Gillian Jones
District Governor
(2020 - 2021)

About

 
Gillian grew up in the Wairarapa, in Dalefield - a small dairy farming area just out of Carterton. After attended local primary and secondary schools, she then left the relative security of a small rural community and moved to Wellington to train at Wellington Teacher’s College as a primary teacher. She taught in Wellington, then married and, through work opportunities, travelled to Sydney, then to London, enjoying the proximity of Europe for adventures.

She returned to New Zealand and, with two young daughters, continued to study, completing a B.Ed, then a M.Ed and a postgraduate Certificate in Counselling. This lead to school counselling roles before Gillian changed her focus from students to adults. For the last twenty years Gillian has focused on Organisational Development, including through her own business, Change by Design. She specialises in Career and Leadership coaching and change management, working with government agencies and corporates.

At the same time as changing her career direction she met her husband Kevin Prestney. Kevin comes from a sales and marketing background, bringing over 20 years’ experience as an Account Director for a large Wellington based advertising agency. Kevin and Gillian married in 2008 and, after enjoying apartment living in Wellington for several years, moved back to the Wairarapa, now calling Greytown their home. Gillian commutes most days by train to Wellington, allowing the opportunity to keep a foot in both camps. She plays tennis when time permits.

Between them they have four successful adult children of whom they are very proud and five gorgeous grandchildren. She is honoured to have the opportunity to serve as District Governor Nominee and she and Kevin are looking forward to the new perspectives the next few years will deliver.
 

Rotary Background

 
  • Co-Chair of the Rotary Leadership Institute (2017-2019).
  • Assistant District Governor of the Wellington Network (2009-2010).
  • Rotary Club of Harbour City President (2006-2007).
  • Member (2003-).
 

Home Club
 

Rotary Club of Wellington