Sgt at Arms: Okley Gibbs Digital Experience: Adam Leong
Invocation & Pledge: Need Volunteer
Navigator: Steve McCollister
Cashiers/Check-in: Aileen Warren & Need Volunteer
Admin Support: Ryan Lemmon
Greeters: Jack McKeegan & Need Volunteer
New Member Host: Need Volunteer
Speaker Host: Steve Gerdes
Speaker: Laura Willey
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
Laura Willey was born and raised in the Blair, Nebraska area. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Administration and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Laura began her career at Eppley Airfield in the Communications Department before transitioning to rural healthcare, where she dedicated 17 years to a critical access hospital in a variety of leadership roles. She led the hospital’s nonprofit organization, The Auxiliary, overseeing operations that included a thrift store, hospital gift shop, fundraising initiatives, and the volunteer program. As a member of the hospital’s leadership team, she also managed several non-clinical departments, contributing to the organization’s overall operations and strategic efforts. After the birth of her children, Laura worked part-time in the Marketing Department, coordinating community outreach initiatives and supporting diverse marketing projects.
Laura lives on an acreage in Fort Calhoun with her husband and their two daughters, ages 10 and 13. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, reading, traveling, and actively supporting her daughters’ involvement in dance, volleyball, and softball.
Rotary clubs across the metro area are coming together for a hands on service project benefiting Heartland Kids Against Hunger. On February 21, Rotarians, family members, and friends will join forces to package thousands of nutritious meals for children and families facing food insecurity.
This multi club effort highlights the power of Rotary collaboration. By working together, metro Rotary clubs are turning service funds and volunteer time into tangible impact, providing life sustaining meals that support children in our community and beyond.
Building on last year’s success, when Rotarians from multiple clubs packaged more than 30,000 meals, this year’s project continues a shared commitment to service above self. Every meal packed represents unity, compassion, and Rotary’s dedication to strengthening our community through action.
Click here to sign up For questions, contact Project Chair Tobi Mathouser at tmathouser@goodwillomaha.org
February 25, 2026, is Rotary Membership Drive Day! This presents a wonderful opportunity for you to extend a warm invitation to your prospective members. The best part? Rotary will cover the cost of your prospective member's lunch. To ensure a smooth experience, please register your guests in advance by contacting our Membership Chair, Sarah Robak , via email at sarah.robakcfa@gmail.com or register your guests upon arrival at the Field Club.
Let's make this Rotary Membership Drive Day a memorable one by sharing the Rotary spirit and values with potential new members. Thank you for your proactive involvement in growing our Rotary community!
Katelyn Sethi is the Founder and President of Humble Lion Consulting, an Omaha-based business development and marketing firm that partners with small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations to grow with clarity and intention. Her work focuses on aligning branding, marketing, and operations to help organizations scale sustainably while staying true to their values and mission. Humble Lion Consulting is particularly well known for helping businesses achieve viral growth on social media—without relying on paid advertising.
Deeply engaged in the Omaha community, Katelyn currently serves as Chairwoman and Director of the Global Women’s Forum, where she helps expand leadership-focused programming for women, entrepreneurs, students, and professionals. She is passionate about strengthening local economies, supporting emerging leaders, and building communities rooted in service, collaboration, and long-term impact. Looking ahead, Katelyn aspires to run for local office in Omaha as another meaningful way to serve her community and contribute to thoughtful, people-first leadership at the local level.
Outside of her professional work, Katelyn enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking with her dogs, golfing, and supporting local businesses and nonprofits. She is also excited to share that she and her boyfriend recently designed her engagement ring together. He is a veteran and works at West Gate Bank, and she proudly describes him as her rock and biggest supporter.
We’re so excited to welcome you, Katelyn, and can’t wait to share in the fellowship, service, and joy of Rotary together!
Katelyn Sethi with her Rotary sponsor Deb Skinner, and President Gretchen Harvey
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—February is here, and Groundhog Day is tomorrow. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, we will have six more weeks of winter; if not, spring comes early. I am hoping for an early spring so we can get outside and continue our Rotary projects in our communities!
This leads me to reflect on the importance of connection. By participating in our community and embracing the idea of “Unite for Good,” we help bring people together and open the door to membership opportunities. A significant group seeking connection is the Baby Boom Generation—those born between 1946 and 1964, now aged 61 to 80. Many are entering retirement and searching for meaning and relationships, sometimes experiencing feelings of isolation or loneliness. Rotary can play a key role in addressing these needs. Studies show that individuals who find purpose and connection tend to enjoy longer, more fulfilling lives. The song “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King, famously covered by James Taylor in 1971, comes to mind as a reminder of friendship. Our regular Rotary meetings offer a space for belonging, friendship, and enduring purpose—locally and globally. So, whenever you notice someone who feels isolated or in search of meaning, consider sharing with them how Rotary can enrich their life through service and community.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to each Rotary Club in our District for your outstanding efforts throughout January to "Unite for Good" and serve both local communities and the global community. Thank you for your dedication and commitment.
Also, remember that February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month on our Rotary calendar.
From Rotary Luncheon to National Spotlight: An Outland Trophy Day to Remember
Last week’s Rotary luncheon gave members a rare and meaningful opportunity to hear from Spencer Fano, the nation’s number one interior lineman and the 2025 Outland Trophy winner, an award that recognizes the best interior lineman in college football. While this luncheon is part of an annual Rotary tradition, this year’s conversation truly stood out. Spencer was humble, thoughtful, and deeply grateful, consistently crediting his parents and family for the sacrifices and support that paved the way for his success. Rotarians asked insightful questions that went far beyond football, touching on leadership, discipline, pressure, faith, and teamwork, and Spencer answered each one with authenticity and ease.
The photos included from the Rotary luncheon capture the warmth of that exchange, including moments with Spencer and his parents that reflect the values behind his achievement. Later that evening, the celebration continued on a national stage at the Hilton Omaha, where a ballroom filled with more than 600 attendees gathered as Spencer formally received the Outland Trophy during ESPN’s College Football Awards festivities. Several Rotarians were proud to attend the dinner as well, led by our very own Mayor John Ewing and Rotary President Gretchen Harvey.
Spencer’s honor is historic. He is the first player from the University of Utah to receive the Outland Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s top interior lineman. A junior from Spanish Fork, Utah, he started all 12 regular season games at right tackle and was named Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and First Team All Conference. The photos from both the luncheon and the evening ceremony tell a complete story, from a thoughtful Rotary conversation to a national celebration of excellence. Rotary has proudly sponsored this prestigious event for 25 years in partnership with the Greater Omaha Sports Committee, and this full day exemplified Rotary’s long-standing commitment to leadership, character, and achievement at the highest level.
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.
At our July 16 meeting, Outgoing President Heather Legge proudly recognized an extraordinary group of members, our Perfect Attendance Rotarians!
Achieving perfect Rotary attendance is no small feat. It reflects dedication, service, and an unwavering commitment to our club’s mission. Whether it's showing up at weekly meetings (in person or via Zoom), joining service projects, attending committee meetings, helping with club operations, gathering with fellow Rotarians (3 or more), visiting other clubs, participating in online makeups, or engaging in board activities, these Rotarians show up, step up, and make a difference! Let's give a big round of applause to these role models of Rotary engagement!
See the full list of honorees below.
July is the perfect month to start your own journey to becoming a Perfect Rotarian! Join us, stay involved, and let’s make service and fellowship a way of life.
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 meet up L to R: Bill Harvey, Sarah Robak. Susan Koesters, and President Gretchen Harvey
Rotarian‘s enjoying at the new Dean reception College of Business Administration. From left to right: Cella Quinn, John Hoich (Suburban Rotary), and Sue Kutschkau. Pictured separately at the same event are Tom Gouttierre and Sue Kutschkau.
Cella Quinn, Vivi Ewing, and Mayor John Ewing attend the University of Northern Iowa reception honoring the newly appointed Dean of the College of Business.
The Rotary crew at the Downtown Omaha Inc which featured Mayor John Ewing as speaker L to R: Yolanda Hoffman, Dan Esch, Jill Slupe, Ryan Lemmon, John Sullivan, Tom Adams. Randy Wieseler, Kim Stewart (Suburban), Lynn McCormack (Millard), Mayor John Ewing, and PDG Bob Perrin (Suburban)
Rotarians meet up L to R: First Lady Viv Ewing, Jill Slupe, and Mayor John Ewing
Nice Rotarians Fletcher Reel and Tom Gouttierre visiting fellow Rotarian John Marburger
Rotary members at the Chamber Annual Meeting, left to right: Larry Guenther, Russell Vaughn and Dakotah Smith
Rotarians at the Sister City Meeting L to R: Mayor John Ewing, Steve Gerdes, and Jill Slupe
Rotarians having fun at the CU game! L to R: Brad Burklund, Ben Washburn, Larry Guenther, John Sullivan, and Josh Todd
Rotary Meeting with Leo de Capybara L to R: James Mackiewicz, Mike Mancuso, Leo, and Mayor John Ewing.
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 Sarah Robak at sarah.robakcfa@gmail.com.
Aileen Warren
Adam Leong
Amy Tritsch
Aileen Warren
Bill Harvey
Gretchen Harvey
Bob Keefer
Brad Burklund
Camille Metoyer Moten
Brett Frevert
Charlie Peters
Colleen Brennan
Deb Skinner
Elkhorn Athletics
Josh Todd
Fletcher Reel
Gene DeBoer
Goodwill Industries
Heather Legge
Heidi McGinness
Huntrex.com
Jim Murphy
Jim Stewart
John Mock
Larry Guenther
Larry Johansen
LeRoy Swedlund
Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Michelle Trawick
Nash Mahupete
Okley Gibbs
Omaha Downtown Rotary Foundation
Omaha School of Massage Therapy
Paul Cohen
PDG Bob Perrin
PDG Roxy Orr
Ralston Schools Foundation
Randy Wieseler
Rick Waxman
Sarah Robak
Scott Buchholz
Steve Carper
Steve McCollister
Susan Koesters
Tobi Mathouser
Todd Chaney
Todd Murphy
Tom Gouttierre
Westside Foundation