The Program

Ross Wood is a Rotary Global Grant Scholar and doctoral candidate at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. Before Oxford, Ross spent five years as Senior Humanitarian Advisor for USAID in Ethiopia, managing a $1 billion aid portfolio in response to civil war, drought, and displacement. He also led emergency efforts in South Sudan, Turkey, Greece, Haiti, and Iraq with a major international NGO.

His service journey began with the Peace Corps in Morocco. In 2015, he earned an MA in Conflict, Security, and Development from the University of Bradford as a Rotary Peace Fellow.

Having recently completed his first academic year, Ross’s remarks offered a thought-provoking look into the difficult realities that policymakers face when making decisions from afar or with incomplete information. He explored critical questions at the heart of his work: What motivates those in power to act—or not act—in moments of crisis? What kinds of information influence their choices? And most importantly, what do they need to make sound, ethical decisions in high-stakes situations?

Using real-world examples from South Sudan and Ethiopia, Ross highlighted the complex and difficult decisions that shape global responses to conflict and humanitarian need. His perspective brought Rotary’s commitment to peace into sharp focus, reminding us that informed, empathetic leadership is essential to building a more just and peaceful world.

“I could not be more grateful to the Norfolk Rotary,” Ross said. “Your support, encouragement, and financial resources meant the world to me. I’ll do whatever I can to make sure my work lives into the global vision of peacekeeping that Rotary has.” 

We are proud to have played a part in Ross’s academic journey and grateful for the insight and inspiration he shared with our club. His work is a living testament to the impact of Rotary’s global vision!

The Meeting

Dave kicked off the meetings by recognizing our guests: 

• Erik van Strien and Sandee Ferebee - guests and donors of Ross Wood
• Sheryl Wood - Ross Wood's mother
• Sean Flynn - Development Director at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, guest of Kay Stine

Dave recognized birthdays and anniversaries and noted the following updates: 

• Marty Raiss encouraged volunteer sign up for the Mercy Chef's Portsmouth Kitchen Opportunity 
• Next Companion Club Meeting - 8/24 
• Michelle Nettles updated the club on the Tiel exchange students visiting from the Netherlands this month. She noted gaps in activities as well as volunteer needs. Please contact Michelle if you can help. Rob Sult also shared that a small number of tickets are available (thanks to Kelly Stefanko) to attend the Norfolk Tides game with the students on 8/20. 
• Molly Thompson reminded everyone to take the member experience survey 

The club honored Sandee Ferebee and Erik van Strien as Paul Harris Fellows in appreciation of their generous support of the Ross Wood Scholarship, a fund created by our club to support a Global Grant Scholar from Norfolk. Recipient Ross Wood’s experience at Oxford University, and his future impact, reflect Rotary’s larger story of service and leadership. We are grateful to Sandy and Erik and congratulate them as our newest Paul Harris Fellows.