By Rotarian Al Kalter
mail@floridanewsline.com
Each July, Rotary clubs around the world install new leaders to serve their clubs and communities for a one-year term. Locally, the presidency of the Rotary Club of Bartram Trail — Julington Creek passes from David Goldman to Molly Paxton. So let’s introduce our new club president.
A native Floridian, Molly Paxton was born and raised in Palm Beach, where she spent her formative years attending a small private school until 1993. Inspired by the 1989 film “Dead Poets Society,” she pursued English Education at Stetson University in Deland, graduating with a bachelor’s degree; however, after several years working as a high school English teacher, she realized that she didn’t have the patience to spend all day with teenagers. She left the profession in 1998 when she married her husband, Zeke, an active-duty Army helicopter pilot and West Point graduate.
Their military life led them to various postings, including Ft. Rucker in Alabama and Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia, with Zeke also serving a year in South Korea while Molly cared for their young son back in the States. With frequent relocations making long-term employment a challenge, Molly adapted by engaging in diverse roles, from volunteering at libraries to writing product tags for a toy company and working part-time at Barnes & Noble.
Upon Zeke’s military retirement, the family settled in Jacksonville, where Molly found her niche as a product development manager at Advantus, a local consumer goods manufacturer. Her career took her across the globe, sourcing and introducing new products to the US market before she retired in 2022. Married 26 years in August, Molly and Zeke have raised two sons: Jonah, a University of Florida alumnus, and Luke, currently attending Stetson University, continuing a family legacy. Their household also includes two rescue cats, Jazzy and Squeaks.
Molly’s involvement with Rotary began in 2015 when her eldest son participated in the Rotary Youth Exchange program in Croatia. Despite COVID disrupting plans for their younger son’s exchange in Argentina, the Paxtons have hosted five exchange students from other countries. Molly officially joined Rotary in 2018, along with her husband, although they enjoy being members of separate clubs for the differing opportunities and perspectives. As she approaches her sixth year as a Rotarian, Molly’s commitment to community engagement through Rotary remains steadfast.
Q: What do you see as the purpose of Rotary, both locally and globally?
Molly: To me, Rotary’s purpose is all about reconnecting with our humanity. Rotary reminds us that every action counts. It’s about making a positive difference, no matter how big or small, because ultimately, we’re all in this together. Life’s short, so let’s spend it lifting each other up and making the world a better place for everyone.
Q: What goals do you have for your year as club president?
Molly: My main goal as club president is to ensure that every member feels fulfilled and valued in their Rotary experience. We’re a diverse group, each with our own reasons for joining, whether it’s community service, networking, or simply enjoying camaraderie. Another of my goals is to increase our visibility in the community.
Q: What should people know about our Rotary Club?
Molly: The Rotary Club of Bartram Trail — Julington Creek is not just a breakfast meeting group. Our club is a lively group of friends who are passionate about making a difference, both locally and globally. Whether it’s organizing social events, tackling community projects, or leading global grant initiatives, we’re united by our commitment to Rotary’s core value of “Service Above Self.”
The Rotary Club of Bartram Trail – Julington Creek meets every Thursday morning from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek. Guests and prospective members are always welcome. Visit www.bartramtrailrotary.org for more information.
Photo courtesy Molly Paxton
Zeke and Molly Paxton
