The Rotary Club of Omaha is proud to welcome James Mackiewicz as Club President for the new Rotary year. James steps into this important leadership role after serving with distinction as Club Secretary and President Elect, bringing with him a strong record of service, engagement, and commitment to the continued growth and vitality of the Club.

James has been a superbly engaged Rotarian whose leadership has already made a meaningful impact. Through his active involvement, steady presence, and thoughtful service, he has helped strengthen the Club’s membership, support its mission, and represent the Rotary Club of Omaha well throughout the district. His leadership reflects the best of Rotary: service, fellowship, integrity, and a deep belief in the power of community.

Professionally, James is the owner of Crestcom Nebraska, bringing more than 35 years of leadership development training to the area. Through Crestcom’s L.E.A.D.R. program, he helps organizations develop the fundamental leadership skills that CEOs expect from their teams. His work is rooted in practical implementation, expert instruction, and measurable results. Throughout his career, James has worked closely with companies, business owners, and emerging leaders to help them realize the true potential of their people.

A native of Omaha, James believes deeply in community engagement and civic leadership. In addition to Rotary, he is a proud member of the Chamber of Commerce and Nebraska Competes. He has been a main stage presenter at industry conferences, a facilitator of smaller study groups, and a coach to business owners seeking to grow and lead more effectively.

Outside of his professional and Rotary life, James enjoys attending Husker football games, going to concerts, and exploring new restaurants. These personal interests reflect the same energy and curiosity he brings to Rotary: a love for connection, community, and shared experiences. As James begins his year as President, the Rotary Club of Omaha looks forward to a year of continued growth, meaningful service, and strong fellowship under his leadership. His experience, dedication, and genuine commitment to Rotary will help guide the Club into another successful year of service above self.

The Rotary Club of Omaha is honored to welcome Mayor John Ewing as the Inducting Officer for the installation of James Mackiewicz as President of the Rotary Club of Omaha for the new Rotary year. The ceremony will take place on July 1, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Field Club Omaha, marking an important moment of leadership transition, civic connection, and Rotary fellowship.

Mayor Ewing will administer the oath of office to President James Mackiewicz, along with the incoming Rotary Club of Omaha Board of Directors and Officers, as well as the Club Foundation Officers and Directors. His role as Inducting Officer brings special meaning to the occasion, not only because of his leadership in the City of Omaha, but also because of his deep and personal connection to Rotary.

Mayor Ewing is truly a Rotarian Extraordinaire. He has maintained 13 years of perfect Rotary attendance and engagement, a remarkable reflection of his commitment to the ideals of Rotary and the discipline of service. He has also served as a Rotary Club President, giving him firsthand understanding of the responsibility, dedication, and heart required to lead a Rotary club.

His presence at the installation ceremony beautifully symbolizes the connection between Rotary leadership and civic leadership. Both are rooted in service, integrity, community building, and the belief that committed people can make a lasting difference. As Mayor Ewing installs the new leadership team, the Rotary Club of Omaha celebrates not only a new Rotary year, but also the shared spirit of service that continues to strengthen Omaha.

With James Mackiewicz stepping into the role of President, and with a dedicated team of officers, directors, and foundation leaders beginning their service, the Rotary Club of Omaha looks forward to another year of growth, engagement, and meaningful impact under the motto of Service Above Self.

Within hours of deadly floods and landslides that struck Mexico in October, Rotary members were responding. In hard-hit Poza Rica, Rotary and Rotaract members brought residents to safety, plowed mud-laden streets, and moved house to house to clean properties. The effort was supported by clubs throughout District 4185 and by neighboring districts and others abroad. The Rotary Club of Poza Rica joined the nonprofit Planet Water Foundation to install four water towers and a water block in the neediest area and deliver purified water elsewhere. The club also coordinated with World Central Kitchen to provide hot meals. Still, “we desperately need help to get back on our feet and return to our normal lives,” says club member Pepe Badillo. “The houses were a total loss. Everything was destroyed, from a single plate to the bedrooms on the second floor.”

India

The city of Thane, northeast of Mumbai, is recognized for its arts and culture scene. It’s home to drama troupes, an art expo, international film festivals, and comedy venues. What it was lacking, says Atul Bhide, of the Rotary Club of Thane Hills, was a large showcase for aficionados of the written word. To amend that, the club (which also sponsors a book-reading initiative for youth) launched the Thane Literature Festival. Over two days in November, bibliophiles toasted 22 authors and poets who read from their work and participated in panel discussions. The event honored journalist and writing coach Bachi Karkaria with the Thane Literature Festival lifetime achievement award, and judges critiqued entries in a short-story contest. “Encouraging reading habits and love for literature for Gen-Next is also our motive behind this literature festival,” says Bhide.

Source: https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-projects-around-globe-april-2026