Rockwall Noon Rotary Club inducts incoming board for 2025-2026 year

Rockwall Noon Rotary Board 2025-2026

Rockwall, TX (July 15, 2025) – On June 26, 2025, the Rockwall Noon Rotary Club celebrated a milestone as club president Darby Nielsen passed the gavel to new president, Kenda Culpepper. The annual installation welcomed the new board and celebrated the conclusion of a highly successful year. The transition, which marked the club’s 85^th year of “Service Above Self”, was held at Rotary Hall and attended by fellow Rotarians, guests, and community supporters.

Highlighting the Year in Review

Rockwall Noon Rotary 2024-2025 recognized for an outstanding year of “Service Above Self”

The event kicked off with Nielsen expressing her gratitude to the 2024/2025 board, who helped make her “job exceptionally easy this year” recording a successful and impactful year of accomplishments.

Reflecting on the past year, Nielsen spoke of strengthened partnerships with the Rockwall Breakfast Rotary, Royse City Rotary Club, and Rotary Foundation in addition to their continued service and support of great organizations, North Texas Food Bank, Shoes for Kids, and Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County, amongst others. Nielsen highlighted the club’s focus on mentoring and supporting today’s youth with continued development of Rockwall High School Interact Club, the awarding of over $100,000 to Rockwall ISD graduates, and recognition of numerous Students of Honor in elementary and middle school grades. Always known for shining the spotlight on those who serve our community, the Club once again held a First Responders awards ceremony in appreciation for fostering a safe and healthy community.

Nielsen added recognition of two very generous members who donated to the Endowment Fund – John & Janie Curtis and Tom Norris.

With all the success of the past year, Nielsen gave credit to the Rotarians themselves, who truly “put service above self in every action,” adding how honored she is to have served as president amongst those who have made Rockwall Noon Rotary what it is today.

Recognizing Outstanding RotariansWith the recognition of Perfect Attendance, Nielsen concluded with the announcement of additional awards:

Stacy Massar awarded Service Above Self award by Darby Nielsen

Service Above Self Award awarded to Stacy Massar, for her “commitment to developing young leaders and tireless dedication to meaningful projects that define Service Above Self.”

Darby Nielsen awards Harold Snyder with the Star Award

Star Award awarded to Harold Snyder, “the quiet powerhouse behind each meeting, who puts in too many hours to count, and who always show up for whatever the club needs.”

Noel and Sherry Williams receive the President’s Award for the 2024-2025 year

President’s Award awarded to Noel and Sherry Williams, “who while newer members, eagerly jump in with both feet and willing hearts to serve at every event.”

Greg Blair named Rotarian of the Year by Darby Nielsen

Kayne Pierce named Rotarian of the Year by Darby Nielsen

Naming two Rotarian(s) of the Year, Nielsen recognized Greg Blair, who spends many hours managing Rotary Hall and taking the lead on sponsorships and serving at the heart of what the Rotary mission stands for. Also awarding the honor to Kayne Pierce, Treasurer, for his leadership, patience, and steady hand behind the numbers. Noting his reassuring voice behind the decision-making with wisdom, clarity, and when needed, a hint of concern.

New Board and Committee Chairs Installed

Jeff Shell, who stepped into the role of administering the oaths upon the passing of the beloved Pete Snider, led the induction of 2025/2026 Board Members following a moment of silence in Pete’s honor.

The Incoming board includes:

Kenda Culpepper – President
Darby Nielsen – Immediate Past President
Kayne Pierce – President-Elect
Mary Liechty – Secretary
Kevin Fowler – Treasurer
Tim Hartley – Sergeant at Arms
Lorne Liechty, Jeff Shell, Brian Williams – Directors at Large
Alma McLintock – Club Service
Gerald Hendrick, Michael Rohlf – Community Service
John Curtis, Raymond Jowers, Curtis Schaibly – International Service
James Braaten, Stacy Massar – Youth Service
Christopher Steinsholt – Rotary International Foundation
Barbara Wilks – Membership
Mitch Ownby, Stan Britton – Programs
Richard Redig – Public Relations
Shane Hollas, Mark Kipphut – Fundraising
Dustin Ray, Leslie Johnson – Vocational Service

Passing the GavelIncoming president, Kenda Culpepper, included her own appreciation to join the list of leaders who have made Rockwall Noon Rotary a premier service organization in the community.

Congratulating Nielsen and the previous board, Culpepper addressed the solid foundation that provides an opportunity to move forward and continue to create change.

Excited about the upcoming year, Culpepper outlined some of her goals and priorities for the coming year under the theme “Unite for Good”:

Build community awareness about Rockwall Noon Rotary Club
Improve processes, including membership and communications.
Expand scope of and increase involvement in service projects.
Continue collaboration with fellow clubs, in service and social connection.
Enhance programs, including education.

As Culpepper takes the reins, her focus on unity and communications will help guide the club in creating meaningful change locally and internationally. The Rockwall Noon Rotary Club once again looks forward to a year of inspiring “Service Above Self.”