Rotary District 6910 is thrilled to announce that Michelle Roberts Kelterborn of the Rotary Club of the Classic City of Athens has been selected to serve as District Governor for the 2028–2029 Rotary year.
Michelle embodies the heart of Rotary: service above self, compassion for others, and the belief that community transformation begins with committed people working together. Her Rotary journey started long before she joined our district—stretching back to 2011 when she helped charter her high school’s Interact Club in Hinesville, Georgia. From there, she went on to RYLA, became the founding president of the Rotaract Club of Statesboro, and eventually made Athens her permanent home after graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Political Science.
Since joining the Classic City of Athens Rotary Club in 2018, Michelle has continuously stepped up to lead. During her year as Club President, the club completed nearly 30 service projects while more than doubling its Foundation giving—a reflection of both her passion and her ability to inspire others.
Across District 6910, Michelle has served in influential roles, including Area 7 Governor, District Rotaract Chair, District Membership Committee Member, and contributor to multiple District Conferences and districtwide training events. She is also a Paul Harris Fellow +5, a Paul Harris Society member, and a District 6910 Emerging Leader.
In her own words, Michelle shared the heart behind her commitment to Rotary:
“I’m incredibly privileged and excited to continue to serve alongside Rotarians from every corner of our district. The strength of our district is built on the commitment of our fellow members, and together we can create new energy that inspires others to make a meaningful, lasting impact through our clubs. I look forward to sharing our passion for Rotary together!”
Michelle also carries forward a proud family legacy of Rotary service. Her parents, Brigitte and Jimmy Shanken, are dedicated Rotarians in District 6920, and her great-grandfather, Joaquin Chen, served in Chitré, Panama—making her a fourth-generation Rotarian.
Outside of Rotary, Michelle is deeply involved in strengthening her community. As Vice President and Retail Market Manager at Synovus Bank, she leads financial education and community engagement initiatives. She also serves on the boards of the United Way of Northeast Georgia and the American Red Cross of Northeast Georgia, and she is recognized for her leadership as part of the 2025 Georgia Forward Young Gamechangers, the 2024 Athens 10 Under 40 Gamechanger class, and the LEAD Athens Class of 2020.
Michelle and her husband, Kelsy, live in Athens—cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and traveling whenever the chance arises.
As we look toward the future, District 6910 is excited to support Michelle in her preparation to serve as District Governor. Her vision, her energy, and her unwavering commitment to service promise a strong and inspiring future for our clubs across North Georgia.
