Hebert is New Rotary President

McKENZIE (JUNE 18) — The Rotary Club of McKenzie installed new officers for the 2026-27 club year held at the Vera Low Center on the campus of Bethel University. 

Ricky Price, the 2025-26 club president, helped launch a mission to better serve the community through a food distribution program. Just last week, the club, with financial assistance from area churches and Baptist Hospital-Carroll County, provided more than 400 meals to area people in need.

Price said the vision of the club keeps getting better each year. In addition to hosting the honors banquets at the McKenzie High School and McKenzie Middle School, the club and its managed endowment - Fannie Baxter Moore Fund - provided scholarships to six MHS students, covered the unpaid meals of students at the end of the school year, provided funds for cap and gowns for students who did not have the resources to pay themselves, and provided food to the hungry. It also contributes to worldwide humanitarian initiatives as established by Rotary International.

President Price said he was a blessed man to serve through Rotary and to serve Christ.

About Armand Hebert: Armand J. Hebert III is a McKenzie, Tennessee-based consultant, coach, and community leader focused on helping people and organizations communicate better, lead with purpose, and build stronger teams.

Armand uses leadership coaching, DISC behavioral styles, and practical training to help teams understand one another, reduce friction, and work together more effectively.

His work is grounded in more than two decades of experience in training, facilitation, assessment debriefs, and leadership development.

Armand is deeply committed to serving and strengthening his community. He is a graduate and past facilitator of Henry County Leadership, a founding member of the McKenzie Chamber of Commerce, active with McKenzie Rotary, and a past board member of the Tennessee Association of Community Leadership.

He also volunteers with Bethel University’s women’s soccer program, supporting coaches and student-athletes with leadership development, communication, and team-building tools.

The McKenzie Rotary Club, founded in 1937, is a prominent local service organization dedicated to community support and educational advancement in McKenzie.

Service and Outreach

• Food Security: The club operates a food distribution mission, often partnering with local churches and Baptist Hospital-Carroll County. In June 2026, the club helped provide hot meals to over 400 local residents in June 2026.
• Support for First Responders: The club and the Fannie Baxter Moore Fund have donated funds to support local initiatives like the First Responders' "Christmas for Kids" program, which provides gifts for children in need.

Education and Student Support

• Scholarships: The club is heavily involved in educational support. In 2026, the club and the Fannie Baxter Moore Fund awarded $8,000 in scholarships to five McKenzie High School seniors and one Bethel University student.
• School Support: The club hosts honors banquets for McKenzie High and Middle schools. They also provide financial aid to students, including covering unpaid school meal balances and funding caps and gowns for students who lack the resources to pay for them.

The McKenzie Rotary Club holds its meetings every Tuesday at noon on the campus of Bethel University.

The club generates revenue through long-standing traditions, including an annual Charity Auction in November and a Boston butt sale held each June.

The 2026-27 officers are: President - Armand Hebert; Vice-President - Jason R. Martin, who also serves as club secretary; Sergeant at Arms - Gary Hilliard; Treasurer - Joe Neumair; Peach Ambassador - Kim Bell-Webb; Immediate Past President - Ricky Price; Public Image - Joel Washburn; and Fannie Baxter Moore Fund - Ed Perkins.

• Rotarian of the Year: Joe Neumair — recognized for financial oversight, late-night communications, and consistent behind-the-scenes support as club treasurer.
• Ed Perkins Award: Presented to John Adams — recognized for consistent availability, responsiveness, and dedication to the club. Perkins is a 66-year member of the club. Adams is a retired Baptist minister, who first moved to McKenzie in 1977 and then moved to Jackson before returning to McKenzie.
• Clark Brown Championship Award: Presented to Nick Flippin and Emily Lowe of E. W. James Supermarket. E.W. helped McKenzie Rotary launch its food drive initiative and serve as a community partner in the ongoing project.
• Paul Harris Fellow: Susan E. Hebert — nominated by incoming president Armand Hebert; recognized for significant contribution to Rotary's mission of worldwide understanding and goodwill. The Paul Harris Fellowship is the highest award the local club bestows on a recipient. It represents a $1,000 contribution to Rotary International to support worldwide initiatives to eradicate polio, feed the hungry, and to provide electrification and water projects in underdeveloped areas. Rotary International has 1.2 million members.