District 5495 Rotarian of the Month

August 2026 - Ted Haynes | Phoenix Rotary 100

Rotary District 5495 is proud to recognize Ted Haynes of Phoenix Rotary 100 as our Rotarian of the Month for August 2026.

For several years, Ted Haynes has taken the lead in organizing and facilitating Phoenix Rotary 100’s annual High School Speech Contest. This signature event has been a proud club tradition for more than 70 years. Coordinating the contest is a complex, time-consuming responsibility that requires nearly year-round dedication.

Ted is also one of the club’s most dependable service volunteers. He welcomes members as the check-in volunteer at regular meetings, co-chairs the Membership Committee, and serves in countless other roles whenever help is needed.

Ted embodies everything Rotary stands for—integrity, selfless service, and a commitment to inspiring fellow members to volunteer and serve. Phoenix Rotary 100 is proud to recognize Ted Haynes as Rotarian of the Month.

July 2026 - Charles Finzer | Anthem Rotary Club

Rotary District 5495 is proud to recognize Charles “Chuck” Finzer of Anthem Rotary Club as our Rotarian of the Month for July 2026.

Chuck exemplifies Rotary's motto of Service Above Self through his unwavering commitment to serving his club and the Anthem community. From the Food Pantry and Anthem Days to the Ray of Hope Walk, July 3rd Celebration, and the club's major fundraisers, Chuck is always there, volunteering wherever he is needed. His dependability and willingness to serve have made him one of Anthem Rotary's most valued members.

Four years ago, Chuck launched the club's annual Poker Tournament Fundraiser and continues to organize every aspect of the event. The tournament has become a successful fundraiser supporting Anthem Rotary's community service projects.

Chuck also serves on the club's Board of Directors as Vocational Service Chair, where he is helping build partnerships with TSMC and Grand Canyon University to create scholarship opportunities for local students.

Chuck's leadership is measured not by titles, but by his actions. His dedication, reliability, and commitment to helping others make him a true example of Service Above Self and a deserving recipient of Rotary District 5495's Rotarian of the Month.

Congratulations, Chuck, and thank you for your outstanding service to Rotary and the Anthem community.

June 2026 – David and Brenda Brandhorst

Rotary District 5495 is proud to recognize David and Brenda Brandhorst as our Rotarians of the Month, following their nomination by the Rotary Club of Queen Creek. Together, they exemplify the Rotary spirit of Service Above Self through their leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to their community.

For David, owner of Brandhorst Electric, community is more than a place—it is family. For years, David has invested in Queen Creek through his business, his Rotary service, and his dedication to improving the lives of others. Whether serving customers, supporting fellow Rotarians, or contributing to community initiatives, David consistently leads with a servant’s heart.

Beyond his local impact, David has demonstrated exceptional leadership at the district level. As Rotary District 5495 reimagined and transformed the long-standing Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) into the new Rotary Connections learning experience, David embraced change and helped guide others through the transition. His ability to see opportunity in change, build support among stakeholders, and focus on creating a more engaging member experience contributed to increased participation and growing attendance throughout the Rotary Connections sessions. David's leadership reflects Rotary's commitment to innovation, learning, and preparing members for meaningful service and leadership opportunities.

His commitment was also demonstrated through Brandhorst Electric’s sponsorship of the annual Run for Resilience, helping raise funds to provide mental health support and therapy services for local teens and families in need.

Brenda is equally dedicated to making a difference. As a founding member of the Rotary Club of Queen Creek and an active member of the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, she has helped shape the culture of service and community engagement that defines both the club and the community. Through her work as a realtor, Brenda not only helps families find homes but also connects them to the people, organizations, and opportunities that make Queen Creek a wonderful place to live. Her passion for community involvement is reflected in her support of Rotary initiatives, including the Run for Resilience and numerous projects that strengthen and uplift local families.

Together, David and Brenda demonstrate what it means to be Rotarians. Their leadership, compassion, and dedication have made a lasting impact on Queen Creek, the Rotary Club of Queen Creek, and Rotary District 5495. They serve as an inspiration to others by showing that meaningful change happens when people invest their time, talents, and hearts in serving others.

Congratulations to David and Brenda Brandhorst, Rotary District 5495's Rotarians of the Month. Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening your community, growing Rotary, and helping others discover the power of Service Above Self.

Click Here to See Our Rotarian Rookies of the Month!

May 2026 – Dave Evans

Dave Evans has been named District 5459 Rotarian of the Month for May.

Dave is a long-time Rotarian and a valuable member of the Peoria North Rotary Club. For many years a member of the Peoria Rotary Club, Dave joined Peoria North when the two clubs merged a few years ago.

Dave is actively involved in every facet of the club. A member of the Board of Directors, Dave consistently volunteers for all club service projects – including the Prom Closet, stuffing supply boxes for the homeless, assisting at the food bank and more.

But Dave’s true passion is supporting the youth in our community, and he is the co-chair of our club’s Student of the Month program. Before Dave joined our club, Peoria North presented Student of the Month awards at two of our district’s high schools. Since taking over the program, Dave has worked closely with PNRC President Darlene Eger and with the Peoria Unified School District and today we celebrate Students of the Month at all 10 PUSD high schools.

Dave works with the schools to arrange a quarterly celebration where students are recognized and provided small stipends from the club, as well as a certificate showing that a wheelchair has been presented in their name to a disabled person in Mexico. At each program, the host school’s student culinary department provides breakfast for the club and parents.

It’s a tremendous commitment, and Dave does it with enthusiasm and passion. He prefers to remain in the background but is deserving of recognition for what he does for the club, for our youth and for Rotary in general.

Click Here for Rookie of the Month!

Dave Evans at a recent Student of the Month event.

Students of the Month.

PNRC Student of the Month Awards.

April 2026 – Robert “Bob” L. Jackson

Robert “Bob” L. Jackson of the Rotary Club of Rim Country-Payson has been selected as District 5495's Rotarian of the Month for April.

Bob has been a Rotarian for over 30 years, joining Rotary on May 1, 1995, as a member of the Scottsdale Club, where he served as President in 2013-2014.

He purchased the Payson Golf Club and moved to Payson and joined the Rim Country – Payson Club on April 9, 2024, when he had an immediate impact on our Club by introducing individuals to Rotary and him sponsoring four new members since his arrival nearly two years ago.

Bob is serving as a member of our Foundation Board and based on his career experience as a financial investment planner, he helped the Board develop investment and use-of-funds policies relating to management of our $1.2 million Foundation funds obtained from a recent large estate gift.

Bob is also serving as our club’s Public Image Chair, Service Projects Chair, Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser Chair and host, and as a member of the Christmas Party Committee, High School Scholarships Committee and the Army Band Concert Committee.

He consistently and actively participates in our club meetings and Foundation Board meetings. He has hosted our club Christmas parties, our Teacher Appreciation BBQ, and for several months our weekly club meetings. He participated in our High School Scholarship Night and in evaluating scholarship applications the past two years. He participated in our annual Public Safety Banquets and attended last year’s District Conference.

He attended the District Grant Training and managed the submission of our grant request to support our Annual Teacher Appreciation BBQ. And he has been instrumental in securing many of our community speakers for our club meetings.

Bob is a friend to all and a great emissary for Rotary in our community through his words and deeds. He actively promotes Rotary through sharing and promoting our purpose, service, and events and by inviting others to consider attending and joining our club.

His support of our club, and me personally as president, has been invaluable. He is a model member in placing service above himself.

March 2026 – David Pastor

David Pastor is an exceptional example of what it means to live Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self." Over the past six-and-a-half months, David has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, perseverance, and personal commitment while spearheading one of the most ambitious fundraising efforts in the Rotary Club of Scottsdale's history.

Through his leadership of a car raffle initiative, David successfully raised $65,000 for the Rotary Foundation, an achievement that required not only vision, but relentless execution.

From the outset, David showed remarkable initiative and enthusiasm, stepping forward to lead a complex and demanding project. Despite facing significant challenges, David never wavered. He invested an extraordinary amount of his own time, energy, and personal resources to ensure the fundraiser's success. Notably, he personally accounted for a substantial portion of ticket sales, demonstrating a willingness to lead by example and do whatever it takes to reach the goal.

David's commitment went far beyond fundraising. He consistently brought creative ideas, maintained momentum, and encouraged others to stay engaged, even when obstacles arose. His resilience and determination ultimately carried the project across the finish line, delivering meaningful impact for the Foundation and reinforcing the importance of perseverance in service. The dollars raised will be put toward our public school's college scholarship effort.

Equally important, David's efforts extended beyond the club itself. He attended more than a half- dozen other Rotary clubs in the Valley, multiple local Chambers of Commerce events, and many other civic organizations around the Valley promoting this fundraiser. A large share of ticket sales came from non-Rotarians, reflecting David's ability and determination to engage the broader community and promote Rotary's mission in a meaningful way. Through this, he not only raised funds but also increased awareness and visibility for Rotary's work.

David is a dependable and inspiring presence within the club, someone who can always be counted on to step up, lead and deliver. His contributions over the past several months have exemplified leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication. For his outstanding service, resilience in the face of challenges, and significant impact on the club, Rotary Club of Scottsdale Foundation and broader community, David Pastor is highly deserving of recognition as Rotarian of the Month.

February 2026 – Joe Alvarez

Joe Alveraz of the Rotary Club of Anthem has been named District 5495 Rotarian of the Month for February.

Joe heard that our Daisy Mountain Veterans were not going to have their annual Ball due to lack of volunteers. Joe said, “No way, let me talk with Dave and Rotary will take this on and help the Veterans.”

The Rotary Club of Anthem agreed and worked together with the veterans on this event. This turned into a huge event, and we were able to raise close to $30,000 for the Daisy Mountain Veterans. The event was held at our Country Club, Congressman Abe Hamadeh was our keynote speaker.

Because of his efforts, Joe was honored by the Daisy Mountain Veterans with the DMV Civilian Award.

January 2026 – Jennette Bill

Jennette Bill of the Rotary Club of Sedona Village has been named January's Rotarian of the Month.

Jennette has been a dedicated Rotarian since September 2009, beginning her service with the Rotary Club of Sedona. Her visionary leadership played a key role in the formation of the Sedona Village Satellite Club, which earned its charter in 2019. She is a past president of the Rotary Club of Sedona and the Rotary Club of Sedona Village and has continued to serve in multiple leadership roles on the board ever since.

Currently, Jennette serves as the Assistant Governor for our area and holds the role of Youth Service Chair in her club, where she passionately supports two Interact clubs, youth exchange and other youth related projects. Her commitment to youth engagement exemplifies the spirit of Rotary's future-focused mission.

Jennette is also a generous financial supporter of both her club and Rotary International. Her Paul Harris Fellow Major Donor Level 1 and Bequest Society Level 3 recognitions reflect her ongoing dedication to Rotary's global impact.

One of Jennette's most remarkable qualities is her natural leadership. She leads by example-organized, dedicated, and supportive. She empowers others to discover their own strengths, encouraging them to grow into confident and capable leaders in their own right.

In addition to her service, Jennette regularly attends Rotary International and District Conferences, reinforcing her commitment to lifelong learning and service. She is a shining example of how one can be an active and effective Rotarian while maintaining a rich family life, embracing travel, and living fully.

Jennette Bill embodies the values of Rotary in every way. Her sustained contributions, inspiring leadership, and unwavering dedication make her an ideal candidate for Rotarian of the Month.

December 2025 – Curt Ward

Curt Ward is nominated for Rotarian of the Month in recognition of his exceptional dedication, longstanding service, and leadership within Rotary.

Curt has proudly served Rotary for more than 35 years, beginning with the Marshalltown Rotary Club (1990–2014) and continuing with the Gilbert Rotary Club since 2014. His commitment to Rotary’s mission is evident through his extensive leadership roles, including Club President, Club Secretary, and Club Foundation Chair. He has also served as our district Bylaws Committee Chair.

Beyond club leadership, Curt has been deeply committed to youth service as an Interact Advisor at Perry High School, helping mentor and inspire future leaders. His generosity and dedication to The Rotary Foundation are reflected in his recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow through PHF+4.

Curt also strengthens Rotary by sponsoring new members and fostering lasting relationships across clubs and communities. He consistently exemplifies the Four-Way Test and the principle of Service Above Self.

For his tireless service, integrity, and positive impact, Curt Ward is truly deserving of recognition as Rotarian of the Month.Type your content here...

November 2025 – Dave & Tara Dacus

Dave and Tara Dacus of The Rotary Club of Gilbert embody the very essence of Rotary — service above self, quiet leadership, and heartfelt commitment to making a difference.

Dave, a Rotarian since 1990, has served in nearly every leadership role imaginable, including Club President, District Governor, Secretary, Treasurer, Scholarship Committee Member, Rotary Foundation Chair, and District Finance Chair. His lifelong dedication to Rotary’s mission has inspired countless others to lead and serve. A Major Donor and recipient of the Presidential Citation, Dave’s legacy of service continues to shine brightly here in Arizona as a valued member of the Rotary Club of Gilbert.

Tara, who joined Rotary in 2008, has also shown exceptional leadership as both Club President and Club Executive Secretary. She has received the Presidential Citation, is a Paul Harris Fellow, and has sponsored multiple new Rotarians into the Gilbert club.

Together, Dave and Tara are true advocates and cheerleaders for Rotary. They are leading the Gilbert Club’s newest initiatives—Adopt-a-School and the Pennies for Polio project—demonstrating their continued dedication to service. They graciously open their home for meetings and events, attend nearly every social, meeting, and fundraiser, and generously share both their time and resources. Their commitment to family, youth, and community shines through in all that they do.

Most important, Dave and Tara consistently live out the values of the Four-Way Test, serving as role models and inspirations to all Rotarians. For their unwavering dedication, positivity, and leadership—extending even beyond their lengthy and tireless service in a previous district—we proudly honor Dave and Tara Dacus as District 5495 Rotarians of the Month for November.

October 2025 – Wendi Lancy

Wendi Lancy of the Rotary Club of Prescott-Frontier has been named District 5495 Rotarian of the Month for October.

Wendi is the Service Project Coordinator for the club and goes “above and beyond” on every project she handles. Her club does about two projects a month, but she handles all details with grace and ease. No matter how busy she is, she always has time to share a story, listen to club members and offer help if needed.

According to her club President Linda Sweeney, Wendi is honest, gracious, thoughtful and an inspiration for all in our club. In addition to being the Service Project coordinator, she heads the club's yearly signature fundraiser – Grapes4Good. She regularly offers her home for social events and makes everyone feel welcome.

September 2025 -- Cameron Moses

Cameron Moses of The Rotary Club of Lake Havasu City has been named District 5495’s Rotarian of the Month for September.

The award recognizes unsung heroes in Rotary and those who exemplify “Service Above Self.” Cameron was nominated by Assistant Governor Becky Goldberg.

Cameron spearheads the club’s Student of the Month program and he also meets with high school students to help assist them with interview skills. He is extremely involved in the community and was voted the club’s Rotarian of the Month in July.

Cameron also serves on the Lake Havasu City Council and owns a local restaurant. According to Becky, he is always willing to step up and assist – especially with students and young leaders. He is currently setting up a leadership program to help teach others how to be a good civic leader.

August 2025 -- Polly Cady

Polly Cady is the unsung hero of District 5495’s Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) program, and she embodies the true spirit of Rotary—service with heart, humility, and a relentless commitment to helping others grow.

Polly is a member of the Rotary Club of Mesa West and the district’s current chair of the Rotary Leadership Institute.

As RLI Coordinator, Polly tackles what many would call a logistical nightmare and turns it into a smooth, inspiring experience. She’s the one traveling all over the state, often juggling last-minute changes, printing materials, coordinating facilitators, and greeting attendees with a warm smile that says, “You’ve got this!”

But Polly’s impact goes far beyond event prep. She understands that leadership isn’t just about holding a title — it’s about everyone having a chance to step up and make a difference. She actively encourages all Rotarians — new and seasoned alike—to embrace their potential and get involved. Through her patient mentorship and infectious enthusiasm, Polly breathes life into Rotary’s “Service Above Self” motto every single day.

Recognizing Polly means celebrating the power of quiet, steady leadership. She makes a tough job look easy, moving behind the scenes with a graceful finesse that most of us can only admire. Her dedication is unwavering—no task too big, no detail too small. She’s constantly innovating, finding ways to improve the RLI experience and making sure every session leaves Rotarians feeling energized and connected.

Polly’s commitment doesn’t stop at logistics; she’s a connector, a mentor, and a cheerleader for Rotary values. She invites new members, champions leadership growth, and is always ready to lend a hand—even when no one’s asking. If Rotary had a “secret weapon,” Polly would be it. For all this and more, she is the perfect choice for Rotarian of the Month.

Polly Cady was nominated by Kaley Mudge of the Rotary Club of Mesa West.

July 2025 -- Roger and Judi Edmonds

District 5495's very first Rotarian of the Month for 2025 are Roger and Judi Edmonds, members of the Rotary Club of Sun Lakes.

Both Judi and Roger were part of the district's most recent wheelchair and mobility device distribution in Mexico. The Edmonds traveled with the district's Interact representatives to Cordova, Mexico for several days to assist in the repair and distribution of mobility devices collected in our district. The devices were distributed to those in need.

Assistant Governor Ed Anderson, who nominated the Edmonds for the recognition, said the two helped develop the project and worked diligently with others to make the distribution project a success.

Roger is also a recipient of his club's Rotarian of the Month honor as well.

Congratulations to both Roger and Judi!!