Our Governors

Every successful Rotary district is comprised of strong people that are part of the district leadership team and it is no different in Rotary District 6880. This team includes the District Governor, Governor-Elect, and District Governor Nominee. These leaders along, with past and future leaders that include assistant governors, district committee chairs, and past governors help our district thrive.

Stephen K. Weaver: Rotary District 6880 District Governor 2026 - 2027

“The Power of Steve Weaver is serving as District Governor for Rotary District 6880 in 2026–27, working alongside 46 clubs from the Montgomery area down to the Gulf Coast and west to the Wiregrass. A proud Rotarian from Fairhope, Steve loves visiting clubs, hearing their stories, and seeing firsthand how Rotarians quietly change lives in communities across south Alabama.

This year’s district theme, The Power of Us, captures how Steve sees Rotary: when we show up together, invite new people into service, and make the experience welcoming and enjoyable, there is almost nothing we cannot do. Membership growth is at the heart of his vision for District 6880—he is asking every club to focus on both attracting new members and keeping the ones they have engaged, supported, and proud to wear the Rotary gear. His goal is simple and personal: more Rotarians in more communities, doing more good, together.

Professionally, Steve is a business advisor and broker with more than 25 years of experience helping owners navigate high‑stakes decisions and complex transactions with integrity and clear communication. He brings that same steady, practical style into his year as District Governor, working to strengthen club health, improve district‑to‑club communication, and encourage flexible club structures that meet people where they are today.

Steve and his wife Andrea make their home in Fairhope, and he is quick to say that Rotary has become part of their family story. Away from meetings and mileage, he enjoys cooking, tennis, and cheering on University of Alabama Steve Weaver

District Governor 2026–2027

Vimal Patel: Rotary District 6880 District Governor Elect 2026 - 2027

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Penny Hughey: Rotary District 6880 District Governor Elect 2026 - 2027

Penny Hughey holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and Music and brings more than 25 years of experience in banking, followed by several years as a Career Coach working with both youth and adults. Her career path reflects a lifelong passion for leadership development, education, and community impact. Born and raised in Northwest Georgia and Tennessee, she left the mountains behind and relocated south for a life at the beach in 2017. Penny spent six years with the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, serving as Vice President of Education and Programs. In that role, she was instrumental in creating and leading numerous impactful initiatives including Junior Leadership for local high school students; the Coastal Alabama Leadership League (CALL) for adult community leaders; Diplomats, a volunteer program focused on membership engagement and retention; and Coastal Alabama Kid Entrepreneurs (CAKE) Day, which introduces elementary students to entrepreneurship - just to name a few. Under her leadership, these and other programs helped shape future leaders and strengthen the regional business community. She is a graduate of the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management, completing the prestigious four-year program and earning her IOM designation. Penny also holds the Alabama Accredited Chamber Executive (AACE) designation and was nominated as Alabama Chamber Person of the Year, recognizing her contributions to chamber leadership and community development. A dedicated Rotarian, Penny has served both as President and Membership Director of the Gulf Shores–Orange Beach Rotary Club. She was honored as Rotarian of the Year in 2023, elected Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 6880 in 2025 and is the District Governor Nominee beginning in July 2026 for District 6880. She is also a proud Paul Harris Fellow Paul Harris Society Member supporting the Rotary International Foundation. She is the Commodore of the Mobile Compass Rose Fleet of the International Fellowship of Yachting Rotarians. Penny is a 16 year breast cancer survivor and serves on the Board of Directors for Bras Across the Causeway, an organization that raises funds to help local breast cancer patients cover medical expenses. Outside of her professional and volunteer work, she is an avid Jimmy Buffett fan, a member of the Lower Alabama Parrothead Club, and serves as Parliamentarian on the Board of Directors for the Mobile Bay Area Parrothead Club. She is the proud mom of two adult daughters, one bonus daughter, and two bonus grandchildren, and shares life with her dog, Jaxx, who was recently elected Official Pet Mayor of the Gulf Coast. Her hobbies include working as a private chef for family and friends, witnessing as many sunrises and sunsets as possible, and enjoying time in, on, or around the water and our beautiful local beaches soaking up the coastal lifestyle. Penny is thrilled to be part of the Lee Charities team, where she can dedicate her professional life to serving and uplifting the people in her community who need it most.