Sgt at Arms: Need Volunteer Digital Experience: Bill Harvey
Invocation & Pledge: Pastor Heidi McGinness
Navigator: John Marburger
Cashiers/Check-in: Scott Buchholz & Yvonne Dooley
Admin Support: Christopher Nwafor
Greeters: Michael Schlickbernd & Ben Washburn
New Member Host: Need Volunteer
Speaker Host: Kevin Baitey
Speaker: Chris Humphries
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
Chris Humphries is the Business Partner Liaison for Omaha Public Schools, where he builds strategic partnerships with business and community leaders to connect students with meaningful, real-world career experiences. An Omaha native, Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Briar Cliff University and an MBA from Midland University.
Chris is widely recognized for his leadership and community impact. His honors include the 2019 Nebraska Department of Education Distinguished Partner Award, the 2023 FBLA Nebraska National Businessperson of the Year, recognition as one of the 2024 Ten Outstanding Young Omahans, and the Midlands Business Journal’s 2025 40 Under 40. A graduate of Leadership Omaha Class 47, Chris is an active civic leader who serves on several boards, including the Omaha STEM Ecosystem, the Benson High Alumni Association, the Benson High Foundation, treasurer of the Benson Neighborhood Association, chair of the Briar Cliff University Alumni Association, and president of the Omaha Hockey Blue Line Club.
In keeping with our club’s bylaws, the Nominations Committee has submitted its official report presenting the proposed leadership slate for the upcoming terms. This notice will be posted on our website and included in the newsletter as required.
🔹 Officers (2026–2027)
President James Mackiewicz
Secretary Shelly Ruwe
Treasurer Jim Stewart
Club Board Kevin Baitey Amie Konwinski
Foundation Board Gretchen Harvey Hannah Patterson
Sergeant-at-Arms Okley Gibbs Assisting: Ryan Lemmon
🔹 Future Presidents
2027–2028 President Deb Skinner
2028–2029 President Tobi Mathouser
We sincerely thank the Nominations Committee led by Immediate President Heather Legge for their dedication and thoughtful service. Members are encouraged to review the proposed slate in preparation for upcoming club action.
Julia K. Palzer Estate Planning | Wills | Trust Administration
Julia K. Palzer brings both legal acumen and a deep commitment to community service to her practice at Smith Pauley LLP. With a focus on estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate and estate administration. Julia provides clients with compassionate, detail-oriented counsel during some of life’s most important transitions.
Admitted to the Nebraska Bar in 2001, Julia began her career in legal education, serving as Dean of Admissions and Assistant Director of Career Services and External Relations at Creighton University School of Law. She also taught Legal Writing and Lawyering Skills, helping to shape the next generation of legal professionals. Today, she practices alongside her husband, Jeffrey T. Palzer, offering personalized legal services rooted in empathy and integrity.
Welcome to your new Rotary home, Julia!
Julia Palzer with her sponsor Hal Daub and President Gretchen Harvey
Randall J. Wieseler, CSM President and Co-Owner, First Management, Inc.
Randy Wieseler is a 40 year veteran of the shopping center industry. He began his career managing enclosed regional malls before becoming involved in the development and management of numerous retail and office properties throughout the Omaha metro area, including Walnut Creek Village, Harrison Village, Tower Plaza, Eagle Run Plaza, and Hillsborough Plaza.
He also led the redevelopment of The Center Mall, transforming a 230,000 square foot enclosed mall into a multi tenant office building. His primary responsibilities have included leasing, property administration, and oversight of both owned and third party managed retail and office properties.
Randy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Administrative Management from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and an Associate Degree in Real Estate Management from Metropolitan Community College. He is also a graduate of Universal Technical Institute in HVAC systems.
Randy Wieseler with his sponsor James Mackiewicz and President Grecthen Harvey
We are proud to share some wonderful news about one of our own. Rotarian Camille Metoyer Moten was recently honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Performing Arts at the 20th Annual Omaha Entertainment & Arts Awards.
Presented in partnership with Omaha Magazine, the OEA Awards celebrate the artists and performers who shape Omaha’s cultural landscape. This year’s celebration, held February 15 at The Admiral, recognized individuals whose dedication and talent have made a lasting impact on the community.
Camille’s recognition comes as no surprise to those who know her. Her powerful voice, commanding stage presence, and deep love for the arts have inspired audiences locally and beyond. Whether performing jazz, appearing in theatrical productions, or mentoring fellow artists, she brings excellence, heart, and authenticity to everything she does.
As Rotarians, we especially appreciate the way Camille’s work reflects the spirit of service and community. Through her artistry and leadership, she continues to enrich lives and strengthen the cultural fabric of our region.
Please join us in congratulating Camille on this well-deserved honor. We are grateful for the talent and inspiration she brings to both the arts community and our Rotary family.
CHANGE OF DATE - it is now March 11, 2026, which is Rotary Membership Drive Day! This presents a wonderful opportunity for you to extend a warm invitation to your prospective members. The best part? Rotary will cover the cost of your prospective member's lunch. To ensure a smooth experience, please register your guests in advance by contacting our Membership Chair, Sarah Robak , via email at sarah.robakcfa@gmail.com or register your guests upon arrival at the Field Club.
Let's make this Rotary Membership Drive Day a memorable one by sharing the Rotary spirit and values with potential new members. Thank you for your proactive involvement in growing our Rotary community!
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—February is here, and Groundhog Day is tomorrow. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, we will have six more weeks of winter; if not, spring comes early. I am hoping for an early spring so we can get outside and continue our Rotary projects in our communities!
This leads me to reflect on the importance of connection. By participating in our community and embracing the idea of “Unite for Good,” we help bring people together and open the door to membership opportunities. A significant group seeking connection is the Baby Boom Generation—those born between 1946 and 1964, now aged 61 to 80. Many are entering retirement and searching for meaning and relationships, sometimes experiencing feelings of isolation or loneliness. Rotary can play a key role in addressing these needs. Studies show that individuals who find purpose and connection tend to enjoy longer, more fulfilling lives. The song “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King, famously covered by James Taylor in 1971, comes to mind as a reminder of friendship. Our regular Rotary meetings offer a space for belonging, friendship, and enduring purpose—locally and globally. So, whenever you notice someone who feels isolated or in search of meaning, consider sharing with them how Rotary can enrich their life through service and community.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to each Rotary Club in our District for your outstanding efforts throughout January to "Unite for Good" and serve both local communities and the global community. Thank you for your dedication and commitment.
Also, remember that February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month on our Rotary calendar.
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.
Feb. 3, 2026 volunteers at Stephen Center L to R: Scott Kinnaird, Pastor Heidi McGinness, Tom Adams, Hannah Patterson, Fletcher Reel, Kevin Baitey, Colleen Brennan, Bill Harvey
At our July 16 meeting, Outgoing President Heather Legge proudly recognized an extraordinary group of members, our Perfect Attendance Rotarians!
Achieving perfect Rotary attendance is no small feat. It reflects dedication, service, and an unwavering commitment to our club’s mission. Whether it's showing up at weekly meetings (in person or via Zoom), joining service projects, attending committee meetings, helping with club operations, gathering with fellow Rotarians (3 or more), visiting other clubs, participating in online makeups, or engaging in board activities, these Rotarians show up, step up, and make a difference! Let's give a big round of applause to these role models of Rotary engagement!
See the full list of honorees below.
July is the perfect month to start your own journey to becoming a Perfect Rotarian! Join us, stay involved, and let’s make service and fellowship a way of life.
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.
First shift Rotarian’s at the Kids Against Hunger male packaging project.
James Mackiewicz, Bill Harvey and Bob Keefer at the District Team Training Seminar.
Rotarians at Show Her The Money at Filmstreams
Rotarians at the Sarpy Chamber Coffee & Contacts
Rotarians at Lisa Radial Cafe
Omaha Empower Breakfast
Omaha Chamber Annual Meeting: Larry Gunther, Russell Vaughn, Hannah Patterson, Matt Boulay
Mayor John Ewing with three Rotarians in the audience
At the CAP graduation L to R: Jeremy Bouman, Sue Kutschkau, and Susan Koesters
Rotarians meet up L to R: Bill Harvey, Sarah Robak. Susan Koesters, and President Gretchen Harvey
Rotarian‘s enjoying at the new Dean reception College of Business Administration. From left to right: Cella Quinn, John Hoich (Suburban Rotary), and Sue Kutschkau. Pictured separately at the same event are Tom Gouttierre and Sue Kutschkau.
Cella Quinn, Vivi Ewing, and Mayor John Ewing attend the University of Northern Iowa reception honoring the newly appointed Dean of the College of Business.
The Rotary crew at the Downtown Omaha Inc which featured Mayor John Ewing as speaker L to R: Yolanda Hoffman, Dan Esch, Jill Slupe, Ryan Lemmon, John Sullivan, Tom Adams. Randy Wieseler, Kim Stewart (Suburban), Lynn McCormack (Millard), Mayor John Ewing, and PDG Bob Perrin (Suburban)
Rotarians meet up L to R: First Lady Viv Ewing, Jill Slupe, and Mayor John Ewing
Nice Rotarians Fletcher Reel and Tom Gouttierre visiting fellow Rotarian John Marburger
Rotary members at the Chamber Annual Meeting, left to right: Larry Guenther, Russell Vaughn and Dakotah Smith
Rotarians at the Sister City Meeting L to R: Mayor John Ewing, Steve Gerdes, and Jill Slupe
Rotarians having fun at the CU game! L to R: Brad Burklund, Ben Washburn, Larry Guenther, John Sullivan, and Josh Todd
Rotary Meeting with Leo de Capybara L to R: James Mackiewicz, Mike Mancuso, Leo, and Mayor John Ewing.
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 Sarah Robak at sarah.robakcfa@gmail.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
Chris Humphries
Julia K. Palzer
Randall J. Wieseler, CSM
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—February is here, and Groundhog Day is tomorrow. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, we will have six more weeks of winter; if not, spring comes early. I am hoping for an early spring so we can get outside and continue our Rotary projects in our communities!
Stephen Center
