Jeff Johnston 2024-25
Jeff is a graduate of the University of Arkansas (BSIE – May 1976). He worked at Eastman Chemical for over 33 years and finished his service in 2008 as Global Director of Safety, Health, and Ergonomics. Since 2009, Jeff has served as an Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A in Orlando, FL and Tyler, TX.
Jeff married his high school sweetheart (Debra) after graduating from the University of Arkansas in 1976. Jeff and Debra have one daughter (Melissa – Speech Language Pathologist), who is married Jeff Lahey (Assistant Principal/Administrator) and they have two wonderful grandkids (Sadie-9 and Camden-8).
Jeff has been an active member of Rotary for over 30+ years. Jeff’s membership began with the Longview South Rotary Club (TX) and includes transfers to the Kingsport Rotary Club (TN), Rotary Club of Orlando (FL), and finally, the South Tyler Rotary Club (TX).
Rotary MEMBERSHIP
1989-1990 - Proposed by Past Longview South Rotary President/Community Leader, Sam Vaughn (now deceased)
1991-92 - Activities Director & Membership Chair
1992-93 - Club Treasurer
1993-94 - Club Secretary
2001-02 - Attended/visited Rotary clubs in Tuscaloosa, AL but did NOT join/transfer Rotary membership due to travel and short-term assignment as Site Manager for a “closing” chemical plant
2002-05 - Transferred to Kingsport, TN (Corporate Headquarters of Eastman Chemical) but did NOT immediately join/transfer Rotary membership due to global travel assignments.
2006-07 - Joined Rotary Club of Kingsport (TN) and served as an Engineer and Global Director classification for two great years.
2007 - Served as “Service Director”
2007-09 Took EARLY retirement from Eastman Chemical and applied for a Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator franchise (long application and review/approval process). Worked for two companies while waiting
on final Chick-fil-A approval and assignment.
2008 - Served as a Corporate Director for Tuner Brothers Trucking, Crane/Rigging, and Wind Energy (TX/OK) which required Extensive regional travel - - - visited Rotary Clubs in TX, OK, LA, and AR locations but DID NOT join due to travel constraints
2009 - Served as Global Corporate Director for Chemtura Corporation (CT), which required extensive Global travel. Visited Rotary Clubs around the world but DID NOT join due to travel/work constraints.
2009-12 - Moved to Orlando (FL) and built a new Chick-fil-A location In the downtown district - - assigned as Owner/Operator. Visited area Rotary clubs for several years while starting a new business and learning the Orlando area.
2012 - Joined Rotary Club of Orlando (FL) and became an active member supporting local education/reading efforts, service projects, and club development.
2012-014 - Facilitated the Rotary Club of Orlando (FL) Rotary Foundation Board’s “visionary” planning and long-term sustainability efforts
2014 - Awarded Rotarian of the Month/Year by the Rotary Club of Orlando (FL) for club service and foundation support
2015 - Joined Rotary Club of South Tyler (TX) and became an active member supporting local enlistment, education efforts, service projects, programs, and club development.
2015-16 - Served as “Club Administration Director”
2014-18 - Served as “Service Director”
2019-20 - Served as Club President of South Tyler Rotary (TX)
2020-21 - Served as South Tyler Rotary Foundation President
2020-21 - Served as District Disaster Relief Chair
2018-Present - Served as a District 5830 Facilitator for Club Visioning.
May 2021 - Submitted application for District Governor (District 5830)
2022-23 - District Governor – Nominee (District 5830)
2023-24 - District Governor – Elect (District 5830)
2024-25 - District Governor (District 5830)
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