Secretary: James Mackiewicz Sgt at Arms: John Marburger Digital Experience: Adam Leong
Invocation & Pledge: John Ewing
Navigator: Bill Harvey
Cashiers/Check-in: Gretchen Harvey & Sarah Robak
Admin Support: Kevin Baitey
Greeters: Amie Konwinski & Vanessa Clark
Speaker Host: LeRoy Swedlund
Speaker: Jack Diesing
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
Retired Chairman and Managing Director, Aon Risk Services Central, Inc., and Chairman/President, College World Series of Omaha, Inc.
Jack Diesing Jr. is a retired Chairman and Managing Director of Aon Risk Services Central, Inc., where he led operations in Nebraska and Iowa from 2007 to 2017. He previously served as Resident Managing Director of Aon Risk Services of Nebraska, Inc. (1995-2007), Executive Vice President (1990-1995), Deputy Managing Vice President at Alexander & Alexander (1974-1990), and worked at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company (1971-1974).
His civic involvement includes serving as Chairman, President, and Treasurer of the College World Series of Omaha, Inc., a Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce board member since 1994, a member of the Omaha Sports Commission Board and Executive Committee (2003-2016), and Boys Town Booster Board member since 1984. He has also held leadership roles with the Creighton Executive Jaybackers Board (President, 1996-1998), Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben (Councillor, 1998-2007), Downtown Rotary Club (Board Member, 1994-2000), Metropolitan Entertainment Convention Authority (Board Member, 1999-2000), Metropolitan Omaha Convention Sports & Entertainment Authority (Vice Chairman, 1997; Chairman, 1998-1999), Junior Achievement of the Midlands (Chairman, 1995-1997), and Independent Insurance Agents of Omaha (President, 1984-1985).
His awards include induction into the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame (2010), the Omaha Press Club's 98th Face on the Barroom Floor (2004), the Greater Omaha Chamber’s “Headliner of the Year” Award (2004), the ABCA Meritorious Service Award (2003), the Nebraska Department of Economic Development “Power is in the Partnership” Award (2002), the River City Roundup Heritage Award (2001), Big Brothers/Big Sisters “Angels Among Us” Award (1998), Creighton Jaybackers’ “Jaybacker of the Year” Award (1998), the Nebraskaland Foundation Trailblazer Award (1997), and being named the Omaha World-Herald’s “Midlander of the Year” (1994). A graduate of Creighton Preparatory High School (1963) and the United States Naval Academy (1967) with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and a minor in Mathematics, Jack also served in the U.S. Navy (1967-1971) and earned Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU, 1978) and Associate in Risk Management (ARM, 1980) designations.
Jack is married, with three daughters and four grandsons, and enjoys golfing, reading, and traveling. His legacy reflects a lifetime of professional excellence, civic leadership, and a deep commitment to his community.
Amy Hornocker
Executive Director
College World Series of Omaha, Inc.
Amy Hornocker is the Executive Director at College World Series of Omaha, Inc. CWS, Inc. is the liaison between the NCAA and the City of Omaha tasked with the ongoing growth and execution of the NCAA Men’s College World Series. Hornocker oversees five staff members that work year-round in Omaha on the MCWS. Outside the MCWS itself, the office also manages many community outreach initiatives as well as a robust internship program. Before joining the CWS Omaha, Inc., team, Hornocker served as events director for the Omaha Sports Commission (OSC). She had been with the OSC 10 years and managed more than 30 sporting events, including three U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials.
Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Hornocker began working in sports management as an intern with College World Series of Omaha, Inc. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Iowa State University. Hornocker lives in LaVista with her dog Olive.
Lisa Diesing
CEBS, GBA, CMS Vice President Account Executive
Lisa brings over 15 years of experience in employee benefit plan management, serving as a lead strategic advisor and consultant to her clients. As an Account Executive, she directs the overall management of benefit programs, including strategic development, clinical program management, financial projections, funding methods, and contract negotiations. With expertise in handling mid-market and large companies across both the public and private sectors, Lisa is adept at managing diverse benefit offerings while fostering strong client and carrier relationships. She also collaborates with Producers to develop new business opportunities.
Lisa holds dual B.A. degrees in Advertising and Writing from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and maintains several professional designations, including Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Group Benefits Associate (GBA), and Compensation Management Specialist (CMS). She also holds a Producer's License in Life Insurance and Annuities, Sickness, Accident, and Health.
Her civic involvement includes serving as an Executive Committee Member and Board Member for the College World Series of Omaha, Inc., being a member of the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association and graduating from Leadership Omaha Class 45 through the Omaha Chamber of Commerce.
Together, the Rotary Club of Omaha, West Rotary, Millard Rotary, Suburban Rotary, Morning Rotary, and a District Rotary matching grant will make an incredible impact by packaging nearly 45,000 meals! These meals will stay in our community, supporting local non-profits like Heart Ministry Center, Heartland Hope Mission, and Together Inc. in their fight against food insecurity.
We Need Your Help! 140 volunteers are needed to make this event a success! This is a fantastic opportunity for Rotarians, families, and friends of all ages to come together for a great cause.
Event Details 📅 Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025 📍 Location: 4418 S 180th Street, Omaha (Enter at the “Love Church” sign on 180th & J Street. Stay to the right, follow the drive to the large garage, and park in front of the garage.)
Shifts:
Shift 1: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM (40 volunteers needed)
Shift 2: 9:45 AM – 11:15 AM (40 volunteers needed)
Shift 3: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (40 volunteers needed)
What to Expect Volunteers will work in an assembly line format at one of four tables to package meals. This is a fun, hands-on activity for all ages (at least 5 years old) and a great way to introduce younger children to community service!
What to Bring/Wear:
Hair should be tied back. Please wear a baseball cap or a provided hairnet.
Comfortable clothes and shoes, as you’ll be standing throughout your shift.
By volunteering, you’ll help bring nearly 45,000 meals to local food banks, making a meaningful difference for those experiencing food insecurity. Let’s show how Rotary serves our community with Service Above Self!
Michael Kosalka General Manager, Peregrine Hotel | Adjunct Professor at UNO & MCC | ProStart Coordinator, State of Nebraska
Recently, Franco Gentile introduced our newest member Michael Kosalka. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Michael Kosalka is a seasoned professional who currently serves as the General Manager of the Peregrine Hotel. His extensive career has equipped him with a deep understanding of hotel operations, guest service excellence, and team management, making him a respected leader in the field.
Michael is also deeply committed to education and professional development. As an Adjunct Professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) and Metropolitan Community College (MCC), he teaches courses in hospitality and business management, helping to shape the next generation of industry leaders. Additionally, he serves as the ProStart Coordinator for the State of Nebraska, where he works with high school students interested in pursuing careers in the culinary world. Through his efforts, Michael is fostering a new wave of culinary talent and offering mentorship to young aspiring chefs.
A key figure in the Omaha food industry, Michael is actively involved in initiatives that support local food businesses and hospitality professionals. His extensive connections and leadership in the community have helped drive innovation and growth in the local food scene.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Michael is a proud father of four children. His balance of career, education, and family underscores his commitment to both his personal and professional growth. Michael's long-standing dedication to the hospitality and culinary industries, along with his academic contributions, make him a valued asset to both the business and educational communities.
Recently, we celebrated Past Rotary President Jim Murphy's 52 years of Rotary service. Fifty-two years! That’s a remarkable commitment to anything, but for Jim Murphy, it’s a testament to his unwavering dedication to Rotary and the communities it serves.
Jim has been a leader in our club, serving as past president and always contributing his time and energy to our projects. His distinguished career as a Brigadier General in the Nebraska Army National Guard, culminating in command of all Army Guard troops in the state, speaks volumes about his leadership & commitment to service.
What’s even more special is that Jim’s love & passion for Rotary influenced his son, Todd (a past president of the Omaha Downtown Rotary), and his grandson, Ted, to also become Rotarians. This multi-generational legacy is a powerful testament to the impact Jim has had, not only on our club but on his family as well.
Jim’s 52 years of dedication aren’t just numbers; they represent countless hours of service, countless lives touched, and countless moments of positive change. He’s a true inspiration, a shining example of what it means to live the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self.” Congratulations Jim on this incredible milestone!
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
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 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
Gretchen Harvey and Bill Harvey with family in New York. The third Rotarian not in photo is Brett Frevert.
Rotarians supporting fellow Rotarian Boy Scouts CEO Chris Mehaffey and the Boy Scouts Annual Big Gives Event at the CHI Center L to R: John Sullivan, Hal Daub, Aileen Warren, Larry Guenther, Sean Kelly, and Chris Mehaffey
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