When Lisa Palmquist joined Pilot International almost 20 years ago, she soon had a big goal in mind.

"My desire to be president of the organization began early in my Pilot career," she shared. "I had such respect and admiration for the presidents that I said to myself, 'I'm going to be her one day,' whenever one of the presidents was addressing the membership at the annual convention."

That dream will become a reality for Lisa when she begins a one-year term as president of Pilot International in July of 2026. She will be installed as president-elect of the organization in Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday, July 26.

Pilot International is an international organization founded in 1921 in Macon, Ga., to promote brain health and wellness and support caregivers. Lisa, who lives in Landisville, is a member of the local club, Pilot Club of Central Pennsylvania, which meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Columbia Fire Department.

She joined the Pilot Club of Lancaster in 2008 and then left in 2015 to charter the Pilot Club of Central Pennsylvania with 21 members.

"We just celebrated our 10th anniversary with 29 members," she remarked.

As president of Pilot International, Lisa will serve as chief executive director.

"Responsibilities as president of Pilot International will be to preside at business sessions, report on the work and state of the organization at the annual international convention and during the year as needed, appoint special committees and fill vacancies of the paid staff and volunteer positions that arise during the year, to name a few," she said.

Prior to rising to the role of president, Lisa has dedicated extensive time and talent to the organization on the national and international levels.

"I have served on the International Executive Committee for two years as a director, a year as secretary and this past year as vice president," she remarked, noting that she was elected president-elect and will automatically assume the role of president in 2026 in Oklahoma City. "While serving on the International Executive Committee, I have served the districts as a representative of the executive committee for Florida, Michigan-Indiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, Heartland and Kentucky-Ohio-West Virginia. As president-elect, I will serve the Bahamas and another district, and as president, I will serve Japan and Hawaii."

Lisa noted that her goal of heading the organization stemmed from the impact the nonprofit makes as well as the people she's connected with through her service work.

"I have met some of the kindest, most service-oriented women from all over the world that I call my closest friends," she said. "The most important reason for wanting to be president of Pilot International is believing in the mission of Pilot International - to influence positive change in communities throughout the world, by coming together in friendship and service, focusing on encouraging brain safety and health and supporting those who care for others."

Locally, the Pilot Club of Central Pennsylvania organizes a variety of community initiatives, including providing more than 300 free helmets to children of Lancaster County just in the past year, 950 new children's books to newborns discharged from the UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, and 120 Coping Kits to the UPMC Lititz emergency room for children undergoing the traumatic experience of an emergency.

"These are just a few of the projects that the club shares to serve our community," Lisa said. "We support the Hershey Mill Home with monthly activities and the Alzheimer's Walk. ... Project Linus receives no-sew blankets from us. Pick-me-up gifts are given to many individuals and groups. For example, an extra-large basket of goodies was presented to the West York Police Department and staff to show community care and support after the loss of one of their colleagues during a shooting."

When she's not serving through Pilot International, Lisa dedicates time to Hospice & Community Care in Lancaster and Salem Church in Manheim.

"I love spending time on my deck with my pool and flowers, and I love to travel," she said. She and her husband, Scott, also enjoy spending time with their family, which includes four granddaughters, one grandson and two dogs.

Lisa encourages anyone with a heart for service to consider joining the Pilot Club of Central Pennsylvania.

"We are always looking for new members of all ages," she said. "If you enjoy serving others and having fun, then Pilot is for you! Our club is diverse and very welcoming with the belief that you do what you can do. We have young mothers and older members."

For more information on the club, contact Lisa at 717-951-1432 or lpalmquist948@gmail.com.