Tim Burke is the interim CEO and President of the Greater Omaha Chamber. He retired as CEO of OPPD in 2021 after over 30 years in the natural gas, electric, and utility service industry. His focus on customer service and continuous business improvement has produced 13 straight J.D. Power and Associates awards for #1 Utility in customer satisfaction. Tim is an active participant in the Omaha area community and is a board member or volunteer to over eight national and local non-profits. Tim has seen small businesses become large businesses and seen an ever-changing business environment and led operations to remain successful through those changes.

Recently, Okley Gibbs introduced transferring Rotarian Vanessa Clark from Painesville, Ohio. The Very Rev. Vanessa E. B. Clark has served Trinity Episcopal Cathedral as Dean and Rector since 2021, leading the congregation in radical welcome of all persons in worship, service, and community engagement. She initiated direct support of Central High School staff and students. Dean Clark is an active member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance in Omaha. Under her leadership, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral has increased their outreach to the LGBTQ+ community and celebrated our many parishioners in the community, including the annual Pride Mass.

She earned a Master of Divinity from Bexley Hall Seminary and was ordained in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. In 2009 she began ministry at St. James Episcopal Church in Painesville, Ohio. Leading the parish from service into advocacy and community change. She served as Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer for the Diocese of Ohio and Vice President of the Ohio Council of Churches. Dean Clark’s previous involvement as a board member of Lake County LGBTQ+ Allies and member of the Painesville Rotary Club has made her passionate about social justice and “service above self.” In Painesville Rotary Club she served as the Program Coordinator and helped start a monthly community meal cooked and served by the Club.

Prior to her work in The Episcopal Church, Dean Clark was a professional Stage Manager. She and her husband, author Mark Clark, have two children and happily reside in Omaha.

 

Welcome to your new Rotary home, Vanessa!

 

Vanessa Clark with President Larry Guenther and her Rotary sponsor Okley Gibbs

President Larry Guenther led Downtown Rotarians in thanking Immediate Past President Sean Connolly for his service as President during Rotary year 2022-2023. President Larry presents Sean with the shiny Rotary Presidential plaque. Thank you, President Sean!

Once again, we had a great turnout at our June After Meeting Socials on July 26, 2023. Here are some photos. More will be shown at the meeting:

 

As perfectly forecasted by our friendly WOWT TV by Jim McKernan, the pool party was beyond amazing. We had the perfect summer weather. Everyone in attendance had a grand time. Steve and Pat McCollister were super party hosts. They are the perfect event planners, providing great food and great company. Rotarians had a great time and are grateful to Pat and Steve McCollister. Below is the perfect weather pool party forecast by Rusty Lord, specially made for the Rotary Club of Omaha Pool Party. Party photos will be shown on Wednesday.

 

Recently, outgoing President Sean Connolly recognized Rotarians with perfect Rotary attendance/engagement. To view the ceremony for the Perfect Attendance award, please click on the YouTube video link provided. https://youtu.be/8GBYMMwq-gI

 

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. 

 

 

Pictured here are hard-working Rotarians L to R: Jim Stewart, Heidi McGinness, Bill Harvey, Nash Mahupete and his wife and son, Franco Gentile, and Scott Kinnaird with his daughter.                                   

 

Connecting with fellow Rotarians is made easy with club service. Plus, you get attendance credit. It's a great deal! If you are a new Rotarian, it counts toward your Red Badge requirements. You may sign up as Greeter, Virtual Greeter, Check-in/Registration, Navigator, and Invocator. Click here to sign up.

 

Pictured here are recent greeters Treasurer Jim Stewart and Mike Schlickbernd of Dreamvesting greeting Spencer Secor of Lund Company.