Secretary: James Mackiewicz Sgt at Arms: John Marburger Digital Experience: Adam Leong
Invocation & Pledge: Christopher Rath
Navigator: Josh Todd
Cashiers/Check-in: Need Volunteers
Admin Support: Matthew Boulay
Greeters: Cella Quinn & Need Volunteer
Speaker Host: Michelle Trawick
Speaker: Michelle Black and Deanna House
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
Dr. Black is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science for the University of Nebraska Omaha, Co-Director for the Nebraska Deterrence Lab, Security Innovations Academic Programming Director for NCITE, a Research Partner for the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska, and Co-Editor for Space and Defense Journal. In addition to her academic career, Dr. Black has over seventeen years of professional experience with the Department of Defense.
Prior to joining UNO, Dr. Black was a government civilian for the Department of Defense from 2009-2016. She specialized in Deterrence Analysis and Adversary Decision-making for the United Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) Plans and Policy Directorate at Offutt Air Force Base. During her time at USSTRATCOM, she provided analysis and recommendations to senior leaders on decision-making strategy, deterring state and non-state actors, and regional expertise. Additionally, she initiated and directed the Deterrence and Assurance Academic Alliance, recruiting over 35 academic institutions to the program. This program provides a platform for defense and academic organizations to communicate and collaborate on research issues regarding Deterrence and Assurance.
Prior to her government civilian work, Dr. Black worked in Psychological Operations from 2001-2009 as U.S. Army Special Operations NCO (Airborne) for the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and later as a Defense contractor. She deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Dr. Black earned her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 2016. She also earned an M.S. in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution from Creighton University (2009), a Graduate Certificate in Intelligence Studies from Mercyhurst College (2007), an M.S. in International Relations from Troy University (2005), and B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Iowa (2001).
Deanna House, Ph.D.
Deanna House, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Information Systems & Quantitative Analysis department in the College of Information Science and Technology and co-Director of the Nebraska Deterrence Lab at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is a research fellow for NSRI and a professor and research mentor for the USSTRATCOM Fellows program. She graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a PhD in Information Systems.
Dr. House worked in Human Resources as a Business Systems Analyst prior to her time in academia. Her research interests are related to the behavioral aspects of cybersecurity and the protective and preventative measures performed by users, governments, military, and organizations. Dr. House also conducts research in and teaches quantitative risk management. Additionally, she worked as a researcher/co-PI (with M.Black (PI) and L.Obradovic(co-PI) on NCITE Project 10/Year2: Training and Education Research and Implementation Strategies for the Homeland Security Intelligence Community to understand how to bring technology and cybersecurity to the existing and future workforce intelligence community.
She has published in journals such as Computers & Security, Journal of Cybersecurity, Behaviour and Information Technology, Applied Economics, and Journal of Information Technology Case and Application Research and presented at conferences such as International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS), Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS), Decision Sciences Institute (DSI), Dewald Roode Workshop, Midwest AIS, Southern AIS, and The Lilly Conference. Dr. House also presents at the regional and national level on topics related to the intersection of technology and ethics and also quantitative risk.
Recently Hal Daub introduced transferring Rotarian Scott Buchholz. Scott has been a Rotarian for a couple of decades at Millard Rotary, where he served as President. Scott A. Buchholz served as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer (retired 2021) at Black Hills Corporation (NYSE – BKH)
Scott Buchholz’s career at Black Hills spanned 40 years, including the last 13 as the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Office reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. In addition to leading an organization of over 250 employees and an annual budget of $50 million, Mr. Buchholz’s executive/leadership highlights and key accomplishments include:
Strategic technology visioning and roadmap creation (technology vision 2025)
Design and implementation of physical and cyber security strategy, policies, and framework
Integration of (people, process, and systems) following utility acquisitions
Development of strategic technology vision and roadmap to support our supply chain
transformation initiatives
Led development and execution of facilities master plan including the build-out of a new
transformational corporate headquarters
Led the creation of a formal corporate continuous improvement strategy and implementation of
organizational plan in support of the corporate objectives
As the SVP/CIO, Mr. Buchholz led the information technology related infrastructure and services
organization in support of the delivery of electricity and natural gas services to 1.3 million customers in eight Midwest states. During Mr. Buchholz tenure, he engaged regularly with the company’s Board of Directors, attended, and participated in all quarterly board meetings and was the management liaison related to technology and security topics.
Omaha, NE, By Yolanda Hoffman – In an extraordinary display of service and teamwork, over 130 Rotarians, along with their families and friends, came together on February 22, 2025, for the Multi-Club Rotary Meal Packaging Project in partnership with Kids Against Hunger. Their collective efforts resulted in a staggering 46,655 meals packaged, reinforcing Rotary’s commitment to making a tangible difference in the fight against hunger.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from members of Omaha Downtown, Millard, Morning, Suburban, and West Rotary Clubs, who worked tirelessly across multiple shifts to ensure the success of this initiative. Volunteers donned hairnets, measured ingredients, sealed bags, and packed boxes—each meal destined to provide nourishment to those in need in our immediate community.
“This was an incredible day of service,” said Brett Wawers, Project Coordinator. “To see so many hands working together for such a meaningful cause truly embodies Service Above Self.”
The energy in the room was contagious as Rotarians, young and old, worked side by side, proving once again that service is at the heart of Rotary. With group photos capturing the spirit of camaraderie and action shots showcasing the dedication of volunteers, the day was not just about packaging meals—it was about strengthening community bonds and living out Rotary’s mission of service.
Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves to make this event a success. Your efforts are feeding thousands and leaving a lasting impact. Together, we are changing lives—one meal at a time!
Bill & Gretchen Harvey's packing table
Yolanda Hoffman's packing table
Packing table of Camille Metoyer Moten and Sean Olson
I heard a story at my club meeting this week about Paul Harris and the origins of Rotary. Paul Harris received his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1891 and later moved to Chicago to open his law practice in 1896. Paul felt that there were many, like him, that had come to Chicago from farms and small villages to establish themselves in this great city.
He decided to bring some men together for fellowship. They met at his house, then they would take turns and meet at another's house or business, then rotate to another, hence the word Rotary. On February 23, 1905, four of them gathered in downtown Chicago for what would become known as the first Rotary meeting.
As we move into the second half of this Rotary year, I challenge you, as Rotarians, to keep this spirit of fellowship and service alive by inviting a prospective member to attend your meetings. Don't just invite them to a lunch, breakfast or evening get together. Share your story of why you joined Rotary, and better yet, why you have stayed in Rotary! We are the number one service organization in the world! We need to share that with others.
February is also Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month. As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of our mission. We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect. Rotary President Stephanie Urchick will host a Presidential Peace Conference in Istanbul, Turkey February 20-22 to bring Rotary and our partners together to build on Rotary's work in promoting peace and to recognize the opening of the Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center in partnership with Bahcesehir University.
A few reminders as we move into February. Please make sure that you have your leadership team in place and that you register your President-elect for PETS on March 22nd. Now is also a good time to review the goals that you set for this Rotary year and assess what your club needs to do in this second half of the year to achieve the Club Excellence Award.
Our district board of directors will be meeting on February 1st to discuss the state of the district, help to develop our three year rolling strategic plan that will assist club leaders in developing one for their clubs and to interview candidates to become District Governor Nominee.
I will share this information with club presidents on our zoom call on Wednesday, February 5th.
One last note: The District Annual Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 8th. Please go to the district calendar for information on this meeting and other club and district events.
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.
January 7, 2025 Volunteers L to R:Steve McCollister, Colleen Brennan, Scott Kinnaird, Fletcher Reel, Heidi McGinness, future Rotarian Paige Mathouser, and Tobi Mathouser
At our recent Rotary Club meeting, members gathered to celebrate the birthdays of six remarkable Rotarians born in February: Todd Murphy (Feb. 5), Todd Chaney (Feb. 8), Leslie Volk (Feb. 9), Steve Carper (Feb. 16), David Goldstein (Feb. 18), and Eugene Kowel (Feb. 29).
Acting President John Ewing led the club in enthusiastically greeting the birthday celebrants, filling the room with warmth and camaraderie.
The Rotary Club extends its warmest wishes to Todd M, Todd C, Leslie, Steve, David, and Eugene. May the year ahead bring them happiness, success, and continued fellowship!
🎉 Happy Birthday to all! 🎉
At the birthday table L to R: Todd Murphy, Todd Chaney, Gene Kowel, and greeter Brett Frevert
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.
Rotarians Meet-Up L to R: Angie Chaney (Suburban), Todd Chaney (Omaha), Alice Schumacker (Suburban), and Gretchen Bren (Night)
Rotary Meet Up L to R: Bill Harvey, Aileen Warren, Gretchen Harvey and a future Rotarian
A productive Rotary meeting at Chase! L to R: Brett Frevert, Larry Guenther, and Nash Mahupete
Rotarians at Outland Trophy Dinner! L to R Brett Frevert, Jim Suttle, and James Mackiewicz
More Rotarians at Outland Trophy Dinner L to R: President Heather Legge, Brett Frevert and Brad Burklund
Rotarians at the Outland Trophy Dinner L to R: Suzan Koesters, Sandy Lemke, John, Marburger, and Hal Daub
More Rotarians at Outland Trophy dinner L to R: Todd Chaney, Brett Frevert, James Mackiewicz, Dan Sawka, and Omaha West Rotarian Scott Shelbourn
Rotarians meet up for Colleen Brennan’s birthday. L to R: Fletcher Reel, Colleen Brennan, Steve McCollister, and Hal Daub.
Rotary at Festivus
L to R: Ben Washburn, Brett Frevert, and Larry Guenther
Rotarians meetup L to R: PDG Carol Horner, DGN Gretchen Bren, Jill Slupe, and James Mackiewicz
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.
Chase Bank
UNO College of Business
Centris
Ollie The Trolley
Carlson West Povondra Architects
DA Davidson
Elkhorn Athletics Association
Omaha Massage Therapy
Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha
Kevin Baitey
Brad Burklund
Paul Cohen Hal Daub
Gene DeBoer Dianne Desler
John Ewing
Viv Ewing
Brett Frevert
Dawn Gonzales
Okley Gibbs
Fr. Lloyd Gnirk
Tom Gouttierre
Larry Guenther Bill Harvey
Gretchen Harvey
Barbara Hayman
Yolanda Hoffman
Larry Johansen
Bob Keefer
Susan Koesters
Heather Legge
Sandy Lemke
Adam Leong
John Marburger
Steve McCollister
Heidi McGinness
Camille Metoyer-Moten
Lloyd Meyer
John Mock
Jim Murphy
Roxy Orr
Fletcher Reel
Jim Scott-Miller
Deb Skinner
Jim Stewart
Jim Suttle
LeRoy Swedlund
Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Michelle Trawick
Jennifer Trebill
Kathryn Weitz
Recently Hal Daub introduced transferring Rotarian Scott Buchholz. Scott has been a Rotarian for a couple of decades at Millard Rotary, where he served as President. Scott A. Buchholz served as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer (retired 2021) at Black Hills Corporation (NYSE – BKH)
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