Cathy Bitler Named 2025 Rotarian of the Year

                                                            

Lancaster, Ohio – Cathy Bitler, Lancaster Rotary Club member, was recognized as the 2025 Richard A. Benadum Rotarian of the Year on Monday, June 9.
 
This award honors the legacy of the late Dick Benadum, who devoted more than 60 years to Rotary service. He had maintained 55 years of perfect attendance at Rotary Club meetings, served as Club Secretary for 20 years, and was awarded the Rotarian of the Year in 2015. The award was named in his honor.
 
Cathy Bitler has been a dedicated member of the Lancaster Rotary Club for nearly 20 years and previously served as Club President. With more than 30 years of leadership at South Central Power and as a volunteer in the area, she has had an outstanding impact on the community as a whole. Cathy is actively involved in the Rotary Club’s Special Projects and Membership Committees, as well as the Rotary Choir and the club’s Third Grade Dictionary Program. As a Paul Harris Fellow, Cathy has generously contributed financially to the Rotary Foundation and its missions. Additionally, Cathy deeply engages in the community outside of Rotary by serving on the Friends of the Library Board, Ohio University-Lancaster Alumni and Advisory Council, and the Board of Garret Players, where she also directs and performs plays. Her leadership also includes past service with the Lancaster-Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce, Fairfield County Foundation, and United Way boards respectively.
 
Rotarians have supported her nomination, stating, “Cathy identifies a need, takes initiative, and becomes part of the solution. She truly embodies the Rotary motto of ‘Service Above Self.’”
 
The Rotary Club of Lancaster is part of Rotary International, a club that seeks to promote service above self, with a global network of 1.4 million members. More than 45,000 clubs work to serve others through their fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Rotarians are committed to addressing issues ranging from literacy and peace to clean water and health, with the goal of uniting people and creating lasting, positive change. More information can be found at https://www.rotarycluboflancaster.org/.