Events

King is a community educator for NAMI Minnesota (the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota) She is also the older adults program coordinator and faith community liaison. Kay is a family member and has worked for NAMI Minnesota for 17 years. Longer Bio: Kay King is a community educator for NAMI Minnesota (the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota) and is the older adults program coordinator and faith community liaison.

Each year she teaches about 4,000 families, professionals, community members and people living with mental illness about good mental health, suicide prevention and mental illness.

She is a former executive director of a retirement community with independent and assisted living and a general manager of large hotels and resorts nationally and internationally. Kay is a family member and has worked for NAMI Minnesota for 17 years

Jennifer Mayerle happily returned to Minnesota and WCCO, where she began her career as a summer intern. The Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist returned to WCCO as a reporter in 2014 and later also anchored WCCO Saturday Morning for 6 years. Then in early 2024 she focused on her new role as Senior Investigative Reporter. Her current work is focused on human trafficking.“The number one mistake parents and caregivers make is believing that ‘it will never happen to my child,’ and not proactively educating children on how to spot risks online. I call this the arrogance of disbelief.”  Dorrian Horsey, attorney at Minc Law.

Jennifer likes to tell stories that positively impact the community. Her investigations have exposed gaps in law, prompted federal and state Attorney Generals investigations, launched legislative hearings and the passage of state laws designed to protect people while holding businesses and people accountable.

In 2019, Jennifer began her yearslong investigation into Water Gremlin's manufacturing plant with a history of pollution, which led to Minnesota's notable status as the first state in the country to ban the toxic cancer-causing chemical TCE. Her investigation documented the migration of lead into worker's homes and the poisoning of children, which forced the state to order the temporary shutdown of the plant and ultimately court oversight of its operations. Water Gremlin filed for bankruptcy in 2023 following many lawsuits accusing the plant of causing cancer, chronic illness and wrongful death.

Jennifer led the team that won an Emmy for the groundbreaking special "State of Policing." The killing of George Floyd provoked widespread outrage and demands for changes in policing. This special brought together law enforcement and the community for remarkably candid, informed discussions and an in-depth look at how training has evolved to meet demands for transparency and accountability.

Her ongoing series "Cost of Gunfire" explores the true cost to the persons, families and community. Stories focus on those who survived, as well as the trauma endured by family and loved ones, the doctors and nurses who work to save lives, and community members who witness the aftermath of gunfire and offer hope and healing to those affected.

Jennifer was on the 'CCO news team recognized with a regional Murrow award for its coverage of the Jacob Wetterling case. It marked the end of the mystery of who took the 11-year-old St. Joseph boy 27 years earlier.

She has also been recognized in Minnesota with numerous other awards. She felt particularly honored by her Murrow for Spreading Kindness: the uplifting story of a young girl with cancer who, along with her sisters, formed a friendship with their garbage men, exchanging greetings on their arrival with signs, happy waves, excitement and smiles.

Just prior to joining WCCO, Jennifer worked at CBS in Atlanta, where she was recognized for excellence in reporting and for community involvement. Her in-depth look at the long-lasting impact of concussions and repeated hits to the head to athletes from youth to the pro level helped prompt Georgia legislators to pass The Return to Play Act, a law designed to protect young athletes.

She was born and raised in Edina and graduated from the University of San Diego

Ren Bin Lee Dixon is an AI policy researcher specializing in the implications of AI on society and governance. As a Research Fellow at the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP), Ren Bin contributes to policy guidance that has informed the work of governments and multilateral organizations, shaping global approaches to responsible AI governance.

She has also collaborated with the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) on policy briefs examining AI incidents and harms. In addition, she regularly speaks on AI and U.S. National Security as part of Global Minnesota’s Great Decisions program.

Ren Bin holds a Master’s in Public Policy with a focus in AI governance from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, where she also guest lectures on AI policy topics.

Originally from Malaysia, her professional journey has taken her through Denmark and China before establishing her current base in the United States.

Brian D. Ryks, A.A.E., was named executive director and CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission in May 2016. He is responsible for the administration and management of one of the nation’s largest airport systems, including Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and six general aviation airports.

MSP is the 18th busiest airport in the United States, and the MAC’s system of airports supported more than 714,000 aircraft operations in 2024. From 2016 through 2024, Ryks has overseen more than $3 billion in MAC airport improvement projects, including a multiyear expansion and modernization of MSP’s Terminal 1, a new 5,000-space parking and ground transportation facility, and new runways at Crystal and Lake Elmo airports to enhance safety and support the growth in general aviation flight activity. 

Coupled with a revamped, award-winning concessions program and an intense focus on the customer experience, the improvements have contributed to Airports Council International naming MSP the Best Airport in North America in its size category for seven out of nine years. MSP was recognized by aviation analytics firm Cirium in 2023 for on-time performance. In 2024, MSP was named the No. 1 U.S. airport by Travel + Leisure and ranked No. 1 in customer satisfaction among mega airports in the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airport Satisfaction study, reclaiming the industry honor it first won in 2022.  

Before arriving in Minneapolis, Ryks was executive director and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While there, Ryks oversaw major airport improvements, a rebranding campaign, and a governance transition from county control to an airport authority. Ryks also led an innovative funding campaign to raise $20 million in private capital in support of a $45 million terminal expansion.  

During Ryks’ tenure, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport set all-time records for passengers in 2014 and 2015 and was rated as the No. 1 airport in North America in its size category by Airports Council International in 2015. 

Prior to his time in Michigan, Ryks was the executive director of the Duluth Airport Authority, overseeing Duluth International and Sky Harbor airports in Minnesota. During his 10 years in Duluth, Ryks oversaw the completion of $135 million in airport improvements, culminating with a $77 million project to develop a new terminal.

Before arriving in Duluth, Ryks was employed for five years as the airport manager at the St. Cloud Regional Airport and for two years as the airport manager in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He also spent six years in Denver, where he was the manager of noise abatement at Stapleton and Denver International airports.

He began his career as a noise technician at the Metropolitan Airports Commission in 1986.

Ryks holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Cloud State University, is a licensed pilot with an instrument rating, and is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Ryks is also a member of the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) World Governing Board, a past member of the ACI-NA U.S. Policy Council, a past member of ACI-NA’s Board of Directors, and a past chair of the ACI-NA Large Hub Airports Committee. In addition, Ryks is a former board member of AAAE and its Policy Review Committee. He holds a professional affiliation with the Great Lakes Chapter of AAAE (GL-AAAE) and is past president of the GL-AAAE.

On the community front, Ryks is a board member of Meet Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Area Chamber of Commerce. He is also on the Executive Committee of the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota.

Ryks was named to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO list in 2024 for his professional and civic leadership. In 2023, ACI-NA presented Ryks with the Excellence in Visionary Leadership Award for his career contributions in managing airports; it’s the highest honor given by the trade association to an active airport CEO/director. Other awards and honors for Ryks include being named the 2015 Newsmaker of the Year in Economic Development by the Grand Rapids Business Journal, a 2012 Minnesota Council of Airports Distinguished Service Award, a 2009 Minnesota Council of Airports Award of Excellence for Outstanding Promotion of Aviation, a Patriot Award from the National Guard and Reserve in 2008, and a TSA Partnership Award in 2006.

Join us for an afternoon of pickleball and happy hour. If you are new to pickleball, there will be a pickleball pro available for instruction. Four courts will be available for pickleball play and lessons. Prizes will be awarded!  Stay for happy hour to celebrate our winners and enjoy the company of your fellow Rotarians.

Pickleball from 3:00-5:00 PM and happy hour from 5:00-7:00 PM.

Registration fee: $20

Bridging empowers people to thrive in their homes by providing quality furniture and household goods for those pursuing housing stability.

When and where?

Date: Tuesday, February 3rd

Time: 3PM-6PM

Volunteers: 10-25

Location: Bridging- Bloomington 201 W. 87th St. Bloomington, MN 55420

**Family & Friends welcome!  Must be 14 years old to participate.

What will we be doing?

• Assembling 10 dressers in teams

• We will take a brief tour of the facility, hear more about the organization and how they serve their clients

What to bring:

• You should dress comfortably and in clothing that can get dusty.

• Comfortable, close-toed shoes (required).

• Donations: Bring a bag, box, or a carload (optional)! Look here for items we accept.

Additional information about Bridging is available on our https://www.bridging.org/.

Thank you for supporting this mission with your incredible gift of time and talents! Please let us know if you have any questions or requests for accommodation.

Please share with friends and family and RSVP by January 31st!

Celebrate friendship, connection, and a little fun at our Galentine’s Gathering for Women in Rotary! 

Join us for a relaxed evening at the home of our Club President, Lisa Walker, filled with great conversation, laughter, and camaraderie as we celebrate the incredible women of our club. Enjoy light bites, drinks, and meaningful connection in a warm, welcoming setting.

Dawanna S. Witt was elected as the Hennepin County Sheriff on November 8, 2022 and she was sworn in on January 3, 2023. She is the first woman and person of color to hold the office.

Born in Chicago and raised in Minneapolis, Sheriff Witt became a mother at 15 but nevertheless excelled at school. She earned several scholarships to college, including the Justice Alan Page Scholarship. As a condition of that scholarship, she volunteered in several community organizations in various roles and saw firsthand how her actions could make a positive difference in the lives of young people. Her passion for working with kids remains to this day.

In college, Sheriff Witt studied chemical dependency and family therapy and her first jobs were in the nonprofit field. When she heard that the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office was looking for female detention deputies, specifically women of color, she decided to apply, and was hired in 2000. Working as a detention deputy opened her eyes to the people and possibilities in law enforcement.

In 2004, after returning to school to become a licensed peace officer, Sheriff Witt was hired by the Dakota County Sheriff's Office. During her career at Dakota County, she worked in a variety of roles, including bailiff, transport, school resource officer, detective, crisis negotiator, recruitment coordinator, diversity and inclusion coordinator, and more. Ultimately, she became the first woman in the agency’s history to reach the rank of captain. Through it all, she focused on reaching out to young people and communities that have historically had poor relationships with the police. During her time as a school resource officer, working with children with mental health and behavioral difficulties, the school experienced a noticeable drop in kids entering the juvenile justice system.

While working at Dakota County, Sheriff Witt earned a police science degree, and then a dual master's degrees in public safety administration and management, which included an internship with the Northamptonshire Police in the UK.

Sheriff Witt returned to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office in September 2019 to take charge of the agency’s largest bureau, Adult Detention and Court Services. In her role as a major, she oversaw court security for two of the most high-profile trials in modern history. She also dealt successfully with the pandemic in Minnesota’s largest jail, leading the development of new protocols to help limit institutional and community spread of COVID-19.

In 2022, Hennepin County voters overwhelming selected her to be the next Hennepin County Sheriff. She campaigned on her years of experience and a platform of safer communities, improved law enforcement recruitment and retention, reform, collaboration, and transparency.

Sheriff Witt is the Vice Chair of the North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and the Region three representative of the Major County Sheriffs of America. Sheriff Witt serves seasonally as a Minnesota State Fair Police Officer and is a board member of the MN Crisis Intervention Team, MN 100 Club, Northern Star Scouting, the Boys & Girls Club – Twin Cities, and Secretary of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement – Northstar Chapter. She also serves on the MN Youth Intervention Working Group, Jewish Community Relations Council Steering Committee, and the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) Nomination and Award Committee, which recognizes outstanding employees and units from MCSA member Sheriff’s Offices. Sheriff Witt has served on advisory panels including the State of Minnesota Legislative Task Force on Child Protection and the State of Minnesota Task Force on Law Enforcement Education Reform.

Sheriff Witt also works as an adjunct professor at Inver Hills Community College, teaching Juvenile Justice and American Corrections.

Sheriff Witt is married with two adult daughters and three grandchildren.

Tyler Williams enters his fourth season with the Minnesota Vikings and third as vice president of player health and performance in 2025.

Introduced as the executive director of player health and performance in 2022, he helped the Vikings achieve a 34-17 (.667) regular-season record over the past three seasons (2022-24), including a 14-3 mark and playoff appearance in 2024, the second-most wins in team history. The team's nine-game win streak from Week 9 to Week 17 tied the third-longest win streak in club history.

In 2022, his first season in Minnesota, Williams was a key element in the Vikings winning the NFC North for the first time since 2017 and tying for the third-most wins (13) in a single season in team history.

Under Williams' leadership, Minnesota's training staff received a resounding stamp of approval when the NFL Players Association released the results of its "free agency report cards" for all 32 teams during the 2025 offseason. The Vikings training staff, which earned an "A", ranked second out of 32 teams, as the report cited "94% of Vikings players report that they receive enough one-on-one training treatment" and "the players feel that their training staff significantly contributes to their overall success."

Prior to joining the Vikings, Williams spent 15 seasons with the Rams in both St. Louis and Los Angeles, serving as the team's director of sports science/assistant athletic trainer during their Super Bowl LVI victory.

Williams, who worked with Head Coach Kevin O'Connell from 2020-21, was named the NFC recipient of the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society's (PFATS) Tim Davey Assistant Athletic Trainer of the Year after the 2020 season. Named after longtime New York Jets assistant athletic trainer and team/NFL game operations employee Tim Davey, the award is "emblematic of the commitment, dedication and high level of integrity that Davey brought to the profession of athletic training and is representative of his level of service which he dedicated to his surrounding community."

In 2015, Williams was a member of the Rams athletic training staff that won PFATS' Ed Block NFL Athletic Training Staff of the Year, an award that is voted on by the PFATS membership and recognizes one NFL athletic training staff annually for their distinguished service to their club, community, and athletic training profession.

Besides his involvement in PFATS and serving as their foundation president since 2021, Williams is also a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), certified in Functional Movement Screen (FMS-C) and Chairs the Sports Science Task Force on the NFL Research and Innovation Committee.

Prior to joining the Rams in 2007, Williams was the assistant athletic trainer at Fontbonne University in St. Louis from 2006-07. Williams holds a master's degree from California University of Pennsylvania, earning a performance enhancement specialist certification. He completed his bachelor's degree in exercise science with an emphasis in athletic training at Truman State. He and his wife, Katie, have a daughter.

Daniel Green, Internationally known Chef, Host, International Television Personality and Award Winning Author is a Healthy Eating Expert and world renowned Television Celebrity Cook in England, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai and the USA.

In addition to being an expert in the culinary world, he is a nationally known host/personality on ShopHQ as he has been selling multiple products LIVE for the past 18 years achieving prime time host status and securing over a billion dollars in sales.

Bridging empowers people to thrive in their homes by providing quality furniture and household goods for those pursuing housing stability.

When and where?

Date: Wednesday, May 6th

Time: 3PM-6PM

Volunteers: 5-25

Location: Bridging- Bloomington 201 W. 87th St. Bloomington, MN 55420

What will we be doing?

• We’ll kick it off with a quick welcome.

• Then we will tour the warehouse and tasks for the afternoon.

What to bring:

• You should dress comfortably and in clothing that can get dusty.

• Comfortable, close-toed shoes (required).

• Donations: Bring a bag, box, or a carload (optional)! Look here for items we accept.

Additional information about Bridging is available on our https://www.bridging.org/.

Thank you for supporting this mission with your incredible gift of time and talents! Please let us know if you have any questions or requests for accommodation.

Please share with friends and family and RSVP by April 30th!