Events

Charles Kyle

Carl Leverenz

Carl  is a practicing business and real estate lawyer in Chico, who has served on the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) since 1973 and currently serves as Chairman.  In 2018 he received the Rotary Community Service Award.

Carl will be discussing current issues before LAFCo including the Tuscan Water District, Paradise sewer, the Paradise Irrigation District and annexation of islands in the City of Chico.

Carl attended CSU Chico, graduating in 1962, and UC Boalt Hall School of Law, graduating with his JD in 1965, being admitted to the California Bar in 1966.

Fiona Ma is California’s 34th State Treasurer. California is the world’s fifth-largest economy and Treasurer Ma is the state’s primary banker.

Most recently before being elected Treasurer, she was an elected member of the California Board of Equalization from 2015 until January 2019. Treasurer Ma was a member of the State Assembly from 2006-2012, serving as Speaker pro Tempore from 2010 to 2012. From 2002-2006, she served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and championed a human rights campaign to end human trafficking in massage parlors and to close prostitution rings.

Treasurer Ma first became involved in public service in 1994 when she was elected president of the Asian Business Association, where she began advocating at San Francisco City Hall and the State Capitol on behalf of minority business owners. Also in 1995, she was appointed to the Assessment Appeals Board of San Francisco by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. That year she started her public service career as a part-time district representative for then-State Senator John Burton and served as Burton’s district representative until her election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

From 1989-93 she worked for Ernst & Whinney, in the real estate tax group, before starting her own accounting practice in San Francisco. Treasurer Ma has been a licensed CPA in California since 1992 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the Rochester Institute of Technology (NY), a Master’s Degree in Taxation from Golden Gate University (SF), and an MBA from Pepperdine University.

She is a Member of the Vatican’s Council for Inclusive Capitalism, Member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants, serves on the Board of California Women Lead, is an Honorary Chair and Spokesperson for the San Francisco Hepatitis B Free Campaign, and is a member of the Screen Actors Guild. Treasurer Ma is also active with the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST): 2020 Chair of ABLE Committee and Member of the Legislative Committee; and a member of the CalCPA society. She is married to Jason Hodge, a full-time firefighter and Oxnard Harbor Commissioner.

Christina Buck  first worked for Butte County Water and Resource Conservation as a student intern during the summers of 2005 and 2006. She returned in 2012, as the Water Resources Scientist and became Assistant Director in 2018. 

She leads projects to develop data and tools to support SGMA implementation and the development of Groundwater Sustainability Plans for the subbasins within Butte County.  Recent work includes participating in studies to better understand groundwater conditions and recharge, updates to the Butte Basin Groundwater Model, and regional coordination through the Northern Sacramento Valley Integrated Regional Water Management Plan. 

Prior to working for the County, she conducted graduate work at UC Davis participating in a variety of projects related to hydrogeology and groundwater-surface water interaction, water resources management, and field studies.

She holds a B.S. and M.S. in Hydrology from UC Davis and a Ph.D. in Hydrologic Sciences also from UC Davis.

Join Chico Rotaract on February 3rd as we welcome guest speaker Andrew Moll, Principal at Fair View High School

Principal Moll leads, supports, and encourages the students of Fair View High School as well as Oakdale School and Academy for Change.  Principal Moll will introduce us to the programs, students, struggles, and triumphs these students experience.

The basic goal of Fair View High School is to provide a positive environment where all students are encouraged by administration, teachers, staff, and parents to become life-long learners, to earn a high school diploma or its equivalent, and to be responsible members of the community.

Mark Orme

Mark Orme is proud to serve as the City of Chico’s City Manager since June 2014.  Mark is an ICMA Credentialed Manager, a prestigious recognition, which highlights his significant experience as a senior management executive in local government and his dedication to high professional and ethical standards.   With over eight years of service in Chico, Mark has now served in local government management for over twenty years .  Prior to his local government service, Mark enjoyed working at the federal level, for the House of Representatives, in Washington, DC, for Congressman Sonny Bono.  After Sonny’s untimely passing, Mark worked for Congresswoman Mary Bono, before deciding to move on in order to work in local government.  Over his numerous years in local government management, Mark has been recognized for his commitment to excellence, resulting in more recent recognitions such as:

2019 – “Chair Award” for Exemplary Service to the Chico Community from the Chico Chamber of Commerce

2016 – “Mover & Shaker Award” from the Chico Young Professionals Organization

2016 – Received the Chico Unified School District Superintendent Award of Recognition

2014 – Helen Putnam Award of Excellence (League of California Cities)

                  Community Service & Economic Development – Team Chico

2013 – CALED (California Association for Local Government) Award of Excellence

                  Economic Development Program Award of Excellence – Team Chico

2012 – “Man of the Year” Award – Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce

Mark has a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Redlands, where he spent time abroad at Cambridge University in England.  But, most of all, Mark is blessed to have a wonderful wife (Jennifer) with two thriving children (Grace, 16 and Grant, 13).

Adrienne McGraw moved to Chico in 2018 to become the Gateway Science Museum’s Executive Director. Adrienne has worked in museums for over 25 years with experience in museum education, exhibition development, community engagement and administration. Prior to coming Gateway, Adrienne chaired the Museum Studies Master’s Program at John F Kennedy University where she lead the thesis class, helping dozens of students along their academic and professional paths.

She holds an MS in Environmental Education, an MA in Museum Studies and a BA in Environmental Studies. Most recently at Gateway, she led the team in developing Fossils & Formations, a deep dive into the paleontological and geologic past of the North State. Adrienne is a 30 year vegan and is passionate about connecting people to the natural world.

Carolyn Denero has been passionately involved in the travel and tourism industry for more than a decade. Currently the CEO of Explore Butte County, Carolyn is also an active board member of California Travel Association, serves on Team Chico, and is an ex officio board member of the Chico Chamber of Commerce.

Since 2017, Carolyn has been leading Explore Butte County in supporting the organization’s mission and vision and growing the region’s travel and tourism industry. Under her leadership, the organization has executed a multi-faceted marketing plan in inspire travel to Butte County, hired 3 full time staff members, created a printed guide used as a sales tool, hosted an international familiarization group of  influencers from around the world, and partnered with a variety of events to bring people to the area.

Carolyn’s passion for travel and tourism was ignited during her tenure at the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce from 2012-2015. As the Events and Membership Coordinator, she learned about the business of small business in a tourist destination while simultaneously building visitor-serving events that drew thousands of visitors to the city multiple times a year. After that, Carolyn worked with the managing partners of Epicenter, a large-scale sports and entertainment complex in Santa Rosa, where she successfully opened this new facility from the ground up, from managing the construction to hiring hundreds of staff.

Carolyn enjoys spending time exploring Butte County with her husband, Steve, and their 2 dogs, Mud and Abby.

Linnea Hanson will be speaking about Table Mountain and the various wildflowers that can be found there in the springtime.

Linnea Hanson was hired as a botanist for the Plumas National Forest in 1979 and retired in 2011. She worked out of the Oroville Ranger Station.  Her work on the Plumas included rare plant species conservation, invasive species management  and enhancing special habitats.  She has a BA in Biological Sciences from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California and an MA in Biological Sciences from California State University, Sacramento.   

Linnea received the first National Botanist award in 1991 and traveled to Washington DC to accept the award from the Chief of the Forest Service.  In 2008, she received the first Agency Person of the Year Award from the California Native Plant Society.  She is the President of Northern California Botanists, a professional organization for botanists and is a founding board member of the Friends of the Chico State Herbarium.  She became interested in native orchids since her retirement and is now on the board of the Native Orchid Conference.  

Join Chico Rotaract on March 3rd as we welcome guest speaker Heather Howland of Business Technologies.

Heather will be discussing some important tax tips and information just in time for tax season! Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge to help you this tax season

Bio:

Heather has worked as a bookkeeper for 10 years and a tax preparer for the past 7. She is an Enrolled Agent with the IRS with an AA in Accounting. Her firm specializes in bookkeeping and payroll services for small businesses, as well as offering tax preparation services. Heather is passionate about educating young adults in managing finances, making responsible borrowing decisions, and understanding their tax situations.

Allen Harthorn completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography in 1975 with an emphasis on climatology and hydrology. In 1988, he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and in 1991 a Master of Science degree in Agriculture with an emphasis in irrigation and tree crops. Since 1995, Allen has been involved in public outreach for the protection of Spring Run Chinook Salmon (SRCS) on Butte Creek. He has attended and helped organize more than 30 conferences, workshops, and other events related to Bute Creek and salmon restoration, including a week-long Fluvial Morphology Class at UC Berkeley and numerous field trips on Butte Creek. Allen worked for the CSU Chico University Foundation from 1995 to 1999 and created and managed the Watershed Program in the Department of Geography. He wrote grants for nearly $2 million dollars in projects, including the Existing Conditions Report, Watershed Management Strategy, Upper Watershed Roads Survey, Fluvial Geomorphology, several education programs for K-12 school kids, and four grants specifically designed to acquire the 93 acre CSU Chico Ecological Reserve on Butte Creek from a private landowner.

Allen served on the boards of directors of the Northern California Regional Land Trust, 4 years, California Watershed Network, 4 years, and the Salmonid Restoration Federation, 10 years.

Allen founded and ran two separate NGO’s, The Butte Creek Watershed Conservancy and Friends of Butte Creek (FBC). He has served as Executive Director of FBC for 20 years. The primary focus of FBC has been to raise awareness of the value and importance of the SRCS on Butte Creek and has led numerous field visits for school children, residents and guests of the Butte Creek Canyon area, and virtually every agency involved in salmon protection and restoration. As Executive Director Allen has served on the committee for the relicensing of the DeSabla-Centerville Hydroelectric Project on Butte Creek from 2002 -2009 and most recently founded the Centerville Schoolhouse Working Group to address the potential sale or decommissioning of the Hydroelectric project.

FBC has been fundraising from private donations for 20 years and is finally in a position where we expected to hire staff to help work on various outreach, planning and implementation projects. FBC sponsors an annual Film Festival which attracts 300+ “Friends” every year. FBC has over 1200 followers on Facebook and Constant Contact. FBC is the only local watershed group dedicated to Butte Creek.

Butte Creek Existing Conditions Report - http://www.buttecreek.org/nodes/resources/ecr.htm

Watershed Management Strategy - http://www.buttecreek.org/documents/ButteCreekWatershedMgmtStrategy.pdf

Fluvial Geomorphology Report - http://www.buttecreek.org/documents/GM_master.pdf

Dr. David M. Hassenzahl has been dean of the College of Natural Sciences at Chico State since 2014. He sees his role as a partner with students, faculty, staff, and others around the university and in the community, providing excellent science, math, nutrition, and nursing education to serve the future of California and the world.

Among his accomplishments are a college-wide commitment to undergraduate research, a state-of-the art 112,000 square foot Science Building, and state-wide leadership in student food security. Previously, Dr. Hassenzahl was founding dean of the Falk School of Sustainability, and Chair and of the Department of Environmental Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is co-founder and past president of the Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences and a Fellow of the Society for Risk Analysis.

His work on risk analysis, uncertainty, and climate change has been supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. He is the author of numerous academic publications and several books. Prior to his academic career, he did environmental compliance work in the private and public sectors.

 Dr. Hassenzahl holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Paleontology from UC Berkeley and a Ph.D. from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs.

Bill Smith is Licensed Professional Forester that retired from the Plumas National Forest after 33 years.  He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management and worked his way up from fighting fires with the Plumas Hot Shots to Plumas Forest Silviculturist.  He supervised the planting of over 8 million trees during his career.  He currently resides in Chico, Ca.  

Visioning Session - Anita Barker

Chico Rotaract is hosting a membership social! Bring your friends who are interested in giving back to their community through service!

Do you know a future Rotarian?  Rotaract is the place for young professionals (20-35 yrs) to serve their community and hone their leadership skills.  If you know a good fit, please invite them to this free new member event to learn more.  Click the link below to register and for more information.

Click here for more info and to RSVP.

Mike Wiltermood has nearly 30 years of hospital leadership experience and has been the Chief Executive Officer at Enloe Medical Center since July 1, 2009. Prior to that, he was Enloe Medical Center’s Chief Operating Officer for two years, overseeing day-to-day operations.

Mike is the former Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of Fremont-Rideout Health Group in Yuba City, Calif. Additionally, during his career, Mike has held executive-level positions at hospitals and health systems in Arizona, Idaho and Washington.

Mike received his Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations and his Master of Science degree in health care administration from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. 

Mike is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, and currently serves as a director on the California Hospital Association Board.  He and his wife, Kelly, have four children. 

Join Chico Rotaract on April 7th as we welcome guest speaker Eric Nilsson, the Inspire School of Arts & Science Board Chairman.

As a successful example of leading your minds, Eric will be speaking to the unique culture of the Inspire leadership team.  Eric was the founding principal/superintendent for Inspire High School and currently serves on the Inspire Board.  His contributions were instrumental in developing the leadership structure that has successfully guided Inspire.

Eric Nilsson is a retired educator and community activist.  He taught at Butte College, Gridley High School, and Chico High School.  He was an Assistant Principal at Pleasant Valley High School and then became the founding principal/superintendent of Inspire School of Arts and Sciences.  He is currently serving on the Inspire Board and just joined as a board member for the Butte Environmental Council.  Eric has been married to Julia Anderson-Nilsson for 35 years plus.  They have three children, Georgia, Taylor, and Lilly, and are grateful that they all live, work, and study in Chico.

Jovanni Tricerri is one of the cofounders of the Chico Children's Museum and has been on the board from the very beginning, and is the current Board President.

Jovanni is also the Vice President of Regional Recovery and Partnerships at the North Valley Community Foundation where he has been instrumental in leading his team in helping those and their communities after disaster strikes.

Building a thriving community is central to Jovanni's mission in life.

Joe Wilson is the Vice President of PG&E's North Valley & Sierra Region.

As one of PG&E's senior leaders in the field every day, he is accountable for delivering high-quality performance to customers and ensuring the safety, availability, and reliability of regional operations. He builds strong collaborative relationships and develop solutions to operational issues based on a deep understanding of local needs.

Prior to this appointment, Wilson served as the Director for PG&E's Community Rebuild and Resilience Program. Wilson was responsible for leading the team developing and executing the community rebuild plan in the wake of the Camp Fire, North Complex Fire and other incidents. A resident of the North Valley & Sierra Region, Wilson was deeply involved in the emergency response phase of the Camp Fire incident representing PG&E as the liaison officer informing and coordinating the utility's response with Federal, State and Local agencies.

Wilson has been with PG&E since 2012 serving in various external affairs and operational roles with increasing responsibility. He has 19 years of experience in public administration and utility operations. Prior to his career at PG&E, he served as the Director of Airports and Facilities for Plumas County, and as the General Manager of the Indian Valley Community Services District, where he oversaw operations and construction related to water, wastewater, parks, fire and ambulance services.

Wilson currently is the Chair of the Workforce Investment Board of the Northern Rural Training and Employment Consortium, an 11-county Joint Powers Authority responsible for economic development and workforce training. He is also an active volunteer in the community with the Chico Noon Rotary Club. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Western Governors University.

Don was raised in Nevada County. His interest and skills in welding developed during his high school years, along with the desire to teach.
He earned his A.S. Degree in Welding Technology at Butte College. In June 1998, Don graduated from CSU Chico with a B.S. Degree in Agricultural Sciences. Upon graduation he started the credential program and received an intern teaching position at Red Bluff High School to teach Ag mechanics. Don earned his teaching credential in December of 1999. He taught such classes as Ag Mechanics, Metal Fabrication, and Farm Fabrication and Construction at Red Bluff High School until June of 2003.
In August of 2003 he accepted a position at Butte College as an instructor in the welding department. During the summer of 2004 Don earned his Masters Degree from Cal Poly. He taught as a welding instructor until February of 2018, where he was selected for a director’s position for the Industrial Technology Programs and in July of 2021 was moved to a Dean of Instruction where he oversees Industrial Technology Programs. These programs include Agricultural Business, Agricultural Engineering Technology, Agricultural Science, Automotive, Construction, Environmental Horticulture, HVAC, Manufacturing, Natural Resources, and Welding Technology.
Don has a boy, a daughter and wife that are a very big part of his life and support him tremendously.
He is also very excited to be at Butte-Glenn Community College and to face the challenges that are facing education in the future.

DARK for BURRITO BRUNCH

Eric Nilsson is the Inspire School of Arts & Science Board Chairman.  Eric was the founding principal/superintendent for Inspire High School and currently serves on the Inspire Board.  His contributions were instrumental in developing the leadership structure that has successfully guided Inspire.

Eric Nilsson is a retired educator and community activist.  He taught at Butte College, Gridley High School, and Chico High School.  He was an Assistant Principal at Pleasant Valley High School and then became the founding principal/superintendent of Inspire School of Arts and Sciences.  He is currently serving on the Inspire Board and just joined as a board member for the Butte Environmental Council.  Eric has been married to Julia Anderson-Nilsson for 35 years plus.  They have three children, Georgia, Taylor, and Lilly, and are grateful that they all live, work, and study in Chico.

Matt Jackson will lead the celebration of our honored educators from around the county.

Levi Russell

Connor _______ and Colton Bertagna from Almendra Distillery will present on Distilling.

Michelle Shover

Rotaract is taking over the meeting today, complete with their own speaker.

We will be delighted to enjoy their day.

Surprise!! Fun and interactive event for today!!

Mark Francis