Janet Ellis-Nelson earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University and a Master of Education degree and Certificate in Educational Organization and Leadership from the University of Illinois. She joined the Rotary Club of Champaign, Illinois when she retired in 2014 and served as club president in 2019-2020. She is a Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation, a Paul Harris Society member, a Bequest Society member, and a graduate of the Rotary Leadership Institute. She was honored to be named her club’s New Rotarian of the Year in 2016, Rotarian of the Year in 2017, and receive the Club Meritorious Service Award in 2022. She received the Avenues of Service Award from Rotary International and was named District 6490 Rotarian of the Year in 2019. Centennial High School’s Interact Club named an annual award in her honor, the Janet Ellis-Nelson Service Award, in 2021. Janet has attended five Rotary International Conventions and is looking forward to the convention in Melbourne in May and expanding her passion for Rotary to all clubs in District 6490 when she serves as District Governor in 2023-2024.