My path to becoming The Executive Secretary of Suburban Rotary has been quite extraordinary. I have been a Communications and Marketing professional for 50 years.  I was fortunate to have a full tuition scholarship to Creighton University where I earned degrees in Journalism, Speech/Drama and a minor in Education.  My last year I had an internship with a local Public Relations firm and they hired me full time the day after I graduated and never looked back.

 

My career has always focused on jobs that made a difference or companies whose mission I supported.  In agency work I used my skills for school systems, Easter Seals and many non-profits.  I joined The American Red Cross locally and climbed the career ladder at that volunteer organization all the way to the top eventually becoming the Vice President of Communication and Marketing in Washington, D. C.  I experienced the highs and lows of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and many U. S. presidents.  But what made all the difference with the long hours was that I knew the organization was helping people.  Subsequent jobs included serving as Public Relations director of my alma mater and heading communications and marketing for an all-girls school.  Both jobs focused on missions of education—a goal that makes a great deal of difference.  Recently I had been free-lancing and my editor was a Rotarian. She said an Executive Secretary position was open with a local club and she told me I would be a “perfect “candidate.  I applied and got the job. I wanted to share some observations on my first year supporting Rotary.

 

First, Rotary was a natural progression for me.  The mission is one of the most impactful in the world today.  I was under the mistaken impression that it was a group like the Chamber of Commerce or Toastmasters.  Boy, was I wrong.  That is my first observation.  As a marketing professional I feel Rotary often hides its light under a bushel.  The community service aspect of this organization is a force for good especially in a day and age where there is such turmoil in the world. Rotary does so many more things than just hosting a weekly meeting.

 

My second observation is that Rotary is truly a community of amazing people.  At our club our community service activities range from adopting schools that need help, to supporting refugees, needy children, to gathering warm clothes for children, to feeding the homeless, to ringing the bell for Salvation Army to electronic recycling, to global grants, honoring our veterans and much more.  We have a process to make sure we use money wisely and for the right reasons. Rotarians take their afternoons, evenings and weekends to give back.  At the same time their spirit of generosity is immeasurable.  Our club along has donated over millions to Rotary work and that number is climbing.

 

The work done rivals any local non-profit and there is only one paid position, mine which is part-time.  Club members are volunteers who dedicate their lives to support the pillars of Rotary.  Many of them work and still find time to make a difference.

Our club has some real movers and shakers.  Frank Goldberg has served at every level of the organization, is an encyclopedia of knowledge and is a living legend.  This year we have a club member, Andy Bock, who sells real estate, but who has done an outstanding job recruiting speakers for our weekly meeting.  The caliber of the speakers has been outstanding, the variety very engaging and many people visit because of this talent.  Variety is a key, and we have had the head of the Opera, local college coaches, the mayor, veterans, economists, film and TV stars, improv health specialists, health care innovators, educators, developers, philanthropists, and much more. Our Membership Chair, Jennifer-Jirak Brungardt developed a Gift of Rotary campaign which has resulted in about 25 new members. And that number is climbing.  There are many outstanding and dedicated people, too numerous to mention.

 

My next observation is about the organization’s support to its clubs.  The backend of administration through clubrunner is state-of-art.  It makes administration very easy and if you can’t figure something out, there is always someone willing to help you.  Our District support is great, and our club was even able to get a grant this year to help with a community service activity.  At the same time, having easy access to product supplies like Russell Hampton helps us locally recognize and reward our members.

 

My job is very busy but I enjoy it because I am giving back to the community with my skills and talents.  Of course, there are times when technology doesn’t work or I am overwhelmed but then I remember how lucky I am. There is no greater gift than to feel that you are making a difference. It is a privilege to serve this group because they truly put “Service above Self.”  They live that motto every day.

 

I have found a home and fulfillment at Suburban Rotary.  If you are reading this article, I invite you to check Rotary out. 

 

Deborah Daley

Executive Secretary

Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha