• March 19: Fred Payne

    March 19: Fred Payne

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Fred Payne the President and CEO of the United Way of Central Indiana, where his focus is helping people live the lives they are capable of living throughout Central Indiana, and a goal of distancing 10,000 households from poverty over the next five years. 

    Fred previously served as Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development after being appointed by Governor Eric Holcomb in 2017. He led Indiana’s response to the extreme unemployment brought on by the COVID pandemic in 2020, which saw the state’s unemployment rate quickly rise to the highest level, 16.9%, in recent history. Under Fred’s tenure, the state unemployment rate moved down to a historic low of 2.2%. He was instrumental in developing the state’s Next Level Jobs program and increased the number of MBE & WBE participants utilizing Employer Training grants, and more than 26,000 Hoosiers gained employment skills and high quality job credentials or college credits. 

    Prior to serving as Commissioner, Fred was an executive at Honda’s Indiana Auto Plant (IAP), where he served as Chief Administrator, General Counsel, Manager of the Business Division, corporate secretary, a member of the Company Operating Committee, and represented Honda across North America on the Retirement & 401k and Diversity & Inclusion Committees. During his time at Honda, he was instrumental in DEI efforts and established the Office of Inclusion & Diversity.

    Fred spent his early career practicing employment and labor law, representing clients in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Indiana Civil Rights Commission, and the National Labor Relations Board. 

    Recognized as one of Indiana’s 250 Most Influential Leaders by the Indianapolis Business Journal, Fred is considered an expert on workforce/employment and poverty topics and is frequently asked to speak in many venues. He was awarded the Sagamore of The Wabash, the highest honor given by a sitting governor to those who have rendered distinguished service to the state.  

    Fred serves on the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, and the boards of Ascend Indiana, InvestEd, and Honda Federal Credit Union.

    Fred earned his J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law, M.A. (geography) from the University of Northern Iowa, and B.A. (political science) from Grambling State University.  All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at the Murat Shrine reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. If registering on site we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

    Lunch and networking start at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.  

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    Upcoming Programs:
    March 26: Offsite Program at RecycleForce, Pre-registration is required
    April 2: Tyler Leishman, Chief Strategy Officer, Riley Children’s Health
    April 9: Joshua Pedde, Executive Artistic Director, Indianapolis Children’s Choir
    April 16: Gregory Hill, Sr., CEO, Indianapolis Public Library

  • New Board of Directors Announced

    On Tuesday, March 12, 2024 the Rotary Club of Indianapolis elected eight members to serve on the Board of Directors for two years, beginning on July 1, 2024. We are pleased to welcome the following community leaders to serve our club in leadership positions.

    Jennifer Agramonte
    Jennifer Hobbs
    Ben Johnson
    Lindsay Maliqi
    Suzanne Marshall
    Tatijana Narwold
    Monica Peterson
    Paul Sammons
  • March 12: Celebrating Women’s History Month

    March 12: Celebrating Women’s History Month



    March is Women’s history month. In 1989, Rotary International council approved membership of women in what started as a men’s only networking and service club. Women were embraced and continue to join Rotary and hold leadership positions. 

    Join us on Tuesday to hear from a panel of exceptional Rotarian leaders: Dr. Mercy Obeime with Franciscan Health, Karen Alter, CEO of Borshoff, Tiana Johnson, Vice President of Keys2Work, and Erin Smith-Pennington, President of Spotlight Strategies. Special thanks to the History Committee for organizing the program.

    We will also be voting for our 2024-2026 Board of Directors on Tuesday. Rotary members in good standing are eligible to vote via absentee ballot or in person on March 12, 2024. Absentee forms are available by clicking here. Completed forms can be emailed to Jamie Hanan. You can also email the names of the individuals you choose to Jamie Hanan. It is important that you identify yourself in that email or your vote will not count. Absentee voting must be complete by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at the Murat Shrine reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. If registering on site we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

    Lunch and networking start at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.  

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    Upcoming Programs:
    March 19: Fred Payne, President & CEO, United Way of Central Indiana
    March 26: Offsite Program at RecycleForce
    April 2: Tyler Leishman, Chief Strategy Officer, Riley Children’s Health
  • March 5: Board of Director Introductions

    March 5: Board of Director Introductions

    Join us Tuesday for the 2024-2026 Board of Director Introductions. You will get to hear from the slated Rotary Board of Directors and their vision for the club. Our Board of Directors helps set the tone, vision and even character of our club for years to come. Information about the slated Board of Directors can be found at IndyRotary.org/leadership. Rotarians in good standing will vote on the proposed slate on Tuesday, March 12.

    We will also be recognizing new members on Tuesday. Please join us in welcoming our newest members to the club. 

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at the Murat Shrine reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. If registering on site we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

    Lunch and networking start at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.  

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795
  • February 27: Steve Gerber

    February 27: Steve Gerber

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Steve Gerber the Chief Development Officer of CICOA. Started in 1974, CICOA is an organization that helps seniors and people of any age with a disability remain comfortably and safely at home and out of institutional care.

    Steve will provide an overview of CICOA’s role in the Central Indiana Community, and how the CICOA Foundation is working to raise funds in support of this critical social services mission.

    Steve Gerber has lived a lot of lives, professionally speaking. He brings experience in pastoral ministry, nonprofit management and fundraising team leadership. Steve is responsible for the agency’s overall fundraising strategy, leading annual campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, grants and special events. 

    Before coming to CICOA in 2022, Steve served as executive director of development at Grace College & Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. There, he worked with a donor on a $1.5 million gift that established the first endowed chair in the college’s school of science and secured two separate $1 million grants for the seminary.

    Steve recently earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® designation from the American College of Financial Services. The CAP® is a distinguished mark of excellence recognizing Steve’s expertise in philanthropic and legacy planning, tax strategies and financial planning related to charitable giving. He also holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation and the executive certificate in religious fundraising. Steve has a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Temple University, a master’s degree from Grace Theological Seminary and a master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at the Murat Shrine reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. If registering on site we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

    Lunch and networking start at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.  

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795
  • March 13: 5:31 Club

    March 13: 5:31 Club

    Backyard Bonfire/St. Patrick’s Day Celebration!

    Who: Rotarians, friends, guests and anyone looking to enjoy a fun filled Wednesday evening.

    Location: Home of Rotarian Stan Jacobs and his wife Marilyn, 9008 Ironwood Court, Indianapolis, IN 46260

    Date: Wednesday, March 13 at 5:31 p.m.

    Featuring the Gordon Pipers performing around 6:00-6:30 p.m.

    Ample parking is available. For planning purposes, please RSVP to Stanton.Jacobs@gmail.com by March 11.

  • February 20: Jeannie Regan-Dinius

    February 20: Jeannie Regan-Dinius

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Jeannie Regan-Dinius the Director of Historic Preservation at the Crown Hill Foundation. In this role, she oversees the Foundation’s preservation efforts, which include inventorying and determining preservation needs for the cemetery’s historic structures, historic family mausoleums, monuments and statues, and tombstones. She is an integral part of the Foundation’s efforts to preserve the architectural, cultural, and natural heritage of Crown Hill Cemetery. 

    Jeannie received her B.A. in public history from Ball State University and a Master of Library Science-Information Management and Urban Planning from Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis. Her first job out of graduate school was in Huntington, Indiana as the executive director at a 96-acre historic park with five historic buildings. From there, she went to work for the State of Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources – Division of Historic preservation and Archaeology (DNR-DHPA) as the Cemetery and Burial Ground Registry Coordinator. In that role, she not only surveyed cemeteries throughout the state but also worked to advocate for the historic resources, taught about preservation of the sites and offered programs on cemeteries in the state. After 21 years at the DNR-DHPA, Jeannie accepted the role at Crown Hill Cemetery. 

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at the Murat Shrine reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. If registering on site we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

    Lunch and networking start at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.  

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795
  • February 13: Peter Dunn

    February 13: Peter Dunn

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Peter Dunn a.k.a. Pete the Planner, an award-winning financial expert. He’s a USA TODAY columnist, the author of ten books, and the CEO and Founder of Your Money Line.
     
    Pete is also the host of a popular radio show and podcast The Pete the Planner Show, and appears regularly on TV and nationally syndicated radio programs. He is regularly considered one of the foremost experts on financial wellness. Pete will be speaking about the Psychology of Money and Money Personalities.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at the Murat Shrine reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. If registering on site we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

    Lunch and networking start at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.  

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    Upcoming Programs:
    February 20: Jeannie Regan-Dinius, Director of Historic Preservation, Crown Hill 
    February 27: Steve Gerber, Chief Development Officer, The CICOA Foundation
    March 5: Board of Directors Campaign Day
  • Perry Meridian Interact Club

    Perry Meridian Interact Club

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis recently partnered with Perry Meridian High School to sponsor an Interact Club.

    The photos below are from the latest project from the Interact Club. Perry Meridian Interact students recently packed maternal care packages to be used by the Indiana Diaper Bank that will help a dozen new mothers! The Club was founded by Perry Meridian Senior Logan Tucker, who worked with Club Education Chair Aaron Story to get Interact up and running.

    Interact is the high school arm of Rotary, stressing community service and fostering leadership skills. Logan developed the idea after attending the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, or RYLA, which was coordinated by Story last spring.  The students have been very active in volunteering at Gleaners Food Bank and assembling furniture for 91 Place, which helps the chronically homeless. The energy shown by this dedicated group gives us hope that other high schools will take notice and work with us to develop more Interact clubs around Indy! Well done, Logan and friends!

  • February 6: James Johnson

    Join us Tuesday to hear from James M. Johnson the Chief Executive Officer of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Johnson began his tenure in Indianapolis on April 30, 2018. In his role at the ISO, he is tasked with advancing the ISO’s mission by establishing the organization’s strategic plan and marshalling the human and financial capital to achieve success. With an annual budget of more than $27 million, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presents more than 180 performances each year. From its home at Hilbert Circle Theatre and its residency at Conner Prairie, the ISO reaches nearly 300,000 community members annually, including nearly 50,000 students.
     
    Prior to accepting the position in Indianapolis, Johnson served as President and Chief Executive Officer at the Omaha Symphony for seven years. Before his appointment in Omaha in 2011, Johnson served as the Chief Executive Officer of The New York Pops, and held operations positions at the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and Martha Graham Dance Company. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Pacific Lutheran University, and a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Southern Methodist University.
     
    Johnson has served as chair of the League of American Orchestras managers’ committee, president of Arts Omaha, and was a recipient of the 2018 Dick and Mary Holland Leadership Award from the Omaha Symphony.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at the Murat Shrine reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. If registering on site we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

    Lunch and networking start at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.  

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    Upcoming Programs:
    February 13: Peter Dunn, Pete the Planner & Your Money Line
    February 20: Jeannie Regan-Dinius, Director of Historic Preservation, Crown Hill 
    February 27: Steve Gerber, Chief Development Officer, The CICOA Foundation
    March 5: Board of Directors Campaign Day