The dawn of a new Rotary year brings a wave of excitement and fresh leadership to Suburban Rotary! Starting today, July 1, 2024, we proudly welcome Zach Ziler as our new President. With an impressive 17-year tenure as a Rotarian, including 6 dedicated years at Suburban Rotary and 11 years at other esteemed clubs, Zach brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the Rotary mission. Notably, he served as President-Elect at the Rotary Club of Florence in Kentucky, showcasing his leadership prowess. At Suburban Rotary, Zach has made significant contributions as Committee Chair in various capacities and as a Board member. Sponsored by Yolanda Hoffman in 2018, Zach is a proud Paul Harris Fellow +2. He is eager to infuse Suburban Rotary with The Magic of Rotary!
Zach's professional journey is equally remarkable. As the Vice President for Baseball & Facility Operations for the Storm Chasers and Union Omaha, Zach has built a distinguished career in athletics spanning over 13 years at both professional and collegiate levels. His journey began as a Sales and Marketing Assistant for the Springfield/Ozark Mountain Ducks in 2002. Graduating cum laude in 2005 with double major degrees in Administrative Management and Marketing Management from the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, Zach quickly ascended in the sports industry. He served as Director of Operations and Promotions for the Casper Rockies, Director of Group Sales for the River City Rascals, and held various executive roles with the Normal CornBelters and Florence Freedom. His extensive experience and passion for sports management are sure to bring dynamic leadership and innovative ideas to Suburban Rotary.
Let's embark on this exciting new chapter under Zach Ziler's visionary leadership, ready to embrace The Magic of Rotary and make a meaningful impact in our community!
2024-2025 Rotary Theme
The Magic of Rotary theme highlights the transformative nature of Rotary's work and the dedication of its members to create positive change in the world. It emphasizes the idea that by working together, Rotarians can perform "magic" in their communities, bringing hope and joy to those in need.
Last week, Suburban Rotary, under the leadership of Trustees Chair John Hoich, celebrated and expressed heartfelt gratitude to our Endowed Scholarship Donors, Two-Year Scholarship Donors, and Annual Scholarship Donors. The event was filled with touching stories behind each donation, showcasing our fellow Rotarians' incredible generosity and commitment. Here are some photos of our donors' memorable moments with Trustees Chair Jon Hoich, President Katie Henry, and Program Chair Amanda Fink.
One-time donation of $50,000 and annual recurring donation of $3,000 by Judy Vann and Tom Vann
One-time donation of $50,000 by Don Goldstein
Annual recurring donation of $6,000 for two-year scholarship by Alan Stanek
Annual recurring donation of $3,000 by John Binderup and Patty Carrell
Annual recurring donation of $3,000.00 by John Hoich
Annual recurring donation of $3,000.00 by Herb Hartman
Annual recurring donation of $3,000.00 by Dick Kelley
Annual recurring donation of $3,000.00 by Eric Dawson
Annual recurring donation of $3,000.00 by Curt Peters
The Endowed Scholarship Donors are generous Rotarians who have each donated $50,000. They include The Rex Ekwall Memorial Scholarship, endowed by Loretta Ekwall; The Ann Kennedy Goldstein Memorial Scholarship, endowed by Ann Kennedy Goldstein; The Ron and Phyllis Pearson Scholarship, endowed by Ron Pearson; and The Howard D. Vann Memorial Scholarship, endowed by Judy Van and Tom Vann.
The Two-Year Scholarships, sponsored by Alan and Janette Stanek, give $6,000.00 as The Alan and Janette Stanek Scholarship in Honor of Metro Area Educators.
The One-Year Scholarship donors each donated $3,000.00. They include The John Binderup and Patty Carrell Scholarship, sponsored by John Binderup and Patty Carrell; The Michael Joseph Hoich Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by John Hoich; The Broadmoor Development Company Scholarship, sponsored by Larry Kelberg; The Robinson Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by Edward and Lida Robinson; The Hartman Family Scholarship, sponsored by Dr. Herbert A. Hartman, Jr. and Family; The Helen Kelley Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by Dick Kelley; The Shadow Lake Collision Center Scholarship, sponsored by Eric Dawson; The Roger and Barbara Lindsey Scholarship, sponsored by Roger and Barbara Lindsey; The Security National Bank Scholarship, sponsored by CL Landen; The Jasa Family Scholarship, sponsored by Nick Jasa; The Integrated Solutions Scholarship, sponsored by Curt Peters; and The Susan M. Vann Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by Judy Vann and Tom Vann.
Willie Barney, Founder, President, and Facilitator of the Empowerment Network, has been named Omahan of the Year by the Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha. For 16 years, he has been dedicated to uplifting the North Omaha community and reducing gun and gang violence. His efforts have brought together city and state leaders, businesses, non-profits, and community stakeholders, demonstrating tangible positive outcomes.
Barney's Omaha 360 Collaborative Meeting, held weekly, attracts 80 to 120 partners focusing on collaboration, prevention, intervention, enforcement support, reentry, and community engagement. This collaborative approach has gained national recognition as a violence prevention and intervention model, praised by the US Department of Justice. In 2018, Omaha 360 received the national community outreach award at the Safe Neighborhoods Conference, and in 2023, it was recognized by the Obama Foundation/My Brother’s Keeper Initiative as one of four model communities in the nation, earning an $800,000 grant.
The positive impact of Barney’s initiatives is evident. The Omaha Police Department reported a 74% decrease in gun violence from 2008 to 2018, with 2017 and 2019 recording the lowest number of gun assaults in nearly 20 years. The homicide rate has reached a 40-year low, and the clearance rate for homicides has improved from 30% to 90%. Even after a spike in gun violence during the 2020 pandemic, Omaha is returning to pre-pandemic lows.
Barney's work extends to youth development through initiatives like Step-Up Omaha!, one of the largest summer jobs programs, providing nearly 1,000 summer job opportunities for youth aged 14-21, many leading to ongoing employment. His efforts have also led to increased student GPAs and graduation rates.
Willie Barney exemplifies the Rotary Four-Way Test by promoting truth, goodwill, better friendships, fairness, and community benefit. His dedication has fostered trust between the community and the Omaha Police Department, contributing to a 100% clearance rate for homicides in 2023 and attracting businesses to North Omaha, boosting the local economy.
Pictured on the left is Mary Bernier with Rotary Four-Way Test Chair John Binderup
Mary Bernier, recently awarded the Suburban Rotarian of the Year, exemplifies the highest form of "Service Above Self" through her exceptional dedication and service as a Rotarian. Mary's involvement with the Suburban Rotary Club is extensive and impactful. As a former President of the Suburban Rotary Club and current Trustee of the Suburban Charitable Foundation, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the community. Additionally, Mary serves as Chair of Suburban's Adopt a School program at Crestridge Elementary School, where she plays a vital role in planning and implementing all Rotary projects at the school. Her passion for Rotary extends to mentoring and recruiting new Rotarians, ensuring the club's continued growth and vibrancy.
Mary's professional career is equally distinguished. Currently, she is a development consultant working with the Sarpy County Museum on their capital campaign, collaborating with the Museum Board, the executive director, and other partners to fundraise for a new state-of-the-art museum on Highway 370 and 90th Street. Before her current role, Mary dedicated 16 years to the University of Nebraska Foundation as a development director, where she partnered with college deans and faculty to advance the university. Her efforts led to the establishment of the Goldstein Human Rights Center, the Natan and Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies, and the Sam and Frances Fried Holocaust Center, among many other significant programs.
Following her retirement from the NU Foundation, Mary founded Inspired Giving: Changing the World through Philanthropy. In this role, she worked with clients such as the First Responders Foundation and Global Partners in Hope. Notably, she helped establish the Turkey Creek Preserve Charitable Foundation, a multi-million-dollar entity dedicated to preserving a 1,000-acre wildlife habitat. Mary retired from her position as director of operations of the foundation but continued to impact the community through her philanthropic efforts.
Mary's leadership extends beyond Rotary. She served as President of the National League of American Pen Women, Omaha Branch, for five years, where she gained national attention for recruiting the highest number of new members in a single year.
In 2023, Mary co-authored and published a book, "Turkey Creek Preserve: A Sacred Journey," further showcasing her dedication to preserving natural habitats. Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Mary enjoys spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends. Her life is a testament to the profound impact that one individual can have through unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and philanthropy.
Mary Bernier thanking fellow Rotarians for the opportunity to serve
Consider visiting another Rotary club for a make-up! Rotary.org has a club finder for locations around the world. Please see the District website at rotarydistrict5650.org for details on local clubs. Visit one of the following Metro-Area Clubs!
Monday: Omaha Millard Rotary, 12:00 pm, German American Society, 3717 South 120th St.
Tuesday: Omaha Morning 7:00 am, 88 Tactical, 15350 Shepard St., Suite 1, Omaha NE 68138
Tuesday: Omaha Northwest, 12:00 pm, Sand Point, New England Fare, 655 North 114th Street. Omaha, NE 68154
Wednesday: Omaha Downtown, 12:00 pm, Trinity 113 N 18th St., Omaha, NE 68124
Wednesday: Council Bluffs Centennial: 7:00 am, Hy-Vee Community Room 1745 Madison Avenue Thursday: West Douglas County, 12:00 PM Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation 20272 Veterans Drive
Thursday: Council Bluffs, 12:00 pm, Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 1001 South 6th Street
Friday: Omaha West, 12:00 pm, Charlie's on the Lake, 4151 S 144th St., Omaha, NE 68137
Email Yolanda for make-up/attendance credit at yolanda@suburbanrotary.org.
Zach Ziler
Willie Barney
Mary Bernier
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