, the immediate past president, presided at the ceremony of induction and will continue to serve in the Board of Directors.

“I am so honoured to have been president of the Pilot Club president this past year. We did many things over the course of the year. We created 100 blankets of fidgets to be used at the district convention, helped in Cookies with Characters, gave money to local school nurse, Mental Health Center, and also the Full Tummy Project, just to mention just a few. We cherish our community and try to be visible and give to the community. We also added eleven new participants,” King added.

As a Pilot Club member since 2008 She was reflecting about her experience as the group’s director.

“I really enjoyed my time here. We couldn’t have achieved the things we did without the teamwork of everyone. It’s been an amazing year.”

Meredith Harlos, a member for seven years she is set to succeed King to the office for two years.

“It’s wonderful that all my Pilot Club members believe in me so much. Being able to know that they think I’m capable of doing this job is a great feeling. I can’t imagine that I would have found a better mentor to work with than Mellisa. Her teachings have taught me what I’m required to know, and I’m at ease in my position,” Harlos said.

With kids between the ages of 3 and 5 years old, she said that the support of an organization can mean a lot.

“In Pilot Club, something we are very concerned about is and at this particular meeting, we are extremely family-oriented. My children attend the meetings and everyone here is awed by their children. Mellisa has truly taught me that we’re an entire family and community.”

Harlos said that one of her goals are to see an increase in membership and to expand the Pilot Club’s activities.

“This is a major ambition and last year we scored the most points we’ve had in a few years. If we could do higher than that will be an amazing target. We’ve got our huge Pancake Day and brought back the Picnic on the Square. I’m not certain if we’ll introduce any new events, but we will it would be nice to advance these two events,” she said.

She is happy to be born and raised in Andalusia and is now an PT.

“Our family has a strong connection within Covington County. It is where my kids will be raised. It is a huge benefit to me that I can help those we aid with cerebral palsy, brain injury or strokes. I meet patients suffering from those every day. I am aware of what the club can do to assist those suffering from brain injuries,” Harlos added.

King was elated by his successor, and also wished her success. “Meredith is a fantastic leader. She will continue to guide our group to do more, be more attentive and to be more.”

Marianne Wilder was elected to become vice president. She’s been a member for more than 20 years.

“I was part of the Luncheon Pilot Club for several years before it was stopped functioning. I was the president of that club and also held other roles which is why I know the expectations. I am a huge fan of my membership in the Pilot Club and what we do. I’m excited to join the expansion of our club to believe that we have tremendous impact on the community.” Wilder said.

Shannon Hudson was elected to be the secretary. She has been an active member for the past three years.

“I am eager to find out how to better understand the commercial aspect associated with Pilot Club. I’d like to have greater effect on our club and to be partly responsible for coming up with fresh concepts and ways to positively impact the community we live in. I’m grateful that this club gives me something to accomplish as an empty-nester and it’s an opportunity to give back to my community despite not having come from this area in the first place. It can be difficult to be involved, but this is a great way to meet people, become active, and feel as if you’re doing something meaningful and significant,” Hudson said.

Angelina Jenkins was elected to be the treasurer’s new occupant. She was also an active member for the last three years.

“I am extremely happy to support the club and ensure that we remain on the financial side and look at the bigger picture, so we can improve our efforts. My husband suffered from a problem between 2004 and 2006 in which there was a tumor in his brain which led to seizures. This causes epilepsy. I think it’s essential for those suffering from trauma to the brain or children who suffer from TBI to seek assistance. If they don’t, it could be quite difficult. I’m happy that this club assists these organizations and others in the city they have to deal with. Most organizations can only provide 15-20 percent of their work, however, Pilot Club Pilot Club gives a lot to assist. It’s a big difference since we’re not paid to do what accomplish, we will take the position we’re assigned to the heart of our hearts,” Jenkins said.

Renee Maio has been a member for five years. She was selected to serve the last year of Jenkins’ two-year membership. “I am looking forward to working alongside my Pilot sisters to further serve the community and expand our club. I am thankful to be a part of an organization that contributes in the communities,” Maio said.

Betty Davis has been a member for a total of 10 months. She was elected to serve for a two-year period as a member of the Board of Directors. “I’m in a position to help my community and expand my perspectives. My mother and my mother-in-law both suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, so I’ve been through what it’s like to take care of a loved one. This organization is close and close to my heart. I am interested in learning much more about Pilot Club by being on the Board of Directors, and the many things we can provide,” Davis said.

Cynthia Peebles was also selected to serve a two-year time period however she was not present at the meeting.

An Pilot Club for three years, Samantha Gann will complete her second year time as a member of the Board of Directors.

“I enjoy the tightness of our group and feel that we’re a family. The money we collect for helping people suffering from brain injuries, Alzheimer’s and other conditions is near and important to us. I’m very happy to be able to accomplish as much as can to help this organization. I’m hoping to give 100% and ensure we operate smoothly and help the most people possible,” Gann said.

President and vice president secretary, and treasurer posts are for two-year terms beginning July 1st. In addition to the new responsibilities each officer was required to add the plant to a planter that was given to Harlos when they had completed their work.

The next meeting of the monthly calendar for Pilot Club members Pilot Club will be held on July 24, at 5:45 p.m. The location is the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce in the area. For more details, visit The Pilot Club of Andalusia facebook page.

The article The Pilot Club from Andalusia has new officers appointed to its the board was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.