Happy new Rotary year 2025 - 2026!
I am deeply honored and excited to serve as your 87th District Governor (DG) for 2025–2026—and to be the first member of the Leawood Rotary Club to hold this position. I’m humbled by the trust placed in me. Thank you to my club for introducing me to Rotary, encouraging my involvement, and nominating me. Special thanks to Past District Governor (PDG) Vern Henricks for urging me in December 2022 to pursue this role.
Since securing the nomination, time has flown by—training sessions, building our 2025-2026 district leadership team, creating our District Action Plan to help clubs grow stronger—and before I knew it, June 19, 2025, arrived. My heartfelt thanks to Rick and Martha Robinson and my wife Ester for organizing a wonderful installation event.
As we turn the page on another Rotary year, we celebrate the outstanding service and leadership of our outgoing District Governor, Tamara Sevcik. Under Tamara’s guidance, our district thrived—from the record-setting Gathering for Good, to her creative PolioPlus spare coin jars, to launching our first District Action Plan, and her tireless advocacy in fighting human trafficking. Her leadership has been impactful and inspiring. Please join me in thanking Tamara for her remarkable service.
Thanks also to our Past District Governors, district committee chairs, club presidents, and their teams. We Rotarians across northeast Kansas continue to make a difference in our communities. Your teamwork, passion, and commitment to uniting for good truly make a difference.
Beginning 2025–2026 …
At the recent Rotary International Convention, I had the pleasure of meeting 2025-2026 RI President Francesco Arezzo. He is asking Rotarians to focus on:
- Membership – Foster club cultures that enhance the member experience. Great club culture leads to great retention – and that is key to our growth.
- Eradicating Polio – Keep the momentum going until the job is done.
- Peacebuilding – Promote peace through clean water, disease prevention, safe maternal care, and empowering girls.
President Francesco reminds us that Rotary is more than service—it’s also about fellowship, friendship, integrity, and diversity. These values create vibrant clubs that attract and retain members. And remember, ask members what they want to do.
Aligned with his priorities, it is my hope that during this Rotary year, our District will:
- Support Our Clubs – As district leaders, our job is to support you. We’ll provide tools, training, and encouragement to help your club reach its goals—and earn the Rotary International Club Excellence Award. So – set your goals and track your progress!!! Some helpful tools on our district website are:
- Grow Membership – Let’s innovate—whether through flexible meeting formats or engaging club experiences. We want every guest and member to say, “I want to be part of this!”
- Advance Key District Initiatives - We will continue raising awareness around mental health and human trafficking prevention. And I’m issuing a challenge: If your club doesn’t already sponsor an Interact Club, start one!
July’s Rotary Theme
July’s Rotary theme is Maternal and Child Health, one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus. I encourage you to explore Rotary Action Groups (RAGs). They’re great ways to engage more deeply in service and learn new ideas from other Rotarians worldwide.
Two RAGs especially relevant this month:
Gratitude and Teamwork
Managing a district is a team effort. Over 30 Rotarians have stepped up to serve at the district level. Thank you district team leaders and members for living Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self.
And speaking of Service Above Self—our 39 Club Presidents have stepped into leadership this year. I am honored to walk this journey with you. I look forward to our district team supporting you and celebrating all we will do together.
Let’s Unite for Good!
RI President Francesco has challenged us to “Unite for Good.” So, let’s ask ourselves: How can we together to unite serve more people to improve more lives?
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your District Governor. I am looking forward to a fantastic year ahead. I am truly grateful for all your service and dedication to Rotary.
Dear District 5710 Rotarians,
