Speaker for March 10th:

CARL CHINNERY

Carl was Vice-president of Kansas City Life Insurance Company until 1976 when he established his private law practice in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, concentrating on estate planning, business law and real estate.

Carl served as District Governor of District 6040 for 2002-2003.  That year he received the Presidential Citation.  He was 2007 Convener for Nomination of International Director for Zones 30 and 31.  He was 2010 delegate to the Council on Legislation.  He is a Major Paul Harris Donor, Level 6, and Benefactor, Inaugural Class of the Paul Harris Society of District 6040, and the Arch Klumph Society, Chairs Circle.  He has served as Major Donor Advisor and Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, Endowment Major Gift Advisor and  RI President’s Representative.

He received the District 6040 Humanitarian Award for Polio Eradication, the 2010 Regional Service Award for a Polio - Free World, the Citation for Meritorious Service, and the Distinguished Service Award.  He has also served as Polio Plus Chairman for District 6040 and is a Rotary International Polio Plus Partners Task Force Member.  He participated in an NID to India.

Carl has done legal work for over 130 non-profits, including churches, athletic organizations, humanitarian groups, and civic and service clubs.

In addition to providing legal help, Carl has served on many Greater Kansas City area boards. He is past president of the following Lee’s Summit groups: The Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council, Chapter of Red Cross, and the R-7 School District.  He also chaired the Vestry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Jackson County Coalition of Chambers, and the Missouri Yacht Club. He has been Chairman of the Planned Giving Committees of the Eastland Community Foundation, Truman Medical Center, Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation and Children’s Mercy Hospital.  He has been awarded the Metropolitan Community Colleges President’s Citation and is installed in the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.  He received the Bishops Shield for the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri.

Carl enjoys working with wood and has built two sail boats and two canoes among other wood projects. He enjoys traveling, gardening, sailing and golfing.  Between them, Carl and Jean have eight children and eighteen grandchildren.  Every member of Carl’s family is a Paul Harris Fellow.     

During his Rotary career, Carl has sponsored over 145 new members and the installation of three new clubs.