Since he joined RCY in January 2017, George Nelson has been the guy behind the lens, capturing images of weekly meetings and Rotary events for publication here and elsewhere. Now he is coming into view as our new club president. Here, he tells Clatter News Editor Debora Flora about his career beginnings, club aspirations, and continued fascination with a pop culture icon.
1. You are well known as a news reporter and photographer. Which did you pick up first -- a pen or a camera?
Pen. I was a reporter for my high school and college papers before I’d picked up a camera. A friend had become sports editor at The Jambar, Youngstown State’s student newspaper. I wanted to give her a hand but knew I didn’t know enough about sports to write about it credibly on a regular basis, so I got into photography.
Curiously, photography led to my first professional work outside college, when I was asked at a YSU event I was shooting for The Jambar to submit some photos to a then-new publication called the Youngstown Business Journal. Funny how things work out.
2. You were recently interviewed on local TV news as a Superman subject expert. What is it about the Man of Steel that inspires you?
I’ve been a fan of the character since I was a kid and became more interested as an adult because of the local (well, regional) connection – the character was created in Cleveland, so the Ohio history element is part of it. And there’s something to be said for a being with greater power choosing to use that power in the service of others rather than selfishly – that certainly is inspiring.
By the way, it's fun and also worth noting that “truth and justice” – which Superman fights for in his "never-ending battle," per the original opening narration of the 1940s Adventures of Superman radio serial – line up nicely with the first two principles of Rotary’s Four-Way Test.
3. Your predecessors have selected areas of focus during their leadership. What will be your focus?
It should come as no surprise that I’ve settled on community and economic development, given my work experience. This also comes at a pivotal time for downtown Youngstown’s development, given recent events, though I don’t intend for downtown to be the sole focus.
4. "The Magic of Rotary" is Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick's theme this year. What magic have you discovered within the Rotary Club of Youngstown?
First, the willingness to come together to improve our community. Second, the friendships. I honestly had not expected to make the personal connections I have since joining this club.
5. In what ways will you challenge Rotarians as members of an international service club with a proud local history?
To always look for new ways to serve our community and our world, and to look at ways to improve what we’ve already been doing.
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