RCB Honors Will Ratliff with 2023 Spain-Hickman Award for Distinguished Service
President Chuck Redden with Rotarian Will Ratliff
Congratulations to Rotarian Will Ratliff, who was honored as recipient of the 2023 Spain-Hickman Award for Distinguished Service during the Congratulations to Rotarian Will Ratliff, who was honored as recipient of the 2023 Spain-Hickman Award for Distinguished Service during the Rotary Club of Birmingham's final meeting of the year.
The Spain-Hickman Award for Distinguished Service is RCB’s highest honor. It is named for Frank Spain and Roy Hickman, the two members of our club who served as Rotary International presidents. It recognizes individuals who exemplify to an exceptional degree a commitment to the ideals of Rotary, and especially by their adherence to the tenets of the “Four-Way Test” in their personal life, vocational responsibilities, and community service, including service to the club.
"Will is an outstanding Rotarian who meets all the attributes of the Rotary Four Way Test and then some," said the nominating Rotarian. "He gives freely of his time and his assets to support Rotary in a number of ways. His commitment to Service Above Self is a model for all Rotarians.”
Will served 34 years as CEO of Collateral Holdings, a company founded by his grandfather. He has a doctorate in Applied Behavioral Science and previously worked as a teacher, counselor, and school director.
He has been active in many community organizations, including YouthServe, which he helped found; the National Conference for Community and Justice; St. Mary’s Sewanee; Good News Children Education Mission in Kolkata, India; the Society of International Business Fellows; and A+ Education Partnership. He and his wife, Carolyn, are active members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and have three grown children.
Will joined RCB in 1998. He served on the board as a Director for four years and as Secretary for two years, in addition to terms as Treasurer, VP of Club Service, and VP of Programs. He is a Paul Harris Fellow and participates regularly in Rotary gatherings, events and service initiatives.
Several years ago, Will began efforts to plan an event around the important conversation of peace. His efforts resulted in a tremendously successful International Peace Conference held this year in Birmingham. With the help of his wife, several Rotarians and other committee members, Will recruited volunteers, donors, speakers, and facilitators to execute a world-class event attended by Rotarians, change agents and guests from all over the world.
Congratulations, Will!