POTSDAM – Traci Giffin of Potsdam was honored with the Service Above Self Award by the Rotary Club of Potsdam at their annual meeting on June 12.

Giffin, the president of the Potsdam Holiday Fund, was given the award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Potsdam community.

Giffin received her associate’s degree in hospitality from Adirondack Community College, now known as SUNY Adirondack, in 1997. She went on to pursue a career in hospitality working for Sheraton Hotels, Marriott, Best Western, Holiday Inn, and a few others for 16 years.

In 2012, Traci moved to Potsdam with her family. She began working in the human resources department at Clarkson and now serves as benefits manager.

Traci started volunteering for the Potsdam Holiday Fund as an “elf” and joined the board a few years later. She found a new passion and has dedicated her time every holiday season to helping families in need. Her birthday falls during Santa's Workshop and as a gift to herself, she would volunteer as an elf every year.

A few years ago, Traci was nominated for the role of the Potsdam Holiday Fund president; she accepted and holds that role today.

The Potsdam Rotary Club meets each Wednesday at noon at the Potsdam Town Hall community room in Potsdam and online. Guests are welcome.