Cyndy Simms began her journey with Rotary in 1987 as the first woman member and president of the Rotary Club of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, then onward with Rotary Clubs in Placerville CA, Mercer Island WA, Walnut Valley CA, and finally alighting in Foster City Rotary in 2011 as she continued her Rotary involvement while pursuing her career in school district administration.
Her wide-ranging Rotary club involvements encompass serving as Club President Colorado Springs (1999 – 2000), Walnut Valley (2010-20110 and Foster City (2016-
2017) Rotaries; Community Services Director (2013-2015, 2022-2025); President Foster City Rotary Foundation (2017-2018); RYLA Camp Counselor/Facilitator (2017-
2019), and Avenues of Service Award (2019).
Cyndy has demonstrated her commitment to Rotary, having attended 6 Rotary International Conventions, and as a member Donor and member of the Paul Harris Society, Polio Plus Society, Bequest Society and Grand Slam Awardee 2024.
Her contributions to District 5150 have been extensive, and include service as the District Grants Coordinator (2017-2018 to 2021-2022), Grants Subcommittee Chair (2022-2025), San Mateo County Chair for Day of Service: Protect the Environment (2022 and 2023), District Assembly Chair 2019 and 2025, District Conference Chair for 2026, and
Foundation Gala 2026, all showcasing her many talents and skills in leadership positions.
Among her International Service Projects Cyndy has participated in H2Open Doors water purification and leadership for young entrepreneurs in Cuba 2016; polio
immunization project in conjunction with Rotary Club of Agra Taj Mahal, India 2018; and H2Open Doors water purification, eyeglasses distribution, Days for Girls, Uganda 2021.
Cyndy epitomizes Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self and has demonstrated commitment to advancing Rotary’s community and international projects with like-
minded members seeking to improve the lives and life-supporting conditions locally and abroad. She has never found the ability to say “no” when a service opportunity has been presented to her and is the very picture of the Rotarian of the Year for District 5150.