North Bellmore, New York

NEW YORK DISTRICT
Kiwanis Club of East Meadow, New York

Biography:
Peter joined Kiwanis in 1987. He was a distinguished president, lieutenant governor and governor; district foundation director; Kiwanis International Foundation (Children's Fund) president; Kiwanis International trustee and is now the Kiwanis International president-elect. Educated at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Cornell University, and recently retired from employment as an assistant district attorney, Peter and his wife Karen have two adult children, Stephen and Cathy, and two grandchildren, Sam and Henry.

Why did you decide to run for office?
My personal life and past career in public service as a criminal prosecutor have been largely devoted to helping others, especially those in need. When I joined Kiwanis, I found a wonderful family of like-minded servant-leaders. Serving as our Kiwanis International president would offer an incredible opportunity to make a positive difference in so many lives!

What qualifies you to become an officer of Kiwanis International?
I have deep experience in Kiwanis International governance, including as president of the Kiwanis Children's Fund and as a Kiwanis International officer and trustee; a proven record of success at every level of Kiwanis leadership and in other volunteer organizations; an understanding that everything of value in Kiwanis happens at the club level; a passion for our mission; a vision for our future; and the energy and enthusiasm to go the distance for Kiwanis!

What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
I will provide leadership and support to grow our membership, organize new clubs, provide our clubs with the tools they need to bring value to our members, expand our service leadership programs, encourage the development of future Kiwanis leaders, partner with complementary service organizations, develop new non-dues sources of revenue, enhance our image and increase our funds for grants.

Divide, Colorado

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
Kiwanis Club of Ute Pass/Woodland Park
Kiwanis Club of Woodlake, CA
Kiwanis Club of ELaMissTenn, Baton Rouge, LA

Biography:
I’m a third-generation Kiwanian with more than 33 years of membership. My wife, Sandy, and I have been married for 36 years. We have two daughters — Megan, 33, and Lauren, 31 — who are also Kiwanians. And of course, Ace “The Wonder Dog.” I have spent my entire adult life in the roofing industry and I currently sit on the board for the Ronald McDonald House of Southern Colorado.

Why did you decide to run for office?
It would be a true honor to have the opportunity to continue to advocate for the individual clubs and members of our Kiwanis. I am excited to champion the work that you all do in the name of Kiwanis and to spread the word of those good works.

What qualifies you to become an officer of Kiwanis International?
By fulfilling the levels of leadership as defined in the Kiwanis bylaws, I feel I am qualified for this position. My business acumen and history of managing a large employee base are assets that will help me to serve in this capacity. My compassion and understanding of issues at the club level will continue to guide my leadership and representation of Kiwanis both in and out of the boardroom.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
It is my hope that every Kiwanian know the importance of their work and that it is not overlooked. I will promote growth at all levels of Kiwanis and maintain financial viability while working side-by-side with our members as we continue the legacy of service that has always been our foundation. I hope to show Kiwanians worldwide that it is OK to have fun while serving the children of the world.

Albany, Georgia

GEORGIA DISTRICT
Kiwanis Club of Albany
Kiwanis Club of Eye of the Tiger eKiwanis, I-I
Kiwanis Club of Centennial Internet Club
Kiwanis Club of Rocky Mountain eClub
Kiwanis Club of 25KiwaniansWhoCare-PNW

Biography:
I have been a Kiwanian for 27 years. In that time, I’ve been a distinguished club president, secretary, lieutenant governor and district governor. I am a business owner of Merle Norman Cosmetics and Gifts, a former high school educator (business education). I have a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Georgia and a Master of Education from Georgia State University. I’m married to David Baranko. We have one son, a daughter-in-law and one grandson.

Why did you decide to run for office?
Using my experience and heartfelt understanding of the issues that confront Kiwanis International, districts and our clubs, I want to continue strengthening and improving Kiwanis through new, innovative positive changes. I bring a vision of how we can take Kiwanis to the next level.

What qualifies you to become an officer of Kiwanis International?
I have leadership experience in professional organizations outside of Kiwanis. My experience as a business owner, current Kiwanis International Trustee and former educator provides me with skillsets in the areas of leadership, budgets, team building and interpersonal communications. These experiences have prepared me to assess all options to determine the most impactful decisions for our organization.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
I hope to enhance the relationship and understanding between Kiwanis International and club members; increase membership and leadership strength with new and innovative programs; remain financially sound; inspire members to serve and continue to share the Kiwanis opportunity with others.

What strengths do you bring to the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees?
Membership (district coordinator, club opener); leadership (chair of Kiwanis International’s Leadership committee); education (CLE certified trainer); goal setting and action planning. Budgeting (business and Kiwanis International's vice chair of Audit and Finance committee); ability to work and collaborate with diverse groups to understand the complexities of our international organization; and ability to inspire team members.

View Katrina Baranko’s campaign website or email her campaign manager Dewey Smith. 

Westfield, Massachusetts

NEW ENGLAND AND BERMUDA DISTRICT
Kiwanis Club of Westfield
Kiwanis Club of Northampton
Kiwanis Club of Eye of the Tiger eKiwanis, I-I
Kiwanis Club of Centennial Internet Club, PA

Biography:
I am a retired newspaper journalist, columnist, information technology specialist and occasional radio personality who lives in Western Massachusetts with my wife, Geana. A Kiwanian since 1979, I have served my club and the New England and Bermuda District in almost every conceivable role. I am an avid amateur photographer and enjoy riding roller coasters at every opportunity.

Why did you decide to run for office?
Kiwanis is the most important thing in my life aside from my family. As a committed Kiwanian, I feel an obligation to the organization, my fellow members and the community to give as much of my time and talent as possible. I believe I have more to give, and I feel that my experience and skills can be put to good use in further expanding Kiwanis’s service and reach throughout the world.

What qualifies you to become an officer of Kiwanis International?
I have held a wide variety of Kiwanis offices at every level, participating in new club building, membership growth and fundraising efforts of every description. I have recruited dozens of Kiwanis members over the years and have worked with and mentored young leaders in Kiwanis and in our Service Leadership Programs. I have extensive professional project- and personnel-management experience.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
Setting meaningful goals based on what is best for our members and clubs is essential to our success and growth. I would continue to work toward improved public awareness of Kiwanis worldwide, development and deployment of improved membership growth and communications tools, strengthening of our finances and making sure that all our actions take into account the needs of our members and clubs.

What strengths do you bring to the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees?
I have strong verbal and written communications skills and well-developed analytical skills. I have remained current on today’s computer and communications technologies. My work with Kiwanis clubs and districts in and out of the United States has made me better able to appreciate the different approaches to Kiwanis service in different regions and cultures.

View George Delisle’s campaign website or email his campaign manager Stephen Hill. 

Homestead, Florida

FLORIDA DISTRICT
Kiwanis Club of Homestead-South Dade
Kiwanis Club of Centennial Internet Club
Kiwanis Club of Sonrisas de Amor-Bogota D.C 
Kiwanis Club of Wakiso, Uganda (Africa)
Kiwanis Club of Puerto Rico, Borinquen
Kiwanis Club of Eye of the Tiger eKiwanis, I-I

Biography:
Since joining Kiwanis in 2001, I have held all requisite district offices, including service as governor and as a Kiwanis International Trustee from 2017 to 2020. As a trustee, I chaired the Membership Committee and served on the Audit and Finance Committee. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Business Administration degree, and I currently own and operate Alton Madison Property Management in Homestead, Florida. My wife Emilia and I hold several philanthropy positions within Kiwanis, including the Founders Circle of the Kiwanis Children’s Fund.

Why did you decide to run for office?
Service to others was instilled in me at a young age. My commitment to service was established during a 1994 meeting in New York with Mother Teresa. Her words — “If you cannot help 100, just help 1” — guide me to this day. My desire to serve others and help this organization has driven me to seek leadership positions. I believe I can help Kiwanis grow, thrive and fulfill its mission.

What qualifies you to become an officer of Kiwanis International?
My education and business background in finance, property management and small business administration provide a strong base of knowledge and practical experience that coincide with the duties of a Kiwanis International officer. I believe the combination of my life’s work with my life’s passion of serving others through Kiwanis is a strong case for my qualification to lead this organization.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
I will work with all leadership to promote growth in Kiwanis and all Service Leadership Programs. I will emphasize the need to develop the next generation of leaders in the organization. Increasing our corporate partnerships will enhance non-dues related revenue and will further promote the Kiwanis brand and image. Finally, a return to focusing membership on relevant service, which is the cornerstone of Kiwanis.

What strengths do you bring to the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees?
A true appreciation for the wonderful diversity we have in Kiwanis. My years of experience in the culturally diverse Florida District, and as a member of the Sonrisa de Amor Club in Colombia, and the Wakiso club in Africa (among others), give me a unique perspective on our worldwide organization. My trustee committee work on the Audit and Finance Committee and chairmanship of the Membership Committee serves to enhance that perspective.

Visit Chuck Gugliuzza’s campaign website or email his campaign manager Bob Parton.

Lancaster, California 

CALIFORNIA-NEVADA-HAWAII DISTRICT
Kiwanis Club of Palmdale West
Kiwanis Club of Rosefloat of Pasadena

Biography:
I currently reside in Lancaster, California, with my wife Cheryl. We have one daughter, two sons and seven grandchildren. I am a second-generation Kiwanis member with more than 40 years of perfect attendance. I have a Bachelor of Science in General Business (Wyoming), Master of Arts in Human Resources Management (Pepperdine), and Master of Business Administration, Finance emphasis (Woodbury). I am retired. I spent 28 years with the United States Navy and 29 years with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

Why did you decide to run for office?
I have had a passion for service, to help those less fortunate than myself, for many years. I have never been one to stand by waiting for "the other guy" to do something. Every organization needs leaders who understand the responsibilities that come with a position of leadership. I believe in situational leadership — servant leadership. I believe I can make a positive difference for Kiwanis.

What qualifies you to become an officer of Kiwanis International? 
I have vast experience and a proven record of success in Kiwanis governance at the club, district and international levels, including president of the Kiwanis Cal-Nev-Ha Foundation and as a Kiwanis International trustee. I have a passion for our youth programs and our mission to serve the youth of the world. I will use my energy and commitment to this organization to take Kiwanis service to new heights.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
I will provide positive leadership and hands-on involvement to our clubs and their members, ensuring that clubs have the tools and confidence required to grow our membership in a sustainable manner; ensuring the need for succession planning — at all levels — is understood and practiced; and supporting our Service Leadership Programs and their ideas in order to keep them in the Kiwanis family.

What strengths do you bring to the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees?
I bring more than four decades of proven leadership and management; strong program-management skills in a very diverse workforce; working knowledge of group dynamics, including conflicting needs resolution and decision-making; analytical and logical in problem-solving; understanding of our organization and the many diverse needs/wants/customs of a worldwide organization; and consensus-building.

Contact Dick Olmstead’s campaign manager Gary Jander.

Saint Louis, Missouri  

MISSOURI-ARKANSAS DISTRICT
Kiwanis Club of Florissant Valley, MO
Kiwanis Club of Creve Coeur, MO
Kiwanis Club of Northwest Indianapolis, IN
Kiwanis Club of Mo-Ark eCentennial
Kiwanis Club of 25+ Kiwanians Who Care - PNW
Kiwanis Club of Eye of the Tiger eKiwanis, I-I
Kiwanis Club of Ritenour St. Louis County, MO

Biography:
I grew up on a dairy farm and live with my husband, Charlie, also a Kiwanian, in a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri, USA. We are proud parents of two adult children, Chuck and Leslie, both attorneys. I spent 34 years as a teacher, staff developer and administrator. I am honored to have served in leadership positions in Kiwanis and in The Eliminate Project and am active on many community boards.

Why did you decide to run for office?
I am committed to our mission of improving the world one child and one community at a time. Growing and maintaining membership is key to our mission and to sustaining our Service Leadership programs, as well as to financial stability and a strong future. We don’t know when the global pandemic will end, nor its effect on our membership. That mission and challenge motivate me to run for office.

What qualifies you to become an officer of Kiwanis International?
My career in education, leadership roles in other organizations and my servant leadership at club, district and international levels in Kiwanis have provided me with skills that will transfer to the office of vice president. I served as Kiwanis International Trustee from 2014 to 2017. My passion for Kiwanis and for helping others live their best lives inspires me to do the work.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
I will focus on increasing and diversifying membership, including diversity of age, gender, race and more. My plan is to lead by example and engage Kiwanians at all levels in the important work of growing membership. That will enable us to improve the lives of ever-increasing numbers of children and their communities. I seek to improve collaboration and communication throughout Kiwanis.

What strengths do you bring to the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees?
I bring a strong work ethic, good communication skills, integrity and the desire to serve others. I am empathetic, a good listener and team builder, and I enjoy mentoring and encouraging others. I have trained myself to plan carefully and be detail-oriented, and I am not intimidated by change. I have opened more than 50 Kiwanis clubs and brought hundreds of new members into Kiwanis.

View Barb Thompson’s campaign website or email her campaign manager Laura Gilliland.

Selah, Washington 

PACIFIC NORTHWEST DISTRICT
Kiwanis Club of Yakima
Kiwanis Club of Central Valley
Kiwanis Club of Eye of the Tiger eKiwanis, I-I

Biography:
Born in Caryville, Tennessee, and raised in Walla Walla, Washington, I first joined the Kiwanis Club of Yakima in 1980. I’ve received a Ruby K award, the club Kiwanian of the Year award twice, the Lee Price award as top District Chair and the Governor's Cup as top district Kiwanian. My wife Tammy and I have seven adult children and ten grandkids with two great grandkids. We live in Selah, Washington, where I serve on the city council.

Why did you decide to run for office?
I am passionate about Kiwanis and strengthening the organization. I believe the individual passions of Kiwanians collectively drive the strength of membership and the vitality of service for kids and communities. I understand the balance of improving membership and increasing impact-driven service, and I want to continue providing leadership for positive results in both areas.

What qualifies you to become an officer of Kiwanis International?
I have more than 40 years of community service with Kiwanis and other non-profits. I’ve spent more than 40 years as a leader, manager and corporate officer. I am an effective listener and a strong team builder, and I know how to lead by energizing positive change. I am a distinguished past president, a two-term past lieutenant governor and a distinguished past governor.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
I hope to leave office with the organization stronger in leadership, larger in membership, more financially stable and with additional service needs being met in our communities.  Through my leadership, knowledge and experience, I hope to see positive outcomes in the districts that I am assigned to counsel.

What strengths do you bring to the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees?
I am organized and prepare myself for the issues through research. My Kiwanis leadership includes nine years on the district foundation board, ten years on the district finance committee, three years as strategic planning chair, five years as the laws and regulations chair and six years on the membership team. I am a club coach and a Kiwanis International certified trainer.

Contact Roger Bell’s campaign manager Jackie Sue McFarlin. 

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

LOUISIANA-MISSISSIPPI-WEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT
Kiwanis Club of Baton Rouge
Kiwanis Club of eLaMissTenn, Baton Rouge, LA

Biography:
I was born in Virginia into a military family. I am the oldest of six. I graduated high school in 1968 and joined the U.S. Army in 1970. I served in the Army Security Agency as an interpreter/translator. I was stationed in Germany from 1971 to 1973. I graduated from the University of Virginia with two degrees. I was an administrator at the university from 1977-82. In 1982, I was hired by Louisiana State University to create a new department. I retired in 2014. I’ve been married to my wife, Jamie, for more than 30 years. We have four children and 12 grandchildren.

Why did you decide to run for office?
I joined Kiwanis in 1990 after being asked four times. I became president of my 150-member club in nine years. I was lieutenant governor during Hurricane Katrina and led Kiwanis Karavan relief efforts. I continued my leadership on the district level serving as trustee and governor. Now, as district membership coordinator and a Kiwanis club leadership education instructor, it has only excited me to do more.

What qualifies you to become an officer of Kiwanis International?
I have a solid foundation in many aspects of Kiwanis through the variety of offices I have held, plus more than 20 years of helping Key Club and Circle K. These activities provide me with a global perspective of all that Kiwanis does. My background in university administration provides me with extensive experience in team building and leading, short- and long-term planning and financial viability.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
Kiwanis is challenged in our second century. We must be relevant to the younger generation but maintain our core principles. I see Kiwanis' many new ideas in my current position — many that are effective and some that can be improved. I will use my years of experience with young adults, 37 years as a college administrator, and more than 20 years as an advisor to Key Club and CKI to lead, grow and serve Kiwanis.

What strengths do you bring to the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees?
My strengths include administrative and leadership skills that I acquired in the military, private business and public service. Those skills provide me with the ability to supervise, to build teams and to strategically plan for the short and long term.

Gary Graham does not have a campaign manager. He can be contacted through email. 

Ypsilanti, Michigan

MICHIGAN DISTRICT
Kiwanis Club of Ypsilanti
Kiwanis Club of Belleville Area

Biography:
With more than 30 years of leadership development and membership support of assisted living communities, I have very strong experience in mentoring, training and elevating staff in the long-term care field. In 1998, I was invited to join Kiwanis as a business networking opportunity. It did not take long for it to become so much more to me. With my interest in helping and mentoring, it matched my long-term care career, supporting individuals who need support in being as independent as they can be. Since joining, I have assisted in numerous Service Leadership Programs, but with a definite interest in developing new Aktion Clubs.

Why did you decide to run for office?
I am running for office because I know that I have the skills and knowledge as well as the interest and ability to help move Kiwanis International to another level of diversity. While I believe that every club should reflect the community it serves, even more, I know the board must reflect the community we serve. We have a way to go to accomplish that. 

What qualifies you to become an officer of Kiwanis International?
I have met all the requisite qualifications, including holding many local, district and international leadership and supportive roles. More than that, I have the desire to help this organization at a higher level. I am a relationship builder and would serve with dedication and determination to accomplish the changes that must happen. My experience running a statewide professional association has also helped me prepare for this opportunity.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
I hope to bring my perspective and experience to the board-level discussions with a view to the changes needed at the higher levels of our organization. We need to look like and reflect the community we serve, and we do not. We are not diverse. We need to exhibit servant leadership in a much more obvious way instead of a great deal of bias. There are ways to incorporate voices that need to be heard until such a time that we can encourage leadership growth to the board level among our members.

What strengths do you bring to the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees?
Analytical, facilitation, moderation, educator, speaker, engager, relationship builder, finance reports, strategic planner, organizer, dedicated, passionate, devoted, motivated, humor where appropriate, 30 years of organizational leadership, respectful listener, ultimate professional, mentor, consistent, integrity and strong character.

View Linda Lawther’s campaign website or email her campaign manager Greg Smith. 

Lead, South Dakota 

MINNESOTA-DAKOTAS DISTRICT
Kiwanis Club of Lead
Kiwanis Club of MNDAK PDOA Eclub
Kiwanis Club of Eye of the Tiger eKiwanis, I-I

Biography:
My wife, Tracy, our two children, Braeden and Taylor, and I reside in the Northern Black Hills in western South Dakota. I’ve been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Lead for 16 years. I have spent 35 years as a teacher, coach and administrator. I am active on many community boards. My hobbies are travel, service, skiing, biking and hiking. My undergraduate degree is in political science, and I have a master’s degree in history and a doctorate in educational administration.  

Why did you decide to run for office?
I believe strongly in putting public service over personal ambition, and I have the skills necessary to be an effective leader in this role. I recognize that although Kiwanis does great work, there is still work to do, and I believe that we have the collective wisdom and courage to overcome our challenges.  Through hard work, innovation and commitment to our members, we can achieve anything.

What qualifies you to become an officer of Kiwanis International?
My leadership roles in Kiwanis, my employment as a teacher, coach and administrator for 35 years, and my character all qualify me for the role of Kiwanis International trustee. The ability to develop and foster positive relationships, the capacity to get things done and a commitment to honesty, integrity and tolerance are the cornerstones of leadership, which I will faithfully practice.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term in office?
I hope my greatest accomplishment as a Kiwanis International trustee is that I will be viewed as a team player who puts the organization first and addresses difficult situations and decisions with an open mind. I will show up, work hard, follow the rules and treat others well throughout my term. In doing so, I can help strengthen the legacy of Kiwanis International and assist our clubs in service, engagement and growth.

What strengths do you bring to the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees?
I will bring strong communication and problem-solving skills, a good work ethic, reliability and time management skills. In addition, I also bring a strong belief system that will guide my actions. These include being mission-driven, building positive relationships, focusing on core values, quality customer service, organizational efficiency and the recognition that change is inevitable.  

Contact Dan Leikvold’s campaign manager Carol Nitschke.