Secretary: James Mackiewicz Sgt at Arms: Okley Gibbs & Chris Rath Digital Experience: Adam Leong
Invocation & Pledge: John Sullivan
Navigator: Shelly Ruwe
Cashiers/Check-in: Scott Buchholz & Need Volunteer
Admin Support: Matt Boulay
Greeters: Natalie Junk & John Mock
Speaker Host: Michelle Trawick
Speaker: Nathan Kauffman
Buffet Lunch is $18 for members and $20 for visiting Rotarians and guests. Lunch ticket is back. Please collect your lunch ticket after check-in and put it in the jar at the beginning of the buffet line
Resilience Tested: A Cautious Outlook for the U.S. Economy
Nate Kauffman is senior vice president and Omaha Branch executive with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. In his role as the Bank’s lead economist and representative in the state of Nebraska, Nate provides strategic direction and oversight for the Omaha Branch, regional research, and economic outreach throughout the state. He serves as a local connection to the nation’s central bank and is responsible for briefing the Kansas City Fed’s president – a member of the Federal Open Market Committee – on regional economic and business activity.
In addition, Nate is the Kansas City Fed’s principal expert in agricultural economics. He is a leading voice on the agricultural economy throughout the seven states of the Tenth Federal Reserve District and the broader Federal Reserve System. Nate oversees several Bank and Federal Reserve efforts to track agricultural economic and financial conditions and hosts the Kansas City Fed’s annual Agricultural Symposium. He also speaks regularly on the agricultural economy to industry audiences and the news media, including providing testimonies at both U.S. Senate and U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearings.
Nate joined the Federal Reserve in 2012. He received his Ph.D. in economics from Iowa State University. Prior to receiving his Ph.D., Nate spent three years in Bosnia and Herzegovina coordinating agricultural economic development projects.
Nate lives in Omaha with his wife and four children.
Recently, Past President John Sullivan introduced newest Rotarian, Lisa Schiele. Lisa is the Business Development + Marketing Manager for Lueder Construction. During Lisa’s 20+ year marketing career, she has developed a comprehensive skill set in communication, strategic planning, and relationship management. She has been instrumental in establishing valuable industry connections for the Lueder team.
In addition to raising three daughters to be respectful, sincere, and competent young women, Lisa is passionate about mentoring emerging professionals in the industry, and specifically in marketing and business development. She is dedicated to learning as much as possible to be successful within the construction industry. Lisa is involved in We Make Omaha, CREW Omaha Metro, Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), and is a graduate of Leadership Sarpy.
Join us in warmly welcoming Lisa to the Rotary family!
Nominations Committee Report: President Elect and Incoming Board Slate
In accordance with our club's bylaws, the Nominations Committee—led by Immediate Past President Larry Guenther and composed of members Past Presidents Sean Olson and Bill Harvey—has submitted its official report naming the proposed leadership slate for the upcoming term.
This announcement will remain posted on our website and in our newsletter for one month, culminating in a vote by the general membership during our Club’s Annual Meeting in June 25, 2025.
🔹 President-Elect (2025-2026) James Mackiewicz
🔹 Club Board (2025–2028) Toby Mathouser Gene DeBoer
🔹 Foundation Board (2025–2028) Leslie Volk Jill Slupe
We thank the Nominations Committee for their thoughtful work and leadership. Please take time to review the proposed slate in preparation for our club vote.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our 98th Rotary Honor Roll Sponsors and Donors
We extend our deepest appreciation to all the generous sponsors and donors who made this year’s 98th Rotary Honor Roll celebration a truly unforgettable event. Your contributions help honor exceptional 8th-grade students across the metro and continue a legacy that has shaped community leaders for nearly a century.
Major Sponsors: First National Bank of Omaha, Chase Bank, UNO College of Business Administration, Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation, Omaha Public Schools Foundation, EHPV Management Group, Centris Federal Credit Union, DA Davidson, CFO Systems, Ollie the Trolley, Hal Daub, Fr. Lloyd Gnirk, John Ewing, Viv Ewing, John Marburger, Jim Suttle, George Davis & Deb Skinner, Todd & Sandy Lemke, Bob & Kathleen Keefer
Contributing Sponsors and Donors: Aileen Warren, Adam Leong, Amy Tritsch, Aileen Warren, Bill & Gretchen Harvey, Bob Keefer, Brad Burklund, Camille Metoyer Moten, Brett Frevert, Charlie Peters, Colleen Brennan, Deb Skinner, Elkhorn Athletics, Josh Todd, Fletcher Reel, Gene DeBoer, Goodwill Industries, Heather Legge, Heidi McGinness, Huntrex.com, Jim Murphy, Jim Stewart, John Mock, Larry Guenther, Larry Johansen, LeRoy Swedlund, Lisa Tonjes Moritz, Michelle Trawick, Nash Mahupete, Okley Gibbs, Omaha Downtown Rotary Foundation, Omaha School of Massage Therapy, Paul Cohen, PDG Bob Perrin, PDG Roxy Orr, Ralston Schools Foundation, Randy Wieseler, Rick Waxman, Sarah Robak, Scott Buchholz, Steve Carper, Steve McCollister, Susan Koesters, Tobi Mathouser, Todd Chaney, Todd Murphy, Tom Gouttierre, and the Westside Foundation
Rotarians: This is my last newsletter article. It is crazy to think how fast this year went by. As my term ends, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey I have been able to share with you all over this past year. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve our communities alongside so many dedicated, compassionate Rotarians.
When I began this journey, it felt like a monumental task and I knew there would be challenges. But I am so thankful for the help and support that I have gotten along the way. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to get out and visit all of our 38 clubs to share stories and see the impact that you are having on your communities and your commitment to Service Above Self. You are truly an inspiration! Being the district governor has been both rewarding and humbling.
Some of the moments that stand out include seeing Rotarians respond to the tornados that impacted some of our communities and in response the district created a foundation to provide an avenue to accept financial help from Rotarians in our community and from districts around the country. I enjoyed seeing the district partner with clubs by providing grant support to important projects in our communities. It reminds me of our theme for this year The Magic of Rotary and how we come together to create positive change.
A huge thank you to my fellow district leaders, club presidents, committee chairs and every single Rotarian in this district. Thank you for all of your tireless efforts, the ideas you bring to the table and your unwavering support.
Rotarians are making a difference at Stephen Center. CLICK HERE to sign up.
Stephen Center partners with the community, families, and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Stephen Center has served the homeless and low-income in Omaha since 1984 through its three programs: Emergency Shelter, HERO Program, and Transitional Living Program. The Omaha Downtown Rotary partners with Stephens Center in serving hot meals to its residents.
May 7, 2025 Rotarian Volunteers at Stephen Center L to R: Steve McCollister, Colleen Brennan, Chris Nwafor, Fletcher Reel, Luke Drazic
Where three or more Rotarians gather, it's called a Rotary Social, and you earn attendance credits. Rotarians may come from different clubs. Connect with Rotarians and enjoy the power of Rotary fellowship. Below are our recent Rotary Socials.
Local Journalism Hall of Fame Awards
Rotarians at Scouting America's 54th Annual Walter Scott, Jr. Citizen of the Year event, hosted by the Mid-America Council on May 21, 2025 L to R: Hal Daub, Dele Davies and Clark Rosenlof.
Rotarians at Barrientos Scholars Foundation luncheon L to R: Steve McCollister, First Lady Viv Ewing, Mayor-Elect John Ewing, DG-Elect Robert Rapp and Chris Nwafor
Rotarians at Inner Rail L to R: Chris Nwafor, Randy Wieseler, Steve McCollister
Impromptu Rotary meeting at the Greater Omaha Chamber Golf Event – Business on the Green, held at Tiburon. Not pictured, but also there: Mayor-Elect John Ewing. L to R: Todd Chaney, James Mackiewicz and Nash Mahupete.
May Rotary After Hours hosted by Zac Triemert and Brickway Brewery L to R: Camille Metoyer Moten, Gretchen Harvey, Kris Pojar, Kevin Baitey, John Sullivan, Sean Olson, Mike Mancuso Shayne Fili, Shelley Ruwe, Brett Frevert, James Mackiewicz, Todd Chaney, Colleen Brennan,Fletcher Reel, Jim Suttle, Josh Todd, Natalie Junk. Front L to R: Sandy Lemke, Larry Guenther, Russell Vaughn, Host Extraordinaire Zac Triemert
Rotarians at Networking event L to R: Luke Drazic, Matt Boulay & Shelly Ruwe.
Nash Mahupete speaking at Apiary with Rotarians from L to R: A Future Rotarian beside Nash, Nash Mahupete, Zac Triemert, Brett Frevert, Shelley Ruwe, Larry Guenther, and Sean Olson.
At the recent Mayoral Candidates forum hosted by Downtown Omaha Inc. L to R: Mayoral candidate John Ewing, Yolanda Hoffman, and Viv Ewing
At the recent Mayoral Candidates forum hosted by Downtown Omaha Inc. L to R Mike Mancuso, John Maxell (Suburban) Mayor Jean Stothert (Millard Rotary) Bruce Lemen (Suburban), Yolanda Hoffman, Lynn McCormack (Millard Rotary), Dan Esch, Micah Evans (Millard Rotary)
June 26, 2024. Outgoing President Larry Guenther recognized our members who achieved perfect attendance. Perfect Rotary attendance(aka Perfect Rotarians) is attained through consistent participation in weekly meetings, service projects, committee work, weekly club service, Rotary socials, visiting other clubs, Rotary online makeups, Zoom attendance, attendance at club board meetings, and attendance at club foundation board meetings. Below is the list of our perfect attendance Rotarians.
July is the perfect time to start your journey towards becoming a Perfect Rotarian!
The Rotary Club of Omaha is now recruiting more members! It's your opportunity to join the Rotary Club of Omaha, click here to complete the membership application form. For questions, please contact Membership Chair Franco Gentile at FGentile@sbgtv.com.
Aileen Warren
Adam Leong
Amy Tritsch
Aileen Warren
Bill Harvey
Gretchen Harvey
Bob Keefer
Brad Burklund
Camille Metoyer Moten
Brett Frevert
Charlie Peters
Colleen Brennan
Deb Skinner
Elkhorn Athletics
Josh Todd
Fletcher Reel
Gene DeBoer
Goodwill Industries
Heather Legge
Heidi McGinness
Huntrex.com
Jim Murphy
Jim Stewart
John Mock
Larry Guenther
Larry Johansen
LeRoy Swedlund
Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Michelle Trawick
Nash Mahupete
Okley Gibbs
Omaha Downtown Rotary Foundation
Omaha School of Massage Therapy
Paul Cohen
PDG Bob Perrin
PDG Roxy Orr
Ralston Schools Foundation
Randy Wieseler
Rick Waxman
Sarah Robak
Scott Buchholz
Steve Carper
Steve McCollister
Susan Koesters
Tobi Mathouser
Todd Chaney
Todd Murphy
Tom Gouttierre
Westside Foundation