District Governor Nominee - Pete Vogt
Pete has been a Rotarian since joining the Rotary Club of Dansville in 2010 after having experienced the world of Rotary since 1995 as the spouse of a Rotarian, his wife Sharon. For Pete, Rotary embodies a spirit of service and community, connecting individuals who are driven by a shared desire to make a positive impact on the world. This coincides with his experiences throughout life.
Pete is an Eagle Scout. The Scout Oath and Law were key early on to instilling in him the values of service and helping others. His experience as a Boy Scout carried over into adulthood through a career of service in the United States Marine Corps where, as in Rotary, working together as a team is essential to accomplishing the mission.
Pete would carry on his service to others after his military career as a staff writer and then editor for the local newspaper. In those roles, he fostered a local connection by writing about topics that not only kept residents informed about what was happening close to home but addressed local issues that directly impacted the community. Beyond the news, Pete was able to champion local businesses, celebrate cultural events, and bring attention to grassroots initiatives, creating a sense of unity and pride within the community.
After retiring from journalism, Pete became involved in local politics, seeing it as another avenue by which to serve others. With a firm understanding of the needs of the community, he would serve three 4-year terms as village mayor.
As member of the District 7120 governor tract, Pete’s focus is promoting greater fellowship and regular attendance at club meetings and district events. Fellowship and attendance are closely intertwined, as they complement and enhance each other within the organization. Fellowship forms the foundation of Rotary's mission, fostering meaningful connections, mutual respect, and shared purpose among members. Regular attendance provides the opportunity to nurture and strengthen these relationships, creating an environment where members collaborate effectively to achieve common goals. Through consistent participation in meetings and district events, Rotarians engage in open dialogue, exchange ideas, and celebrate accomplishments, all of which reinforce the sense of community and camaraderie that defines Rotary. This synergy between fellowship and attendance ensures the organization thrives, enabling members to work harmoniously towards service and leadership.
Pete was born in Dansville, graduating from the local high school in 1965. He enlisted in the Marines in June 1965 and would serve tours of duty in the Carolinas, Vietnam, California, and Hawaii. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant. He followed his military service by attending SUNY Geneseo, earning a BA in History. Upon graduating, he was commissioned as an officer in the Marines. He retired in 1990. That same year he completed a master’s in education from the University of Virginia.
Pete has served the Dansville Rotary Club as president and membership chair. For several years he also chaired the Clara Barton Day 5-K Race committee. He has served as the Area 4 assistant governor as well. He is a Paul Harris Fellow plus one.
Peter and Sharon are the proud parents of two married daughters, Sarah and Rebecca. They have four grandchildren.