With a new leader at the helm, members of the Dowagiac Rotary Club are looking to redefine their mission and add some fresh ideas — and faces — as they continue to pursue their goal of “service above self.”

The local service organization hosted its annual changing of the guard ceremony during its weekly luncheon meeting Thursday at the Dowagiac Elks Lodge. New president John Seculoff officially began his one-year term as the head of club, taking over the gavel from outgoing president Sandra Bessey.

Seculoff, a financial advisor with the Dowagiac Edward Jones office at 901 Spruce St., took over leadership of the Rotary Club one year after joining its ranks, after volunteering to serve as president-elect last winter. Since then, he has attended several Rotary leadership conferences to prepare for the new position.

After receiving his president’s pin from the outgoing leader, as well as a mug spouting the club’s motto from Sergeant at Arms Marilu Franks, Seculoff took to the podium to deliver his first remarks as head of the organization.

“Thank you, Sandra, for your year of dedication to the Rotary Club,” Seculoff said. “Just getting into this, I realize how much time and commitment this office is. You did a wonderful job and I’m sure everyone here appreciates it.”

Among his priorities is to establish a new vision and identity for the Dowagiac Rotary Club, to give its members something to hang their hats on, be it something like a particular cause or event, he said. He is hoping to invite leaders with the Rotary District 6360 to a future meeting to facilitate the discussion.

“I want to strengthen what we already have,” he said. “I think we have a great foundation.”

He also is looking to add new members to the club’s ranks, as well as to re-engage existing members. Right now, the club has 40 members in its ranks.

People interested in joining the club may do so by attending one of the club’s weekly meetings, which take place at noon Thursday at the Elks Lodge, 300 Riverside Drive, Dowagiac.