Ken Costa is sworn is as president of the Rotary Club of Flagler County. Courtesy photo
Michelle Bartlome, with her father, Ken Costa, who is also her successor as president of the Rotary Club of Flagler County. Courtesy photo
Rookie of the Year Cha’ron Davis, with Rotarian of the Year: Derrick Hardin. Courtesy photo
Rotary Club of Flagler County met for the annual installation banquet on June 25. Courtesy photo
The Rotary Club of Flagler County installed Kenneth Costa as its 2026-2027 president during the club’s annual Installation Dinner on June 25, while also celebrating a year of significant growth and service.
Costa succeeds outgoing President Michelle Bartlome, who reflected on a year marked by expanding membership, increased community engagement and continued investment in local initiatives.
A Rotarian since 1983, Costa brings more than four decades of Rotary service and leadership experience to the role. He previously served as president of the Dunellen-Greenbrook Rotary Club in New Jersey and is a longtime Paul Harris Fellow and sustaining member. A retired dentist, Costa has remained committed to Rotary’s mission of service throughout his professional and volunteer career.
The leadership transition carried special significance, as Bartlome passed the gavel to her father, continuing a family legacy of Rotary service that spans decades.
During the evening, members celebrated a year of accomplishments that included nearly 25% membership growth, the addition of more than 20 new members, and increased participation across club activities and service projects.
The club awarded $10,000 in scholarships through the Flagler County Education Foundation and provided more than $20,000 in support to local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives.
Members also celebrated the 20th anniversary season of Fantasy Lights, the club’s signature fundraiser, which generated $34,000 in net proceeds while drawing increased attendance throughout the holiday season.
Additional highlights included collaborations with the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, the Rotary Club of Bunnell Satellite Club and the Palm Coast Lions Club, quarterly roadside cleanups near Seminole Woods, continued support of the Interact Club at Flagler Palm Coast High School and exploration of a future Rotaract Club at Daytona State College.
“Rotary only succeeds because people are willing to give their time and energy in service to others,” Costa said. “I am proud of what this club accomplished together, and even more proud of the people who made it happen.”
The evening also recognized members whose dedication and leadership helped advance the club’s mission throughout the year.
The 2026-2027 Rotary Club of Flagler County Board of Directors includes President Kenneth Costa, President-Elect Laura Chavez-Salazar, Past President Michelle Bartlome, Vice President Vijay Jain, Treasurer Joe Stafford, Secretary Susan Steadman, Sergeant-at-Arms Laura Zublionis, and directors Yvette Alleman, Charles Barbel, Cha’ron Davis, Marcus Duffy, Derrick Hardin, Selina Hernandez, Giulio Lancia, Kathleen Rivera, and Maralee Walsh-McDaniel.
The Rotary Club of Flagler County is dedicated to creating lasting change through service projects, scholarships, youth leadership programs and community partnerships that strengthen the community locally and around the world.
