Staff reports
Certified financial planner Whitney McDaniel is the 2025 recipient of the Rotary Bowl, the Rotary Club of Beaufort’s highest honor. It was presented by Rotary Club of Beaufort President Ron Garrett at the club’s Wednesday, Feb. 11, luncheon meeting.
McDaniel is the 58th recipient of the Bowl, which was first awarded in 1936. It is not presented every year, but only when the Rotary Club of Beaufort believes it has a candidate who has exhibited significant selfless service.
Such was the case for McDaniel. She joined Rotary in 2004 and has held the positions of club secretary, club treasurer, club president, and Assistant Governor for Rotary District 7770. At times, she held more than one of these positions simultaneously.
McDaniel moved to Hilton Head Island in the early 90s following graduation from the University of Kentucky. After a short career in retail, she began a professional career in banking, eventually moving to Beaufort, and receiving certified financial planning status and a position as a vice president with Wells Fargo Advisors.
She is married to realtor Todd McDaniel and has two adult sons.
According to the Rotary Club of Beaufort, McDaniel believes in doing the right thing, believes in giving back, and believes in the power of a hug. Most importantly, she exemplifies the motto of Rotary – “Service above self.”