Jan Collins named “Champion of Change” for Rotary

Special to The Canton News 

Jan Collins, executive director of the Madison County Business League & Foundation, received the prestigious “Champion of Change” award at Rotary District 6820’s 8th annual “Women in Rotary” celebration event on March 8 at the Country Club of Jackson. 

Collins is one of four exceptional and distinguished Rotarians selected from the forty-four local clubs across thirty-four counties in Central Mississippi to be honored for outstanding personal and professional accomplishments, community service, and civic contributions. Collins is an active member of the Madison Ridgeland Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow, and served as program chairman for six years. She was presented the Madison-Ridgeland Rotary Club James Young Award in 2022, which is the highest honor awarded to a club member who has demonstrated truly exceptional service.  

Event Chair Barbara Travis says “each year, our honorees are selected based on their excellent and longstanding record of contributions dedicated to the improvement of their communities. What they do and what they’ve done for others makes the world a better place.” 

Additional “Champion of Change” honorees were Peggy Buckley from the Starkville Rotary Club and Iris Stacker from the Greenville Rotary Club. Annette Kirklin from the Vicksburg Rotary Club was presented the “Pat Fordice Award for Cultural and Humanitarian Service.” The keynote speaker for the event was Representative Robin Robinson, MS House District 88, and Board Chair for Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi. She highlighted the leadership and accomplishments of Women in Rotary and its alignment with organizations like Girl Scouts that encourage and empower girls in all areas of life.  

Travis initiated the event in 2016, has seen it grow each year, and remains “overwhelmed and humbled at the on-going support we receive from our local Rotary clubs, the business community, and non-profit partners.” She notes that almost thirty percent of the attendees are men. 

“They come each year to support the honorees and to enjoy the music, food, and festivities. Together, we celebrate Rotary’s focus on ‘service above self,’ and invite others to join us!”