Secretary: James Mackiewicz Sgt at Arms: Okley Gibbs Digital Experience: Adam Leong
Invocation & Pledge: Gene Kowel
Navigator: Need Volunteer
Cashiers/Check-in: Need Volunteers
Admin Support: James Mackiewicz
Greeters: Paul Cohen & Need Volunteer
Speaker Host: Michelle Trawick
Speaker: Derek Leathers
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
Derek J. Leathers is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Werner®. Leathers has more than 30 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry and 25 years of experience with Werner.
Throughout his tenure at Werner, he has held integral executive management roles leading multiple organizational service offerings, including the establishment and development of Werner’s Mexico cross-border operations, oversight for the asset operating groups and leading the launch of Werner Global Logistics, which encompassed transportation management and freight movement within intermodal, ocean, air and brokerage.
In May of 2021, Werner’s Board of Directors appointed Leathers to Chairman, along with his current title of CEO. Beyond his leadership at Werner, Leathers plays pivotal roles across various industry and community platforms. He serves as Chairman of the American Transportation Research Institute and as Vice Chairman of the American Trucking Associations. Furthermore, he is a member of the Executive Board of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors for SkyWest, the Executive Committee for United Way of the Midlands and serves as a Board of Trustee for Creighton University.
Leathers is the Founder and National Director of PlaySmart, a non-profit organization that helps underserved 5th through 8th-grade students realize their academic and life potential through sports.
Prior to joining Werner in 1999, Leathers was one of the first foreign members of Mexico's trucking association and was based out of Mexico City for several years. Leathers holds an economics degree from Princeton University.
The Rotary Club of Omaha is proud to announce that Steve Carper has been named a Paul Harris Fellow, a distinguished honor presented by Rotary Foundation Zone Donor Advisor Bill Harvey. This recognition is a testament to Steve’s generous support of The Rotary Foundation and his steadfast dedication to Rotary’s mission of service above self.
A committed Rotarian for 13 years, Steve is a passionate advocate for youth achievement through his longtime support of the Rotary 8th Grade Honor Roll—one of our club’s most celebrated community initiatives. His enduring involvement reflects a deep belief in empowering the next generation of leaders.
In his professional life, Steve exemplifies excellence and leadership in massage therapy education. As School Director and Owner of the Omaha School of Massage Therapy (OSMT), he has dedicated over 25 years to advancing the profession. After graduating from OSMT in 1996, Steve rose through the ranks—from administrative assistant to director—gaining comprehensive expertise in school operations, student development, and institutional growth. He holds an MBA from Herzing University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Congratulations to Steve Carper on this prestigious recognition. His enduring commitment to service—both within Rotary and the field of education—continues to enrich lives and strengthen communities.
The Rotary Club of Omaha proudly celebrates Special Agent in Charge Eugene S. Kowel, who was recently honored as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary Foundation Zone Donor Advisor Bill Harvey. This prestigious recognition highlights Gene’s commitment to Rotary's mission of advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace.
Gene has been a dedicated Rotarian for over five years, initially serving with the Rotary Club of Savannah, Georgia, before transferring his membership to the Rotary Club of Omaha.
Professionally, Mr. Kowel brings exceptional leadership and service to his role as Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Omaha Field Office, a position he has held since October 2020. He oversees operations across Nebraska and Iowa, leading a team of FBI agents, analysts, task force officers, and support staff based in Omaha and eight satellite offices.
Gene’s FBI career began in 2005 with the New York Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, where he conducted both Criminal and Counterterrorism investigations. His service has included deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and he has held numerous leadership roles, including Supervisory Special Agent at FBI Headquarters, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent in Georgia, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge in Los Angeles, where he led teams addressing violent crime and organized crime. He later served as Chief of Staff in the FBI’s Intelligence Branch.
Gene holds a bachelor’s degree in Political and Social Thought from the University of Virginia and a Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law. Prior to joining the FBI, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in New York City. His public service also includes time as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Virginia.
Congratulations to Gene Kowel on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your ongoing service—both to Rotary and to our nation. Yolanda Hoffman Omaha, NE April 21, 2025
With a career dedicated to fostering growth and inspiring discovery, Shelly stands out as a beacon of guidance and motivation in the realm of education, training, and coaching while maintaining a strong focus on building and maintaining relationships. Her professional development is highlighted by her unwavering commitment to drawing out the potential within others, helping them unearth their passions, and guiding them toward their next steps with insightful coaching and motivational leadership.
Throughout her career, Shelly has embraced roles in leadership, operations, sales, and education / training that have allowed her to significantly impact those around her. Each role has been a stepping stone in a journey marked by a series of notable accomplishments that have generated multiple awards for exceeding goals, recognition for team growth, and progression within organizations.
Shelly is driven by core values that have guided her people-centered approach characterized by active listening, aimed at first understanding and engaging, and then responding with genuine compassion. She leverages collaboration as a critical tool for effective communication; nurtures a passion for people, processes, and projects; and relies on her innate ability to catalyze change to drive results that matter. With the spirit of a true educator, mentor, and leader, Shelly relentlessly pursues excellence, inspires change, and encourages growth in all forms.
Natalie Junk
Natalie is a senior solution advisor, talented singer, and painter with a passion for creating meaningful connections and making a difference. She serves as a dedicated board member for Parkinson’s Nebraska, playing an active role in supporting innovative solutions and programming for individuals affected by the disease. Professionally, Natalie is a membership consultant for ArchWell Health and a team consultant for Senior Living Communities, where her expertise and compassion shine in helping people navigate their healthcare and living options.
Outside of her professional and philanthropic endeavors, Natalie enjoys singing soul, funk, and r&b, painting, and exploring the great outdoors through hiking and camping. She also finds joy in gardening and cherishes quality time with her close friends and family.
Luke Drazic
We’re excited to welcome Luke Drazic to our Rotary community! Luke is the founder and owner of Pillar Partners, Inc., a respected local accounting firm based in Omaha. Born and raised in Omaha, Luke is a proud graduate of a local university and continues to call the city home, currently residing in the vibrant Benson/Dundee neighborhood.
With a strong sense of civic duty, Luke has long been committed to supporting meaningful causes in the community. He actively volunteers his time and talents to local initiatives, driven by a desire to make a positive impact where it matters most.
As he begins his Rotary journey, Luke is eager to contribute to service projects, connect with fellow members, and uphold the values of Rotary through professional excellence and community engagement. Please join us in giving Luke a warm welcome!
Dallin Despain
Dallin Despain grew up in the small town of Sequim, Washington, and was fortunate to receive early support from the local Sunrise Rotary Club—an experience that left a lasting impression. That encouragement helped shape his appreciation for service, community, and the importance of giving back. Inspired by those values, Dallin is joining Rotary with a deep belief in its mission and the power of bringing people together to create lasting impact.
Outside of work, Dallin is passionate about motorsports, skiing, and, most recently, golf.
Professionally, Dallin is an Investment Adviser Representative with Arkfeld Wealth Strategies, a firm that operates under a fiduciary standard. The team helps clients make thoughtful, values-based decisions about their personal and business finances, with a focus on retirement planning, individual stocks, and tax-free bonds. The firm does not sell products, but instead prioritizes long-term relationships and serving as a trusted resource through every stage of life.
In addition to his financial advisory work, Dallin also invests in residential and commercial real estate—a pursuit that originally brought him to Omaha four years ago and continues to be a meaningful part of his professional journey.
Let's continue to support & inspire one another as we grew stronger together. Welcome aboard, new Rotarians!
🍻 May Rotary Business Networking / Rotary After Hours 🍻 Cheers to Connections!
📍 Where: Brickway Brewery & Distillery 1116 Jackson St, Omaha, NE 68102 📅 When: Wednesday, May 7 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM 🎤 Hosted by: Rotarian Zac Triemert
🎉 First drink is on Brickway! Bring your business cards and your best cheers—this is your chance to connect with fellow Rotarians, meet prospective members, and bring a friend or two who might be Rotary-curious.
Relax, sip, and mingle in one of Omaha’s favorite spots for locally crafted brews and spirits.
All Rotarians, future Rotarians, and friends welcome. Let’s make it a happy hour to remember! Click here to sign-up.
🌟 Be Part of History — Host a Table at the 98th Annual 8th Grade Honor Roll! 🌟
We are just one month away from Rotary’s signature event—now in its remarkable 98th year—the Rotary 8th Grade Honor Roll on May 14, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, an extraordinary celebration honoring the brightest young leaders from schools across the metro.
This is not just an event—it's a legacy. Over nearly a century, our 8th Grade Honor Roll has recognized students who would go on to become Congressmen, Mayors, elected officials, award-winning Hollywood directors, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. It’s a shining example of Rotary’s commitment to Leadership, Character, Scholarship, and Service.
✨ This is your once-a-year opportunity to dine with the future leaders of our city, our state, and our country.
We still need 40 more Rotarian Table Hosts to make this year’s celebration truly unforgettable.
We're pleased to invite all new Rotary members to our upcoming New Member Orientation on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 4:30 PM. This session is a great opportunity to learn more about Rotary, connect with fellow members, and get answers to any questions you may have as you begin your Rotary journey.
Please note: The location will be confirmed based on the number of attendees.
Although it was hard to tell with our weather last week, Spring is finally here. As we get back out and start planning those spring yard projects, think about what we do as Rotarians to protect the environment worldwide.
April is Environmental Month. As one of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus, we are committed to Protecting the Environment. We support the activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability and foster harmony between communities and the environment.
How do we help achieve this? We tackle these issues the way we always do: coming up with and supporting projects, using connections to change policy and planning for the future. We are empowering communities by providing access to grants and other available resources to embrace local solutions and encourage innovation to address the causes of climate change and environmental degradation.
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.
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.
CBMC 60th Annual Good Friday Breakfast
Networking Meeting Meet-up L to R: Fundraising Committee Chair Todd Chaney, James Mackiewicz, West Rotarian Lydia Johnson and Our newest member Dallin Despain.
Rotarians at Downtown Omaha, Inc Supernovas presentation by President Diane Mendenhall who specially invited Rotarians to attend L to R: Mike Benck (Morning), Mike Mancuso, John Ewing, Viv Ewing, Dan Esch, Yolanda Hoffman, Sachi Verma (Morning) Shelly Ruwe, Lynne McCormack (Millard), Brett Frevert, DGE Robert Rapp (Morning), Michael Kosalka, Bill Harvey, Scott Stevens (Morning), PDG Bob Perrin (Suburban), John Maxell (Suburban), and the incoming General Secretary of Scottish Rite.
Rotarians at St Patricks Day celebration L to R: Dan Esch, Paul Cohen, Jim Cavanaugh
Rotarians at JBL L to R; Brett Frevert, Paul Cohen, Eugene Kowel
Rotary Connection Circle with Chris Mehaffey and Dan Sawka
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
The Rotary Club of Omaha proudly celebrates Special Agent in Charge Eugene S. Kowel, who was recently honored as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary Foundation Zone Donor Advisor Bill Harvey. This prestigious recognition highlights Gene’s commitment to Rotary's mission of advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace.
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