NEWBURYPORT — Local banker and cycling enthusiast Charles Withee has been elected as president of the Rotary Club of Newburyport for the coming year.

A graduate of the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking, Withee is the executive vice president of the Provident Bank, serves on the Board of Directors of Turning Point, and is a board member and chairman-elect of the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce. He is also a founding member and the president of the Carpe Diem Cycling Club of Hampton, N.H.; his early morning daily bicycle rides may be the secret to his boundless energy and ever-ready smile.

A father of three and basketball coach for his 14-year-old daughter's team, Withee makes time for Rotary within his already full schedule because he believes in the Rotary motto of "service is above self" and Rotary's code of ethics. "I firmly believe that the Rotarian principles of truth, fairness and service to others provide an exemplary model for one's business and personal life," Withee said.

"I am especially pleased that my year as club president coincides with the presidential year of Rotary International President Dong Kurn Lee, the first Korean to head Rotary International," Withee said. "D.K. Lee's theme for this year is 'Make Dreams Real,' and he is focusing on reducing childhood mortality, and making a safe and happy childhood a reality for the world's children. As a father, that is a focus and priority that I wholeheartedly endorse and intend to promote during my year as president."

The new Rotary officers also include Joseph Sullivan, president-elect; Grace Connolly, past-president; Scott Vandersall, treasurer; Peter Johnson, secretary; Christine Cashman, vice president; Sue Christ, foundation chairman; Ann Ormond, membership and program chairman; and Kate Kelly, interact chairman.

The Rotary Club of Newburyport is one of 34,000 clubs worldwide that are part of Rotary International.

For further information, contact: Grace G. Connelly, 978-462-2251, or e-mail grace.connelly@verizon.net; Liz Jutras, 603-474-8333, or e-mail e.jutras@comcast.net.