Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties Announces W. Lee Arrendale Vocational Excellence

The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties proudly announces its nominees for two of Rotary District 6910’s most prestigious honors: the W. Lee Arrendale Vocational Excellence Award and the Robert S. Stubbs II Guardian of Ethics Award. These accolades recognize outstanding individuals whose lives exemplify Rotary’s ideals of service, leadership, integrity, and excellence.

Each year, one Rotarian from every club in Rotary District 6910 is selected to receive one of these distinguished awards. The chosen recipients are dedicated community leaders who embody Rotary’s mission to serve others, act with integrity, and promote ethical leadership in all they do.

W. Lee Arrendale Vocational Excellence Award

Honoring: Rick Thompson

Established in 1990, the W. Lee Arrendale Vocational Excellence Award pays tribute to Mr. W. Lee Arrendale—a trailblazer in the poultry industry and a founding member of the Rotary Club of Habersham County. Known for his hands-on leadership and service, Mr. Arrendale’s legacy lives on through this award, recognizing individuals who demonstrate excellence in their vocational fields and dedication to service.

This year, the Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties proudly honors Rick Thompson as its 2024–2025 award recipient.

Rick’s journey of leadership began in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He earned a degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Virginia Tech, where he also met his future wife, Gail, during a friendly intramural football game. They’ll celebrate 50 years of marriage this June.

Rick began his professional career with Thomasville Furniture, a division of Armstrong World Industries, where he rose through the ranks from production supervisor to director of industrial engineering. His ability to mentor young engineers and optimize manufacturing processes set him apart as a dynamic leader early in his career.

Later, Rick pivoted to a successful career in sales, where he embraced personal development through the teachings of Zig Ziglar. His motto—“The team with the top talent always wins”—carried him through two decades with Hill-Rom Company, a leading manufacturer of hospital equipment. There, he led nine sales teams, earned multiple top awards, and played a pivotal role in integrating two major company acquisitions.

Upon retirement, Rick and Gail moved to Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he continued serving his community as vice president of the homeowners’ association and led a strategic planning initiative to guide future growth.

He later moved to Reynolds Lake Oconee and in 2020 joined the Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties.  Since that time, he has made a profound impact. During his first year as a member, he was named Rookie of the Year. Under his leadership as Club President during the 2023-2024 year, the Club earned District 6910’s Medium Club of the Year for the sixth consecutive time. Rick also chairs the Club’s Rotary Foundation Committee, regularly volunteers with Second Harvest and Shoes for Kids, and serves on the board of Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

A devoted Episcopalian and active member of the Church of Advent in Madison, Rick’s life reflects the values of faith, family, and service. He and Gail reside in Reynolds on Lake Oconee and enjoy time with their two children and four granddaughters.

Robert S. Stubbs II Guardian of Ethics Award

Honoring: Jennifer Pennington

Rotary’s mission to uphold the highest standards of ethical leadership is at the heart of the Robert S. Stubbs II Guardian of Ethics Award. This award recognizes individuals whose lives are guided by honesty, integrity, and an unwavering moral compass. This year’s honoree is a shining example of those principles: Jennifer Pennington.

Raised in Madison, Georgia, Jennifer was an energetic and involved student at Oconee County High School, where her leadership journey began. From an early age, she embraced opportunities to serve others, a value she still holds dear today. Her personal motto, “Serve,” has been the driving force behind a life of leadership, compassion, and excellence.

Jennifer met her husband, Robert Pennington, during her senior year of high school. Following wise advice from her mother to “hold on to that Pennington boy,” the couple built a strong and loving family, raising two children—Mary Veros and Rob Pennington. Today, their family continues to grow, including two granddaughters.

Jennifer’s business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit have played a central role in the success of Pennington Seed and several successful ventures in the self-storage industry. Together with her husband and her mother, Debbie Conner, Jennifer helped launch Madison Mini Storage, Oconee Mini Storage, and multiple other facilities throughout the region. Her vision and tenacity have made her a respected leader in the Lake Country business community.

Within Rotary, Jennifer has been an integral force. She served five years as club secretary and is the Club’s current president-elect. Her creativity and leadership were key to the success of the 2025 Rotary Super Raffle, the club’s major fundraiser. Her presidency, beginning in June, promises to bring renewed energy and innovation.

Jennifer’s service extends beyond Rotary. She has served as president of the Ladies at the Landing, participates in church Bible studies and prayer groups at Madison First United Methodist, and currently serves on the Southwind Condominium Association in Florida.

Her character, integrity, and quiet strength have inspired her peers and elevated the entire Rotary Club. Jennifer leads by example and lives by the same ethical standards she encourages in others—making her the perfect recipient of this year’s Robert S. Stubbs II Guardian of Ethics Award.

A Celebration of Service and Leadership

Rick Thompson and Jennifer Pennington exemplify the heart and soul of Rotary. Through decades of leadership, service, and ethical dedication, they have not only made a difference in their professions and communities—they’ve inspired all who have the privilege of working alongside them.

Congratulations to both honorees for this well-earned recognition. Their commitment to excellence, ethics, and service shines as a beacon for others to follow.