BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Telegraph Staff Writer
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS— Heather Davis was sworn in as the new president of the Keystone Heights Rotary Club during an induction ceremony in June.
Davis is a Lake Region native who attended both Keystone Heights elementary and high schools.
She graduated from nursing school in 2005 and started her healthcare career at Aza Health’s Family Medical and Dental Center in Hawthorne.
“I wanted to work there to give back to the company that cared for me and my family locally,” she said. “It was a humbling experience to help patients and families that couldn’t afford to get care anywhere else.”
After an eight-year tenure in Hawthorne, Davis next moved to Haven Hospice, where she spent seven years.
“This was another amazing journey that allowed me to help patients and families get through the toughest time of their lives,” she said. “I would always get approached by people saying they didn’t know how I could work in hospice, but the truth is when you experience helping people during this extremely vulnerable time, it’s a blessing to guide them through the transition.”
Davis now works as a clinical liaison for Legacy Home Health Care in Keystone Heights.
Last year the company, founded by Lake Region residents Chris and Betsy Murphy, moved into the former Watson Realty building north of town on State Road 21.
“I was super excited to work with a company that had owners that grew up in the same town that I did,” Davis recalled. “I joined Legacy a little over three years ago as the first clinical liaison. I have enjoyed being a part of this company since they first became Medicare certified. What I enjoy most about working here is when a neighbor, family member or friend calls for help with nursing care, physical therapy, or occupational therapy in the home, I can help provide the services with healthcare professionals that I personally know.”
Davis’s involvement with Rotary began four years ago when she joined the Palatka club while working for Haven Hospice. She said she still visits the club when her schedule allows.
The incoming president said that the organization’s motto, Service Above Self, accurately describes how Rotary members operate.
Joining Davis in the club’s leadership are Past President Richard Segall, President-elect Todd Bealls, Treasurer Shelley Gibbs, Secretary Ginger Lee, and Sergeant-at-Arms Branden Waters.
Davis said most people don’t realize the global reach of Rotary that allows Lake Region members to help people around the globe.
“So many people think that Rotary is just a club in their small town, but it is so much more than that,” she said. “It is an international organization with clubs across the world.”
Davis said Rotary’s reach also enables Rotarians from across the U.S. to impact the Lake Region through grants.
She added that Past President Richard Segall applied for a $3,000 grant to meet a significant need in the Lake Region, and the club recently learned that the application was approved.
“With me coming in as president and being a leader in this club, I would like to impact our community in a positive way,” she said. “Our club is made up of business leaders and people who absolutely love our small town. We all want to help improve our community as much as possible.”
“Every Wednesday morning,” Davis added, “we end our meeting with our motto: Service above self. One profits most serves best. And that’s exactly what we do, serve our community the best we can. This coming year I hope and pray that I can do something that will continue to positively impact our community and maybe improve the quality of the small town I live in and love.”
