Kevin addressing I-I District Convention in Springfild in August of 1995 as District Secretary.

Kevin is pictured here receiving the award for first place in Kiwanis International Foundation's annual gift giving campaign along with 1995-96 I-I Governor Richard Serch.

With his background in service leadership programs Kevin has given back to both Circle K and Key Club District Boards. He is pictured here retiring 1997-98 Circle K Governor Anne Purfield.

I-I District:
Kevin has served in numerous district positions since 1994. These positions have provided a broad base of experience to draw upon as Governor-Elect and Governor.

District Secretary:
Serving as Illinois-Eastern Iowa District Secretary in 1994-95 allowed Kevin the opportunity to serve in the district’s #2 position, introducing him to all aspects of district operations. He learned that Kiwanis on the district level requires leadership, officer education, a focus on membership development & new club building, clear and constant communication, and (above all) it has to be FUN and RELEVANT to the membership.

The 1994-95 Kiwanis year remains one of the best in recent I-I District history. The Illinois-Eastern Iowa was #1 in practically ever measurable category by Kiwanis International. The District Governor (age 29) and District Secretary (age 31) built a coalition of support from across the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District. They added a personal touch to everything that was done, remembering that Kiwanis’ focuses of community service and fellowship were paramount in importance.

Kevin feels that this experience (more than anything) has prepared him for further district leadership. He has had the opportunity to view firsthand how to do the job. In the years that have followed 1994-95, he has gained additional experience and perspective, which will be merged together to create a vision for the 2009-10 Kiwanis year.

District Chairmanships:
Since serving as District Secretary, Kevin has served in a number of other roles in the district. The assignments have given him a broad perspective regarding district operations. Here are the highlights of the last 13 years of service to the district:

• Kiwanis International Foundation Chair (1995-96) – led district to 1st place in the foundation’s annual gift campaign; utilized constant communication and visits with Lt. Governors and clubs to educate them on the benefits of donating to KIF.
• Statistical Secretary (1996-97) – responsible for grading over 300 club monthly reports, and reporting results to the district office and Governor
• Circle K District Administrator (1997-98) – lead Kiwanis advisor to the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District Circle K Board, serving as a liaison between the Kiwanis and Circle K district boards. Responsible for assisting students with event planning and financial responsibility for the college organization.
• On to International Convention Chair (1999-2000) – responsible for promotion of and district arrangements at Kiwanis International Convention in Miami Beach.
• District Treasurer (2001-02 & 2005) – responsible for reporting on actual expenses against the district budget; also served as Spastic Paralysis Research Foundation Board Treasurer.
• Finance and Long Range Planning Committee (2000-2003, Chair 2002-03) – Served a three year commitment, utilizing previous experience to review and approve district operational budget, as well as periodic checkpoints on actual spending against those budgets.
• District Committee on International Leadership Vice-Chair (2003-present) – Served as campaign operations chair for two highly successful Kiwanis International officer campaigns.
• Club Leadership Education Chair (2001-2004) – Master Trainer for three years, requiring training skills and Kiwanis knowledge to share with incoming club officers. Overall, Kevin has served as a club officer trainer for six District Governors.

Kevin has attended 28 Kiwanis, 29 Key Club, and 12 Circle K District Conventions. Attending these events has allowed him to build relationships across our district organizations, and it has also allowed him to see how various Kiwanis Governors have built relations with our Service Leadership Programs.

In 1995, Kevin received the Joseph A. Ross Award from the Circle K District Board. The award is presented annually for outstanding contributions to the Circle K Clubs in the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District.

Kevin has also been an active new club builder through the years. He has actively coordinated or participated in the building of four Kiwanis Clubs, four Key Clubs, two Builders Clubs, and one Circle K Club.

The Story Continues...