Local Attorney to Serve as Rotary District Governor

Southwest Florida Rotarians gathered in Fort Myers on Saturday evening, July 9 to celebrate a great year and witness District 6960’s 64th District Governor pass the baton of leadership to the incoming District Governor.

Outgoing District Governor Andy Lyman described the evening’s festivities as a celebration of District 6960’s great achievements, accomplished by the hard work of many team members, Club Presidents, Board of Directors, and Rotary membership. Lyman was especially proud of the Rotary principles, which members, including the incoming 65th District Governor, strive to follow.

Lyman will be a tough act to follow. That evening, he assured the assembly that the Rotarian from Marco Island who will assume the role as District Governor will continue the momentum that he brought to the position. As Lyman exited the stage, he embraced Neil Snyder of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Marco Island. Snyder will serve as the 65th District Governor for District 6960. Lyman then settled into his seat next to his wife Giselle as the oath was administered to Snyder. 

District 6960 covers eight counties in Southwest Florida. From Manatee and Hardee County on the northern end to Hendry County to the east and southerly to Collier County. Across the globe, Rotary’s 1.4 million members and 46,000 clubs comprise Rotary International.

The mission of the organization remains providing service to others, promoting integrity, and advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace through the fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.

Snyder represents Rotary ideals. He has become invested both in the Marco Island community and the Rotary Club, since 2011 when joined the Sunrise Rotary Club of Marco Island. Snyder graduated from the University of Baltimore with a law degree and an MBA. He subsequently moved to Collier County for employment as a criminal prosecutor with the Collier County Prosecutor’s Office.

In 2004, he met his wife Rebecca Hodge in court. She was working as a defense attorney and the two eventually married and opened a law practice together on Marco Island.

Snyder became very involved with the Rotary Club and its many projects. One of his favorite projects is the annual Meals of Hope event, supported by the efforts of three local service clubs and members of the community.

Meals of Hope was originally organized by the late Wayne Purvis, a Sunrise Rotarian, who groomed Snyder to take over the role as “Captain Hope,” a position he held for several years before handing it over to Bill Morris.

“Meals of Hope is probably one of the closest projects to my heart, due to the wonderful effect it has on so many people who need a helping hand. The good it does is invaluable to the community, which is sometimes most in need within this area,” said Snyder.

Giving back has been a big part of Neil and Rebecca’s lives. Over the last couple of years, they have found a place in their hearts for foster children and cherish their role as foster parents. “Although these children may not have your blood, they quickly find a place in your hearts. You will find that first smile pays you back ten-fold for your efforts,” said Snyder.

Rebecca has also embraced her husband’s love for Rotary. She joined the club and quickly volunteered for several responsibilities, including that of club secretary. She is now the designated President Elect for the Sunrise Rotary Club and will assume her office during the 2023-2024 Rotary Year.

Over the next year, Snyder will be extremely busy as he travels throughout the district and meets with club members. He will work hard to maintain the organization’s momentum and growing influence throughout Southwest Florida.