Media Release

4 pm

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Gainesville's Rotary Club recently sponsored Sean McLendon, Alachua County Sustainability Program Manager's application for a professional exchange between United States and the Netherlands.  Selected in October through written and oral examinations by Rotary District 6970 to be a part the Group Study Exchange 2009 team, Mr. McLendon will travel with a five person team to the city of Eindhoven on May 16, 2009 and stay through June 14, 2009.

As a part of the team, McLendon will represent Alachua County, the Rotary Club of Gainesville, Rotary District 6970 and The Rotary International Foundation on this month long ambassadorship between United States and the Netherlands.  Group Study Exchange participants act as representatives for their respective communities while experiencing the culture and occupational practices in other countries.  Exchange members are selected through a competitive process of oral and written submissions and must be non-Rotarian young professionals.

Dana Nemenyi President, 2008-2009 Rotary Club of Gainesville said of McLendon "We believe his commitment to this exchange will foster a significant exchange of information, culture and ideas while building precious relationships between the people of our Rotary District and that of the Netherlands." 

A focus of the exchange will be placed on city and community service issues such as clean water and conservation, waste and recycling, environmental concerns, building and zoning, economic development, educational planning for population increase, in addition to social planning services.   This fits well with McLendon's recent appointment as the County's Sustainability Program Manager.  In his new position, located in the County Manager's Office, he will utilize this experience to expand upon his work on the Energy Conservation Strategies Commission. 

All expenses will be paid by Rotary.  McLendon continues Alachua County's tradition of international recognition on community planning issues.  Juna Papajorgji, of Alachua County Growth Management traveled to Rome, Italy in 2004 to accept the Pirelli International Award for her work in the field of GIS.

To read the more about the Rotary GSE program please click the link below:

Rotary GSE 2009 Team

For more information, contact the County Manager's Communications Office at 352-374-5226.