Events

District Governor Nominee Jeff is a native Texan who has lived all over the state, but primarily grew up in Corpus Christi.  He is a 1988 graduate of Corpus Christi State University with a BA in Political Science.  He and his wife, Shannon, moved to Pflugerville in 2001 after he opened a State Farm Insurance Agency.  He has three grown children, one son-in-law and three beautiful grandchildren.

Jeff has  a long history of serving his community in volunteer roles.  He is incredibly proud of the 9 and one-half years he led Pflugerville as its Mayor.  During his term, Pflugerville grew from a population of 35,000 to 60,000 and in 2016 was recognized as the 12th best city in  America for a population of 50,000 - 300,000.  He joined the Rotary Club of Pflugerville in 2000 and is a three-time Past President, Board Member, and has served on various other  committees and club projects.  At the District level, he has served as District  Project Coordinator, District Insurance Representative, and is on the Membership Committee as Club Liaison.  He is a Major Donor Level 3. Bequest Society Level 2 and Paul Harris Society Member.

Scott Rainey was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He attended the University of Oklahoma and is a proud Sooner!  Scott is married to Martha Bowles, who he met in church in Clear Lake, TX.  Scott trades petrochemicals and fuel products as his day job.

Scott is a member of the Rotary Club of Austin and was previously a member of the Space Center club in Houston.  He served as Rotary District 5890 Governor for the year 2020-21.  Scott is a Major Donor and member of the White Hat Society.

Join us for an overview and update on the Oak Hill Parkway project; a transformative infrastructure initiative that is 30+ years in the making, aimed at improving transportation in the southwest Austin region. Learn about the project’s scope and anticipated benefits such as enhanced traffic flow, improved safety and pedestrian/bicycle accommodations.  Discover the many environmental and engineering features that have shaped the project and make it so unique. 

Mr. McGuire is a Texas professional engineer serving as the Deputy Project Manager for TxDOT’s Oak Hill Parkway project.   He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  After working in the construction, power, and rail industries for 17 years, Mr. McGuire joined TxDOT and the Oak Hill Parkway project team at the beginning of 2023. Mr. McGuire is a lifelong Austinite and lives in Wells Branch with his wife and three (3) sons.  He thrives as a swim-, gymnastics-, bowling-, Taekwondo-, and basketball-dad.  He enjoys being a judge for local science fairs and performing with the Longhorn Alumni Band.

Amy Bawcom is Executive Director of the Austin Community College Foundation. She directs and administers the overall planning and activities of the ACC Foundation, including donor development, direct fundraising, capacity building, Board development, oversight of the ACC Foundation Board, and a $13 million endowment.

Ms. Bawcom has an M.A. in English Language and Literature from Baylor University; B.S. in Business Administration and a second B.S. in English with secondary teaching certification from University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. In addition, she has completed post-graduate study in English from Baylor University and in higher education administration from both Baylor and UMHB.

Before coming to ACC, Amy was the Vice President for Development at San Marcos Academy, leading the Foundation, Alumni Relations, and all aspects of development from capital campaigns and events to major gifts. Prior to that role, she worked at Central Texas College as Executive Director of the Foundation and Director of College Development where she managed an $8M endowment and developed strategies for planned giving. She has also served as the Director of Foundation Relations and as a Major Gift Officer at the Scott and White Healthcare Foundation. At both Central Texas College and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, she served the colleges in several administrative roles, including registrar, institutional research, and institutional effectiveness. She began her career teaching college English and ESL at both Baylor and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and a summer at a community college in Japan.

Amy is a long-time Rotarian, having served in numerous officer and district positions. She was on the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce Board, serving as Chair of Young Professionals, Chair of the Education Committee, and Vice-Chair of the Nonprofit Council. She was the board president of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas and a founding member of the Belton Young Professionals. She has served as a board member for Texas Association of Community College Foundations, the Robert S. Love Foundation, and Central Texas Advocates for Parkinson’s. Amy takes the Rotary motto of Service Above Self to heart by serving her community as a volunteer to many charities centered around education

Our Story
A sick child, with an unknown disorder.

In 2006, my infant daughter, Cheyanna, became ill and not a single doctor or specialist could diagnose her disorder. My family and I felt isolated, desperate and afraid. At the time, there was no community support for us. Not a single doctor, family member or friend could understand our situation. Eventually, we learned she had a very rare condition that had no treatment or cure. However, we continued to seek therapies and treatments.

Through perseverance, we found healing  

Eventually we did discover a solution and received a miracle healing. In 2012, motivated by this frightening and frustrating experience, I started Cheyanna’s Champions 4 Children (CC4C) in the hopes that more children with undiagnosed or rare conditions would have an opportunity to heal. My journey taught me that there are countless children like Cheyanna who need a Champion to fight for them. At that time, CC4C was the only non-profit of its kind in the state. 

Thousands of children have been helped.

-Talaya Frazier, founder

Danelle:

My path was unclear but my determination was unwavering. Today, with the help of a large team of volunteers, supporters, and staff, CC4C’s mission has enhanced the lives of thousands of children battling rare and undiagnosed medical conditions in Texas. We provide children and families access to mental health and wellness programs, offer financial assistance, and give them access to events and experiences that otherwise would be impossible.

Together, we can Champion these children and their families out of the darkness of isolation and into the light.

Danelle is mission-driven and has 5 years of experience as a development professional in nonprofit healthcare. Joining CC4C has allowed her to combine her skills with her passion - to care for others. She is deeply connected to CC4C’s mission because she has walked alongside her sister and niece as they navigate the rare journey. Danelle is a mother to two incredible girls and two incredibly sweet dogs. She and her husband love to enjoy the outdoors with friends and be of service to others.

Monica:

Monica earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.A. in Learning Disabilities from the University of New Mexico. She is a certified Mindful SelfCompassion Trained Teacher from the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, Practitioner in Applied Positive Psychology from the Flourishing Center in NYC, and certified in Life Coaching from the Coach Training Alliance. Monica is also the founder of New Season New Vision Life Coaching and author of Savor the Day, an interactive journal to inspire gratitude. She has experience working with people navigating life transitions and coaching them to move forward and embrace a flourishing life. Monica is a mother of quadruplets and this unique perspective and heart for children inspires her work every day.

With a name like Mickie Powers, you’d think she’s a superhero. You’re right — but she’s not the kind of superhero who lives in the imagination, movies or books. She’s the kind of superhero who lives in Austin with a very real power of changing lives. “I enjoy the shine in someone’s eyes when they say  “I got a job,'” she said. “It’s just real important for me to see that and help people out.”

Powers is a retired middle school science teacher, cancer survivor and now the volunteer director at Common Ground ATX, a 170-bed facility in south Austin that houses people off the streets, out of jail or out of luck. “Some of them are job hunting. I might help them with a resume, bus passes, getting them food that they need and that sort of thing,” Powers said.

Powers said many of their residents are one step above homeless and not accepted in traditional rentals because of a criminal background. Where she works, they’re given a chance. “When someone has been incarcerated or on the streets for 5-10 years what’s successful — some might consider awfully small, but for them it can be life changing,” she said. 

copied from Austin American Statesman article

Here we go!  Planning for the 2025 golf tournament begins now. Come see how you can help!

.Dr. Murillo joined El Buen as its Chief Executive Officer in July 2019. As a recognized public health advocate with extensive experience in public policy, higher education, nonprofit and government management, for more than 25 years she has led within different systems to develop, implement, and strengthen services for underserved communities. She holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from the School of Business at Our Lady of the Lake, a Master of Social Work degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. Murillo has served as a lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at San Antonio, and Texas State where she has taught graduate and undergraduate courses focusing on social justice, policy, nonprofit management, program development, organizational leadership, public administration and child welfare. Murillo joined El Buen as its Chief Executive Officer in July 2019. As a recognized public health advocate with extensive experience in public policy, higher education, nonprofit and government management, for more than 25 years she has led within different systems to develop, implement, and strengthen services for underserved communities. She holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from the School of Business at Our Lady of the Lake, a Master of Social Work degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. Murillo has served as a lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at San Antonio, and Texas State where she has taught graduate and undergraduate courses focusing on social justice, policy, nonprofit management, program development, organizational leadership, public administration and child welfare.

Shannon is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Pflugerville where she served as Club President, Fundraising Committee Chair and on various committees and club projects. She is the 2024-27 District Rotary Foundation Chair. Previously in the district she served as the 2022-23 Governor, Assistant Governor and on the Global Grant Scholarship, Career & Technical Education Scholarship and Membership Committees.

As passionate supporters of the Rotary Foundation, Shannon and her husband, Jeff (Governor Nominee for 2026-27), are Major Donor Level 3, Bequest Society Level 2, Benefactors, Paul Harris Society Members and Polio Plus Society Members.

Being that her core values include community, servant leadership and fun; Rotary has given her the ability to connect with others who share the same “Service above Self” mentality. She believes we can more fully engage others by creating opportunities for impactful service that include an element of fellowship, relationship building and fun. Known as “Dory”, she is passionate about traveling, diving and wine. Shannon and her husband Jeff share a love for travel, diving, wine, tequila and enjoy spending time at their beach villas in Cozumel, Mexico.

Doug, a proud Rotary Club of Temple-South member since 2000, has held multiple leadership positions, including President, Foundation Chair, Board Member, and Chair of the Neighborhood Flag Project. He is also recognized in the District 5870 Roll of Fame. Doug has served as the District DAP Grant Coordinator for the past three years and is currently the District Governor-Elect. He is a Major Donor 1, Sustaining Member and Paul Harris Society Member.

Doug and his wife, Lisa, have 5 children: Hailey (& Luke), Calvin, Reagan (& Josh). They also have a Miniature Schnauzer named Charlie, who serves as the unofficial Mascot of District 5870 for Doug's District Governor year. Professionally, Doug is a Partner in PapergraphicsPrinting and FastSigns in Temple, Texas. He actively contributes to his community as an Elder at Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

Dawn Lewis is passionately dedicated to expanding access to clean drinking water. Over the past six years, she made a significant impact in Laos, Southeast Asia, where she led a transformative initiative providing 10,000 subsidized ceramic filters to underserved families in southern Laos, bringing clean drinking water to over 50,000 people. Her commitment extends globally, as she has also contributed to clean water projects in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Currently, Dawn serves as the Executive Director of the TerraClear Foundation, where she continues her mission to secure funding and make connections to support Lao families to access clean drinking water.

Before her work in Asia, Dawn spent a decade as a public school teacher in Texas and authored the children’s book “My Teacher Moved to Laos,” which details her inspiring transition from the classroom to international service.

A Missouri native, Dawn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Linguistics and has learned French, Lao, and Bengali along the way. In her leisure time, she enjoys long walks, hiking, and camping in the Rockies, and treasures moments with her family, many of whom reside in Austin, Texas, where Dawn now calls home.

Lt Chris Dibrell has had a very impressive career and we are pleased to have him with us today. Chris is currently the Fire Adapted Communities coordinator for the Austin Fire Dept Wildfire Division, since Feb 2024. He is responsible for community outreach to develop awareness and empowerment for residents that live in the Wildland Urban Interface.Chris received his Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M and his Master in Education from Southwest Texas State University. 

Chris proudly served in the United States Army, retired at rank of Major.  His service included Jan - Jul 1993, deployed to Belize, Logistics Officer for Task Force Jaguar; May 2005-Aug 200, deployed to Baghdad, Force Protection/Intelligence Officer Iraqi Military Academy; Oct 2008- Dec 2009, deployed to Baghdad, Advisor to Iraqi Armor School and Iraqi Baghdad Ops Center. Thank you for your service Chris!

He retired AFD with 30 yrs. Of that time, 7 yrs as lieutenant in the Wildfire Division with a myriad of roles

Chris is from Wimberley, Texas and still reside there

Welcome Chris! 

Members are encouraged to do service projects today and then come have lunch and enjoy each other's company.  No program. 

Becca serves as the Senior Outreach Coordinator for Foundation Communities, located in Austin, TX. In this role, she develops and leads culturally competent outreach and communications strategies to increase participation for Foundation Communities' free Prosper Programs, which include tax preparation, health coverage enrollment, financial coaching, and benefits enrollment. She graduated from Smith College in 2022 with a degree in Women and Gender Studies and Latin American Studies. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two cats, trying new places to eat, and cooking.

Richard McHale has worked in the waste management industry for over 31 years and is currently the Director of Austin Resource Recovery.  His experience encompasses operations, planning, and policy development.

Presently he is a director and Past President of the Texas Lone Star Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America, Past President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors – Municipal Waste Management Association, a former Advisory Council Member of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality – Municipal Solid Waste Management, and Resource Recovery Advisory Council. He serves on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission for the Capital Area Planning Council of Governments.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography & Planning and a Master’s of Applied Geography degree in Resource and Environmental Studies from Texas State University. 

Welcome Richard!

Our Angel Tree recipient will be Common Ground ATX.  Mickie Powers has sent us a list of items needed, so feel free to select something and bring to the celebration.  In case you were not at the meeting where Mickey shared about Common Ground ATX, and her work with the homeless, let me share a few things. Powers said many of their residents are one step above homeless and not accepted in traditional rentals because of a criminal background.  “When someone has been incarcerated or on the streets for 5-10 years what’s successful — some might consider awfully small, but for them it can be life changing,”. There is a community of homeless people that Mickie personally reaches out to - serving is her life and if you talk to her, you know this. 

Let us make a difference here.
 
The list:
 
Bar soap
Deodorant
Socks
Razors (preferably multi-use)
Blankets
Sleeping Bags (perhaps waterproof)
Coats/Jackets
Gloves