Keynote Speakers
Amy Downs
Hope is a Verb
In the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, Amy Downs was buried alive and lost 18 of her 33 co-workers. That moment sparked a life-changing transformation—from a 355-pound college dropout to Ironman finisher, MBA graduate, and CEO. In her keynote, Amy shares how adversity can fuel action, inspiring audiences to grow, adapt, and achieve.
Urs Koenig
Radical Humility
When organizations seek inspiration and results, they turn to Urs Koenig. Drawing on his experience as a UN peacekeeper, ultra-endurance athlete, and executive coach, Urs delivers his Radical Humility framework—blending research and real-world tools to help leaders build high-performing, human-center
Krystal Zellmer
Living Life Intentionally
​
Experience and Explore a Million Dollar Formula
​Krystal Zellmer, Vice President and co-owner of Klemmer & Associates, is a transformational facilitator and bestselling author of Life by Intention. She leads experiential trainings that empower purposeful growth, continuing the legacy of her father, founder Brian Klemmer. Krystal is also a dynamic speaker, podcast guest, and devoted wife and mother.
Breakout Speakers
Dave Drummond
25 Films Filmed in Washington
Dave Drummond, a veteran film location scout and manager based in Seattle, has worked with acclaimed directors like David Lynch, Richard Linklater, and Lynn Shelton. His credits include “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Twin Peaks: The Return,” “Captain Fantastic,” and “Where’d You Go, Bernadette?”. Passionate about highlighting the Northwest on screen, he often speaks on Seattle’s film history at events like the Seattle International Film Festival.
.png)
Chris Davis, M.D.
Compassion Amidst the Chaos
Over the course of a 35-year career as an Emergency Department Physician, Dr Christopher Davis has cared for over 100,000 patients. He has taught emergency medicine in the Washington DC area, the Pacific Northwest, and as guest faculty member in Laos, Bhutan, Cambodia, and Uganda. He is a Past President of Ballard Rotary. In retirement, he has written the book he always wanted to write, Compassion Amidst the Chaos.
Jeff Gross
Bridging the Gap: Leading Across Generations
Jeff Gross, owner of Gro-Nova Inc, is an author of several leadership and employee retention books. With over 20 years of experience in coaching and building high-performance teams, Jeff is passionate about empowering teams through his leadership training. His ex¬ecutive leadership experience spans small to large organizations, including Fortune 500 companies. Jeff has a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Engineering. He is also a past president of the Des Moines and Normandy Park Rotary club.
Cassie Howder
Youth Exchange: Service Through Culture
Cassie Howder’s life transformed when she joined an Interact club in high school when she went on an international service trip, earned Rotary scholarships, and helped start a Rotaract club. She became the first in her family to graduate from university, thanks to Rotary’s influence. She currently is an RI Club & District Support Officer. She has shared her Rotary story globally, including a keynote at the 2019 RI Convention in Hamburg.
Virginia McKenzie
United Against Trafficking
A long-time member of Seattle #4 Rotary and Charter President of the Rotary Club of the Pacific Northwest Ending Sex Trafficking, Virginia McKenzie is a powerful advocate for education and action. Her cause-based club is dedicated to raising awareness and driving change around human trafficking. Virginia brings a dynamic voice to Rotary’s mission of lasting impact, and her recent interview with Voices of Rotary Magazine highlights her passion and leadership (click the link to tune in).
Chris Nakea
Storytelling for Influence
Chris Nakea is a Seattle-based technologist and civic leader with over 30 years of experience in software development and digital innovation. He cofounded Our Mayberry, a platform connecting businesses and nonprofits, and serves as Co-President Elect of the Vashon Rotary Club, where he leads public image and fundraising efforts—reflecting his passion for service, storytelling, and community impact.
Bev Reed
Rotary Foundation: Igniting Impact Through Service
PDG Bev Reed is a true Servant Leader, retiring in 2018 after a 39-year YMCA career that spanned roles from Program Director to CEO, including leading a $40 million facility project in Spokane and serving as a national trainer in leadership and fundraising. She stepped into the role of Rotary District 5080 Governor and has since held key leadership positions such as PNWPETS Chair, DGE/DGN Education faculty, Big West Institute Chair, and Zone 27 Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, always dedicated to sharing innovative Rotary practices across clubs, districts, and zones.
Ty Reed
Safe Havens at Work: Supporting Mental Health and Recovery
Ty Reed is a speaker on recovery and employment whose journey—from award-winning Fortune 50 salesperson to addiction and back to stability—gives him unique insight into how substance use and the workplace intersect. He helps organizations recognize signs of employee substance abuse and implement supportive practices to retain talent. Ty also runs a nonprofit that offers career coaching to individuals recovering from addiction and homelessness, funded through his speaking and consulting work.
Shari Storm
How to Be More Happy, Productive and Influential
Shari Storm is CEO of Category 6 Consulting, where she focuses on strategy, culture, marketing, and fintech. A former Seattle credit union executive with 16 years of experience, she’s been named an Innovator of the Decade by Net.Banker and a Woman of Influence by CU Times. Her book, Motherhood is the New MBA, has sold over 20,000 copies worldwide. Shari holds degrees from the University of Washington and Seattle University.
Libby Wagner
Leading with Trust - Building Relationships That Inspire Action
Libby Wagner, the Poet Pragmatist™, is a former poetry professor turned executive advisor who blends creative insight with strategic leadership to help organizations transform culture and performance. As founder of Libby Wagner & Associates and an instructor in Rotary District 5030’s RISE leadership development program, she equips leaders to align values with action, foster courageous conversations, and drive meaningful, lasting change.