Welcome to Empire Multi-District PELS

Congratulations on your nomination as President Elect (PE) of your club! Your fellow Rotarians have recognized your leadership, vision, and commitment to “unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”

For first-time presidents, we’re here to equip you with the tools, resources, and connections you need for a successful and rewarding year.

For returning presidents, whether serving consecutive terms or stepping back in after a few years — thank you for once again taking on this vital role. We look forward to building on your past experiences and learning how you’ll approach the year ahead with fresh insights.

For Assistant Governors and Area Representatives, your leadership, guidance, and partnership will be instrumental in helping our presidents-elect succeed.

As club president, you will be responsible for ensuring your club functions effectively and thrives. To prepare you for that responsibility, Rotary International requires all PE's to attend a President Elect Learning Seminar (PELS) before their term begins.

PELS is more than just a requirement — it’s an inspiring and practical learning experience. You’ll deepen your understanding of your role, set meaningful goals, and connect with other leaders.

Empire Multi-District PELS provides this for all club leaders in District 7120 (Rochester) and CNY Rotary - which is more than 160 clubs all together. That's a great network to tap into!

SAVE THE DATE: MARCH 6-7, 2027

  • Our in-person 1½-day seminar will be packed with training, collaboration, networking and fun!

  • New Location! This year we will be at the Syracuse Marriot Downtown with free parking and deeply discounted room rates ($179/night) for this luxurious, historic hotel with ornate decor and Stickley-appointed rooms - click here to book your stay by Feb 13th

This website will help you prepare for PELS and will remain a valuable resource throughout your presidential year.

Let’s build the next generation of Rotary leaders together.

With more than 160 clubs and almost 5,000 members, the Empire region covers most of NY state!
 
MD PELS Chair Lizzy Martin
District President 2024-25, CNY Rotary
 
Lizzy is a 17-year member of Baldwinsville Rotary and has been a part of more than a decade of PELS events as a facilitator and committee member. She is excited to serve as the Chair for 2026-29, leading a dynamic team that strives to make our Empire program irresistible to our incoming club leaders.
D7120 District Governor Elect Peter Vogt

Pete has been a member of the Rotary Club of Dansville since 2010 and has served as Club President, Membership Chair, Area 4 Assistant Governor, and Chair of the Clara Barton Day 5K Race. A Paul Harris Fellow +1, he is committed to strengthening Rotary through fellowship, member engagement, and participation at both the club and district levels. Professionally, Pete served in the United States Marine Corps, retiring as an officer after a distinguished military career. He later worked as a newspaper editor and writer before serving three terms as mayor of the Village of Dansville, continuing his lifelong commitment to service and leadership.

CNY Rotary President Elect Sam Netzband
Sam has been a member of the VVS Community Rotary Club since 2020. A past club president, she is especially proud of helping establish the VVS Area Imagination Library, which provides free books each month to children from birth to age five throughout the community. Professionally, Sam is a Contracts Manager at BAE Systems, where she leads learning and development initiatives. She is an award-winning contracts professional, serves as Vice President of the NCMA CNY Leatherstocking Chapter, and is passionate about leadership, education, and community service.