David Simmer
David Simmer has never been one to stick to just one lane. Raised in Nebraska, he headed east for his professional education after a short stop in Illinois to collect a BA at Illinois Wesleyan University. In Boston, David earned a law degree from Boston University and a Master’s in Accounting from Northeastern University. He eventually became a partner in the wealth advisory firm of GW&WADE, specializing in high-net worth investment management. David retired to Sedona in 2010 and a week later joined Rotary as a member of the Rotary Club of Sedona.
His first major Rotary project in the club was leading the effort to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Sedona—making the Rotary Club of Sedona the first all-volunteer organization in Arizona to serve as the local champion for the program. From there, his Rotary journey only expanded. He eventually became a leader in the Navajo Water Project, helping to raise more than $300,000 from Rotarians, clubs, and Districts across five states for the installation of water systems in homes on the Navajo Nation.
At the district level, David has worn many hats—serving as an Assistant Governor, sub-committee chair for the 2017 district merger, and member and/or chair for standing committees, including those focused on The Rotary Foundation, Education & Leadership Development, Strategic Planning, Club Visioning, and Finance. As Dean of the Rotary Leadership Academy since 2024, he transformed the program into a dynamic, highly regarded leadership experience for emerging Rotary leaders. David has served the last two years as District 5495’s representative on the Southwest President-Elect Learning Seminar and as the event’s General Sessions chair.
During his year as District Governor (2019–20), David set an ambitious goal of raising $2 million in donations and commitments to The Rotary Foundation. With the support of PDGs Barb Feder and Mark von Hoetzendorf, the district didn’t just meet the goal—they exceeded it, reaching more than $2.5 million in support for the Foundation.
David is an Arch Klumph Society Member and a Rotary Foundation Legacy Society Member, but perhaps his most enduring legacy is his passion for thoughtful leadership, bold goals, and the belief that Rotary is at its best when it dares to aim high—and then delivers.
The Power of Purpose - Transforming Meaningful Service Into Sustainable Membership Growth.
At our best, Rotary is not a meeting - it’s a mission. Power of Purpose is the idea that the strongest clubs aren’t the ones that work hardest to “recruit.” They’re the ones that work hardest to matter.
When a club is clearly solving a real problem in the community, three things happen: members feel proud of what they’re part of, the public understands why Rotary is worth supporting, and prospective members can picture themselves contributing. Purpose turns “we need members” into “we’re doing important work - come be part of it.”
This message helps us make better choices: choose service that meets real needs, tell the story in a way people understand, and engage guests with genuine curiosity. We connect people to the right projects, the right relationships, and the right Rotary experience.
When we lead with purpose, membership becomes a result - not the goal. Clubs grow healthier, members feel more connected, and communities receive deeper, lasting impact.
