Be the Change

We’re excited to introduce the next three leaders of Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary—bringing energy and momentum into the years ahead:

🔹 Brian Kimmes | 2026–27
Director of Development & Alumni Relations at Dunwoody College of Technology. A connector at heart who leads with positivity—and believes Rotary should be meaningful and fun.

🔹 Bob Baker | 2027–28
Founder of Baker CFO Services, Board Member at Unity Bank, and Treasurer for both our club and District 5950. Known for bringing clarity, structure, and fresh perspective to every challenge.

🔹 Lisa Moncrief | 2028–29
Leads strategy and implementation of commercial loan participation purchases and sales at Wings Credit Union, with a consultative, relationship-first approach.

Strong leadership. Real connection. A bright future ahead. 💙💛

☀️ Our club was honored to host a special multi-club, multi-district breakfast at the Minneapolis Club, bringing together Rotarians and community leaders to hear Rotary International President-Nominee Larry Lunsford and Erick García Luna from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.  Larry will become President in Rotary year 2027-2028 and oversee the Rotary International Convention in Minneapolis where 20,000 people from 140 countries are expected to gather.

Larry reminded us that when the world feels shaken, Rotarians step forward — with more service, more action, and more compassion. Erick shared encouraging economic insights, noting that Minnesota’s economic fundamentals remain strong — a testament to the resilience and strength of our communities.

A highlight: presenting a $25,000 check from the Lawrence Family Foundation to the Host Organization Committee — an investment in the convention here in Minneapolis.

We are grateful for the leadership, inspiration, and the momentum building as we continue doing together what can’t be done alone. 💙✨

City of Lakes Rotary is powered by people — leaders, innovators, volunteers, mentors, and community builders who bring their talents and heart to everything they do.

Humans of City of Lakes Rotary offers a glimpse into that community through a collection of member portraits and short profiles created to honor and document the people who make our club special. The portraits, photographed by professional photographer and Rotarian Sawyer Brice, capture members in a creative and authentic way.

The images shown here represent a sampling of a larger project designed to showcase the breadth and depth of talent within our club.

Each profile highlights what members do professionally, who they serve, and how fellow Rotarians and community members might collaborate or refer business. The project helps members connect more deeply while celebrating the people whose leadership, service, and generosity shape City of Lakes Rotary.

Together, these portraits and stories offer a window into a vibrant community.

Whether you’re a long-time member or exploring Rotary for the first time, we invite you to get to know the people behind the impact.

In today’s world, we can spend hours online and still feel like something’s missing. The truth is—real connection happens face to face. That’s why I invite you to “touch grass” and join us at Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary.

Every week, we gather to share a meal, hear inspiring speakers, and work together on service projects that make a difference in our community and beyond. It’s a place where friendships are built, business connections are made, ideas are shared, and purpose comes alive.

As President, I see every day how Rotary helps people step out of the digital noise and into real community. If you’ve been looking for something meaningful, this may be it.

I’d love to personally tell you more about what belonging to Rotary could mean for you. Feel free to reach out to me at https://bit.ly/3VWjmZu and come join us in making a difference.

— Maria Bavender, President, Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary