Rotary Foundation
Bill Dendy LOVES Rotary. He joined Rotary in 2000 with the Rotary Club of Dallas. Bill served as District Governor in 2016-17. During that time, North Texas Rotary led our Rotary zone in membership growth. Additionally, the North Texas District was recognized as top district for public image in the paired zones. Furthermore, our District’s Rotary Foundation giving grew with overall Foundation contributions increasing by over a million dollars. Bill attributes these successes to a strong supportive team that was necessary as he was also a full-time entrepreneur and active father for his two minor children during his governor year.
“Rotary should be uplifting and FUN,” says Bill, and his team hosted several fun and memorable events. Beginning with his governor’s installation presided over by RI President John Germ, our District saw hundreds in attendance at every major event, including the Foundation Celebration and the District Conference Cruise.
While fun and fellowship are important, Bill reminds us that, “service is the real focus.” Most district events included an element of service, and individual Rotarians and clubs that excelled in service were recognized. Even the district conference was billed as a “Service Cruise,” with five different service projects in Cozumel and Jamaica, spearheaded by clubs already familiar with the needs of those communities.
Bill’s attitude of rolling up his sleeves and getting the job done benefited the district in several key areas. Bill found a charitable partner and traveled to Africa to fulfill a ten-year district goal of providing education for girls in Malawi. The scholarship project with Orant Charities continues today. Additionally, he led groups to Cuba to provide humanitarian aid and produced complimentary PR videos for dozens of clubs to highlight their many service accomplishments.
Bill continues to serve our Rotary Community. He is our 3-year District Representative for Rotary International’s Council on Legislation and our District Foundation Chairperson. Bill is a Foundation Major Donor and a member of the Paul Harris Society, White Hat Society, and Bequest Society. He was District Rotarian of the Year in 2012, and in 2020, Bill received Rotary International’s highest honor, the Service Above Self Award (only 150 worldwide per year).
Professionally, Bill is an Attorney, CPA and Certified Financial Planner. For fun, Bill enjoys travel and SCUBA. He is a member of American Mensa and is an instrument rated, multi-engine private pilot. His wife, Lisa, is an attorney and committed Rotarian.