Louisville native Rob Givens serves as State Director for U.S. Senator Rand Paul. In this role, Rob is responsible for leading the official staff in the Commonwealth and providing advice and coordination on legislation that benefits constituents.

Rob graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986 and achieved the rank of Brigadier General before retiring in 2013 after serving his country for 27 years in the United States Air Force. During his military career he became a command pilot with more than 3,700 flying hours in the F-16 and A/O A-10. Rob is a combat veteran with more than 100 career combat sorties in Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and was twice decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in action against Iraq. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School and flew as the Right Wing for the USAF Thunderbirds. His commands included the 35th Fighter Squadron, the 56th Operations Group and the historic 8th Fighter Wing - the Wolfpack. 

Besides an impressive flying career, Rob also gained valuable experience at the senior executive level of the national security process in several key assignments. He served as the Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations of U.S. Forces Korea. In his final deployment, Rob was responsible for day-to-day combat air operations in the Middle East, where he held the position of Director, Combined Air and Space Operations Center, U.S. Air Forces Central Command, Southwest Asia. 

Rob is a graduate of the School of Advanced Air Power Studies and the National War College. He has attended executive level education programs at the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, Kenan-Flagler Business School at University of North Carolina and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. In January 2015, Rob served as the national security advisor to the Rand Paul for Senate Campaign and as an independent advisor on defense issues with both the public and private sector. In 2017, Rob assumed the role of Executive Director of the Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship helping develop leaders of the future for our Republic. Rob was selected for his current role in July of 2019.

Champions Day shines a spotlight on the rich history of the Kentucky Derby and the thrilling world of thoroughbred racing. This year, we're setting the stage for an even more expansive celebration, paying tribute to the extraordinary Kentucky champions who have excelled across a diverse spectrum of sports.

Parking: Tickets include free parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center, with continuous shuttles to/from the Paddock Gate at Churchill Downs.

Lifetime Service Award Criteria

This award recognizes a Rotarian’s full body of service both to Rotary and to other organizations in the community, region and beyond.

This award is presented annually to a Rotarian who:
    •    has been a member for at least 10 years; and,
    •    has demonstrated a lifelong adherence to Rotary’s Service Above Self ideals.

The list of past recipients appears on page 11 of the Membership Directory; last year’s recipient was Larry Sloan

The Rotarian of the Year Award is designated for the one Rotarian in our club who clearly stands out in demonstrating "Service Above Self" and principled commitment to the Four-Way Test. A nominee should be an outstanding club member who has made significant contributions to the mission and operation of our club, and to one or more avenues of Community or International Service. This award may be given to a member who exhibits Service Above Self in their daily activities and who promotes Rotary by their actions and involvement. This may be accomplished through one major activity in club service, in multiple activities, or by serving on several committees. This person should be highly visible in the weekly activities of the club.

• To be considered for nomination, the candidate must have been a member of our Rotary Club for at least 5 years.
• The nominee must be a member in good standing.
• The nominee must have active membership status.
• The nominee should have an exemplary attendance record. While perfect attendance is not a requirement, the nominee should either regularly attend our club meetings or complete make-ups when they are unable to attend.

• The nominee has been involved with service projects that have been undertaken by the club through active participation and support.
• The nominee has been involved with fundraising projects that have been undertaken by the club through active participation and support.
• The nominee has participated in additional club activities that help to strengthen the camaraderie of the club, such as social events.
• The nominee has contributed to the day-to-day workings of the club by helping with the tasks necessary for the club to function effectively.

• The nominee has worked on a committee for the club.
• The nominee has taken an active leadership role within the club.
• The nominee brings visitors and/or candidates for membership to the club and/or has sponsored new members.