In December
2025, the Nominating Committee met in Lausanne and appointed François Bernard,
RC Martigny, as Governor of District 1990 for the 2028-2029 Rotary year.
François
Bernard will have the opportunity to introduce himself in person at the PELS
and District Assembly on 7 March in Brig.
In the
meantime, we are giving him the opportunity to introduce himself in the text
below and would like to extend a warm welcome to him and wish him every success
in his new role.
***
In the service
of meaning, continuity and human commitment
François Bernard - Future
Governor 2028–2029
My commitment to Rotary is part
of a life journey marked by diversity, encounters and responsibilities.
Originally from Coeuve in the Jura, I grew up in Biel in a bilingual
environment that taught me early on to listen, respect differences and engage
in dialogue between cultures.
The path of apprenticeship,
chosen from the outset, anchored me in practicality and the value of the
collective. Higher education in Lausanne broadened this foundation, before my
professional career led me to work abroad, in both the northern and southern
hemispheres. These experiences forged a lasting conviction in me: projects only
succeed if they are supported by committed, recognised and respected women and
men.
Today, I live in Bex. Married to
Juliette, I am the father of an adult daughter, Seraïna. These personal roots
fuel a demanding vision of transmission, responsibility and commitment. As a
scuba diving instructor, former competitive dancer and international judge, I
have learned rigour, self-control, listening to others and trust in the
collective. These are concrete reference points that structure the way I lead
teams and serve others in sometimes demanding human contexts.
My blue thread for the 2028–2029
governance year is based first and foremost on the joy of being part of Rotary.
Conviviality, the pleasure of being together, and pride in belonging to a club
are powerful drivers of engagement. A vibrant Rotary is one in which members
enjoy getting together, sharing, and taking action.
The youth and smiles of our clubs
are a second essential pillar. Giving young people a real voice, supporting
Rotaract, and encouraging intergenerational and intercultural projects is not
just a bonus: it is a condition for sustainability. Rotary must remain a place
where generations meet, inspire each other, and build together.
The continuity and consistency of
the three-year plan form a structuring axis. Governing is not about starting
from scratch, but about consolidating, deepening and passing on. It is about
giving depth to the actions undertaken, ensuring strategic clarity and
guaranteeing a smooth transition between teams, while respecting the work that
has been accomplished.
Concrete support for clubs is at
the heart of my approach. Listening to local realities, supporting presidents,
mobilising assistant governors and committees, offering simple tools and clear
communication: the district must be a facilitator, present in the field, useful
and accessible.
Finally, lively and vibrant
communication must promote projects, but above all the people behind them. It
reinforces collective pride, image consistency and transparency. It also helps
to better anchor our actions in local communities, while building bridges
internationally. Connecting the district's territories and encouraging
meaningful projects focused on youth, inclusion, the environment, prevention
and culture is the natural outcome of this commitment.
It is in this spirit of
continuity, service and action that I wish to serve as Governor of District
1990 for the year 2028–2029. To serve, together, with rigour, consistency and
humanity.
Francois Bernard
RC Martigny
