Joseph W. (Joe) Ferguson is retired from the educational subsidiary of IBM after a 27 year career where he served as Area Manager for the Southeast US, Senior Consultant for Contract Educational Sales, and member of the IBM Golden Circle. Joe was born in Salem, Virginia, graduated Wake Forest University (B.A.) and UVA (M. Ed. Counseling).

In the Rotary Club of Salem VA since 1983, he has served as President, Treasurer & Board Member.  During his presidency in 1996-97, his club was cited for contributions of $97,000 for The Rotary Foundation. He is a 3-time recipient of The Rotary Foundation District Service Award, served as DG’s Representative to the provisional Rotary Club of Salem-Glenvar, and served as 7570 Governor in 2000-01.. 

In District 7570 Joe served as AG, GSE Team Leader to Hokkaido, Japan 1998-99, District Rotary Foundation Chair 2003-06, Strategic Planning Committee Chair 2006-09, and Leadership Trainer. In Zone 33 he is Regional RI Membership Coordinator 2005-08, member of the Zone Director’s Advisory Committee and GETS (Governor Elect) Trainer.  Joe was President’s Representative to District Conferences in South Africa/Namibia/Angola and Norway. He is a Major Donor, Sustainer, Benefactor and Skelton Fellow, receiving the Citation for Meritorious Service in 2003.

Joe’s leisure interests are choral music and travel. He is active in the leadership of The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra & The Salem Choral Society. Maryann (a Paul Harris Fellow) and Joe have 2 children & 2 granddaughters. Son, daughter-in-law, daughter & son-in-law are all Rotarians and Paul Harris Fellows.