By Andy Furman
NKyTribune staff writer
She was a Senior Investigator and former law enforcement executive with extensive community service experience and related expertise in innovative real-time problem solving.
Well, that was a mouthful – but there’s more. She is highly-skilled at crises management, criminal and internal investigations, strategic crime reduction, and forming lasting community partnerships.
That’s just part of Nancy Lauer’s personal resume.
She served as a police officer, and climbed the ladder to Sergeant I/II, Lieutenant I/II and Captain I, II and III.
And today she is the new President of The Covington Rotary Club.
Lauer is no stranger to Rotary – she’s been a member for over a dozen years.
“I joined Rotary because I wanted to remain engaged in community service; and like law enforcement, helping others,” she told the Northern Kentucky Tribune.
Her Rotary introduction was the Signal Hill, Calif. Club, where in 2015 she was their Rotarian of the Year. This, mind you, was after a 29-year career in law enforcement.
But why Law Enforcement?
“I received my Bachelor of Science Degree from Penn State University in Administration of Justice,” said Lauer, who was born and raised in Arlington, Va. I applied to several local police departments in the area, and there was a hiring freeze at the time.
“My softball teammate at Penn State suggested I apply to the LAPD,” said Lauer, a varsity softballer for the Nittany Lions.
It was a marriage made in heaven – Lauer and the Law. In 2014 she was recognized by the Director of the Office of Operations and Chief of Police for finishing in the No. 1 position for all 21 Los Angeles Area commands – with an 11.1% decrease in overall Part 1 Crime and a 10.9% decrease in Property Crime.
She moved to Covington four years ago, with her partner, to be closer to family. And become a Covington Rotarian.
“After my law enforcement career,” she said, “I just wanted to continue my commitment to service. That’s what Rotary is all about.”
She accepted the gavel this month and has taken over as Commander in Chief – make that President of the Covington club.
She didn’t waste anytime with her plan of attack. “I want to increase our club’s footprint and help address the food insecurity and hunger in Covington and the Northern Kentucky area,” she says.
Right now, the Covington Rotary works closely and aids the Hosea House, B-Concerned and the Parish Kitchen. “I believe we can do more,” Lauer said.
“Our club supports a clean environment through participation in Ohio River cleanup, and various community clean-ups,” she added. “And we help to support our local schools with a backpack program.”
Lauer claims through the Covington Rotary Foundation, the local club also helps support Rotary International’s projects.
“We just love being part of the community,” she said. “And it’s an honor to be President, among so many accomplished and talented past presidents.”
But none who wore the badge like Nancy Lauer.