Tina BE Bakehouse is an intuitive communication coach who guides heart-centered leaders to move beyond performance and into presence. With more than 25 years of experience in communication research, teaching, theatre, and presenting, she helps leaders tap into the wisdom of their body, breath, and voice to clarify their mindset, craft aligned messages, and embody the mechanics of confident, soul-led speaking.

Her signature approach blends skill, play, and spirituality.

Skill is grounded in over two decades of teaching, facilitating workshops, and delivering presentations, including 10 years at Creighton University. Her academic foundation includes a master’s degree in Communication Studies, along with dual bachelor’s degrees in English Teaching, Speech, Theatre, and Psychology.

Play draws from her rich background in storytelling, laughter yoga, and improvisational theatre, creating spaces where creativity, confidence, and authentic expression naturally emerge.

Spirituality is informed by certifications in holistic psychotherapy, professional writing, and Keirsey temperament theory, as well as her deep belief in honoring each client as a whole, wise, and intuitive soul.

A two-time TEDx speaker, Leadership Iowa alum, former Walt Disney cast member, and author of Discovering Our Magnetic Speaker Within, Tina BE empowers audiences through keynote stages, workshops, and one-on-one or group coaching experiences.

She helps people do more than speak.
She helps them resonate.

Because your voice isn’t just how you’re heard—
it’s how you’re felt.

Chris serves as a Relationship Manager in the Public Sector for Commercial Banking, working with communities across Eastern Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas, including Omaha, Lincoln, Fremont, Kansas City, and North Dallas. Taking a holistic approach, he partners with clients on business banking and treasury solutions, supporting day-to-day operations while identifying strategies to help them achieve both short- and long-term goals within the public sector.

Chris began his professional career in public accounting before joining FNBO’s Internal Audit department in 2011. In 2015, he transitioned into a role in yield management and marketing engineering, where he oversaw pricing index rate processes and analyzed customer behavioral trends. In 2019, he moved into credit risk administration before assuming his current role at FNBO. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration, both from Creighton University.

Chris is a strong supporter of Creighton athletics, particularly Bluejay basketball. A lifelong fan, he has attended games since childhood and is now a season ticket holder. He is also a dedicated Chicago Cubs fan.

Outside of his professional and sports interests, Chris enjoys spending time at his family’s home at Lake Okoboji and pursuing his passion for golf, often playing weekend rounds with family, friends, and colleagues. He is actively involved in the community, serving on the Project Harmony Service League Board and having held multiple executive board positions over the past 14 years. He also contributes to the Friends Committee for Kicks For A Cure, an organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for local cancer research at Creighton University’s Lynch Comprehensive Cancer Research Center and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, while promoting active and healthy lifestyles.

We are delighted to welcome Chris Kestel as our newest Rotarian and look forward to his involvement, fellowship, and contributions to our club and community.

Chris Kestel with President Gretchen Harvey and his sponsor Jim Stewart

Our March 11 Membership Drive Day was a tremendous success. We were excited to welcome 26 prospective Rotarians who joined us to experience the energy, fellowship, and service spirit of our club. Since that day, three prospective members have already submitted their membership applications, and the Board is currently in the process of voting on these applications. We now have 23 more prospective members to connect with and continue engaging so they can fully experience what it means to be part of The Rotary Club of Omaha.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to every Rotarian who took the time to personally reach out to family members, friends, and work colleagues and invite them to attend. Your efforts truly made a difference. The meeting room was packed, the excitement was evident, and the momentum was undeniable. Adding to the energy of the day, our program speaker, Sean Mulhall of Mulhall's Nursery, generated strong media interest and the meeting was covered by KETV, further highlighting the vibrancy and relevance of our club in the community.

Special thanks to the Membership Committee, led by Sarah Robak, for their leadership, organization, and dedication in making the Membership Drive Day a success. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our Rotary panelists Deb Skinner, Todd Murphy, and Russell Vaughn, who did an outstanding job sharing their Rotary experiences and inspiring our guests.

Let us continue the follow-up, invitations, and Rotary welcome as we work together to turn this strong interest into lasting membership growth.