OUR LEADERSHIP
Kiwanis International is led by the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees. Trustees come from around the world and are elected at the annual Kiwanis International convention. Board members represent Kiwanis clubs, giving them a voice in the operation of the organization. Board members establish and implement the long-range plans for the organization, in addition to counseling leaders in Kiwanis districts and Service Leadership Programs.
The Board of Trustees is chaired by the Kiwanis International president, who is elected by delegates at the annual Kiwanis International convention. The president presides over all meetings of the Kiwanis International board, executive committee and Kiwanis International council. The president is Kiwanis International's primary ambassador.
Tony Gunn Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Tony Gunn of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, was elected to a two-year term at the Kiwanis Asia-Pacific Convention in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in March 2018 by delegates from the Asia-Pacific region.
Tony is a 16-year member of the Kiwanis Club of Port Phillip, has served two terms as club president, and has served as secretary and treasurer. In his district, he has served as governor, lieutenant governor and secretary. He has attended 15 Australia District conventions, and 5 international, 6 Asia-Pacific conventions and 3 other DCONs.
As his district's club opening chair, he was involved in the formation of the Kiwanis Club of Coastal Warrnambool while lieutenant governor and most recently led club opening blitzes in Cranbourne, Bendigo, Wheelers Hill and Mildura, resulting in the opening in the Kiwanis Club of Bendigo Family Hub.
Tony is a George Hixson Fellow.
In his community, Tony is a retired electrical engineer, a former school council president and a former member of Apex in Australia and Round Table in South Africa.
He and his wife, Pauline, have two children and two grandchildren.
Stan D. Soderstrom Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Stan D. Soderstrom of Indianapolis, Indiana, USA has served as the executive director for Kiwanis International and the Kiwanis Children's Fund since 2010. Kiwanis International is a worldwide service organization in more than 80 nations. His background includes global and community-based work in the public and private sectors.
A native of Amarillo, Texas, Stan earned his undergraduate degree at Texas Tech University with graduate studies at the University of Texas. He started his career at Sun Oil Company and moved into consulting on energy and corporate/association management projects. In 1992, Stan joined the Dallas Cowboys marketing team. He helped develop and launch a major retail enterprise, which coincided with the team's 1990s Super Bowl championship runs.
A shift to the not-for-profit world came in 1997, when Stan joined the staff of Kiwanis International. He has held several positions within the organization and is also an active club member, giving him a unique, guiding perspective.
Stan serves as the CASA, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Indiana, immediate past chairman of the board of the Heartland International Film Festival, board member for the Iodine Global Network, an elder at Zionsville Presbyterian Church, and a member of the Kiwanis Club of Zionsville.
Stan and his wife, Misty, reside in Indianapolis and have two children; a daughter who is a theme park design artist/cosplay fashionista, and a son who is a U.S. Marine.
One of Stan's priorities is to develop fresher, more personalized models to attract and shape the next generation of Kiwanians and youth leaders. He operates with a belief: "True leaders don't create followers...they create more leaders...no matter the age."
Ronald E. Smith Fountain Hills, Arizona, United States
Ron Smith of Fountain Hills, Arizona, United States, was elected to a three-year term as trustee of Kiwanis International in June 2018 at the 103rd Annual Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas.
Ron is a member of the Downtown Scottsdale (Arizona) Young Professionals Club and Payson Dream Catchers Internet Club. He was named Kiwanian of the Year by the Downtown Scottsdale Young Professionals Kiwanis Club. He has served as president of the Fountain Hills, Payson Dream Catchers and Downtown Scottsdale Young Professionals clubs, and has served seven terms as both club secretary and treasurer. He has served as a Key Club advisor, a CKI administrator and a K-Kids advisor.
At the district level, Ron has served as governor and has twice served as distinguished lieutenant governor. He also had served four years as a trustee of Kiwanis International Children's Fund. He has opened seven (9) clubs and sponsored more than 200 members to Kiwanis.
He is a George Hixson Fellow and a Hixson Ambassador, holds a Ruby K and received a Legacy Circle from The Formula for new club openers. He has attended 12 international conventions and 19 district conventions and has served on several international committees for The Eliminate Project. And Ron is a Zeller Fellow and a fulfilled Major Donor for the Eliminate Project.
In his community, Ron is a member of the 2013 class for the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, is a member of the Marine Corps Association, and is a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Vietnam Veterans. This past year from June 1st, 2018 to May 31st, 2019 - Ron served as the Post Commander of a 200 member VFW Post in Arizona. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam for two and a half years. He is a retired United States government executive officer and currently an adjunct professor at a local Community college. He received the Gallatin Award from the U.S. Department of the Treasury for 28 years of distinguished service and was recognized by the U.S. Ambassador to Latvia for enhancing global border security. He was the first American citizen to receive the Latvian Civilian Medal of Honor. He holds an Associate of Arts Degree, a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Criminal Justice Degree.
Ron's wife, Joanne, is a recently retired registered nurse. She is a member/director of the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Scottsdale Young Professionals, and member/director/Children's Fund Chairman for the Kiwanis Club of Payson Dream Catchers.
Ron and Joanne are members of the Kiwanis Children's Fund Founders Circle and fulfilled Major Donors in the Eliminate Project.
The Smith's have two children and three grandchildren.
Richard "Dick" Olmstead Lancaster, California, USA
Richard G. "Dick" Olmstead Jr., Lancaster, California, USA, was elected to a three-year term as a trustee of Kiwanis International in July 2017 at the 102nd Annual Kiwanis International Convention in Paris, France.
Dick has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Palmdale West for 25 years and is a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Rosefloat of Pasadena. He is a former member of the Kiwanis Club of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and has also been a member of Kiwanis clubs in Newhall-Saugus, Burbank and Lancaster, California. Dick has been a Kiwanis member for a total of 39 years.
A former president of the California-Nevada-Hawaii (CNH) District Foundation, he has received the Rose Float Medallion and the 50th Year Commemorative Medallion. He is a Walter Zeller charter member, a Diamond Level George F. Hixon Fellow and a CNH Tablet of Honor recipient.
Dick has been a certified trainer since 1985. His philanthropy includes being a charter member of Champions for Children and Dee's Champions and is a donor to the CNH Foundation Core Values Circle. He is a sponsor of Palmdale West Paisano's & Pasta and the Palmdale West Rubber Duck Race.
Dick served as president of three Kiwanis clubs and as governor and lieutenant governor. He was honored as Kiwanian of the Year three times and has 39 years of perfect attendance. He has been a distinguished secretary and received the Distinguished Service Award three times. He is an advisor to three Key Clubs and one Builders Club.
Dick has attended 30-plus district conventions, 40-plus mid-year conventions and is a CNH life member. He has served as division secretary and has been chairman and member of the CNH finance and administration committees. He established a club counselor program in his CNH District and provided training for those who were selected as counselors and helped save clubs and open new clubs. He helped start the Palmdale Aerospace Academy Key Club.
He is a graduate of the University of Wyoming, received a master's degree from Pepperdine University and an MBA from Woodbury University. He is retired from the United States Navy and is a retired aerospace program manager.
Dick is a certified professional manager through the National Management Association. He also is a member of the American Legion and the Palmdale School District Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) Advisory Board. He is a volunteer for the city of Palmdale and the Antelope Valley Wall, a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial. He received the Lockheed Martin NOVA Award for Full Spectrum Leadership.
He and his wife Cheryl have three adult children and seven grandchildren. Dick enjoys golf, snow skiing and spending time with his grandchildren.
Peter J. Mancuso North Bellmore, New York, USA
Peter Mancuso of North Bellmore, New York, USA, was elected to a one-year term as president-elect of Kiwanis International and will serve as president during the 2021-22 Kiwanis year. He was elected during a July special meeting held in lieu of the 2020 Kiwanis International Convention. Peter was first elected as a member of the board of trustees in 2016.
Peter has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow for 33 years. He is a past president of the Kiwanis Children's Fund, which was then known as the Kiwanis International Foundation. He served as distinguished governor of the New York District in the 2003-04 administrative year and distinguished lieutenant governor from 1996-97. Peter is also a past distinguished president of his club. He has been honored as Kiwanian of the Year by his club and division. Peter has chaired numerous clubs, district and international committees on outreach, growth, finance and leadership, among others.
He is a Diamond Level George F. Hixson Fellow; Diamond Level Walter Zeller Fellow; and Centennial Award and Table of Honor recipient. He holds Life Member status and belongs to the Kiwanis Children's Fund Heritage Society and Kiwanis Leadership Society.
Peter is employed as an assistant district attorney, assigned to the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes. He earned his B.S. in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and his law degree from the Cornell University Law School. He is a past president of the Nassau County, NY Bar Association; past president of the East Meadow, NY Chamber of Commerce; and past president of the MIT Club of Long Island. Peter is also a past dean of the Nassau Academy of Law.
Peter and his wife Karen have two adult children, Stephen and Cathy, and two grandchildren, Sam and Henry. In his free time, Peter likes to exercise, read, watch movies and sports and listen to old time radio.
Kulwant S. "Sam" Sekhon Sandy Hook, Manitoba, Canada
Sam Sekhon of Sandy Hook, Manitoba, Canada, was elected to a three-year term as trustee of Kiwanis International in August 2017 at the Western Canada District Convention in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Sam has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Gimli and District for 10 years and has served as club president. He has been honored as Kiwanian of the year and has received the Mel Osborne Award.
At the district level, Sam served as governor and distinguished lieutenant governor. He was named World's Best Kiwanian by 2015-16 Kiwanis International President Sue Petrisin and was twice awarded the platinum medal from The Formula. He also holds a Ruby K Award for recruiting 250 new members.
He has been involved in opening five Kiwanis clubs and has been a club opener for The Formula. He has participated in three club opening blitzes.
In his community, Sam was honored by the Manitoba Legislature twice and the mayor of Gimli. He is retired.
He and his wife, Terry, have two children and two grandchildren.
Katrina Baranko Albany, Georgia, USA
Katrina Baranko of Albany, Georgia, United States, was elected to a three-year term as trustee of Kiwanis International in June 2018 at the 103rd Annual Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas.
As Trustee, Katrina has served on the Membership Committee, the Service and Partnership Committee and as Vice Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee.
Katrina has been a member of Kiwanis for 27 years and served the Kiwanis Club of Albany as distinguished president and secretary. She also has served as membership chair and as a member of the board of directors. At the district level, Katrina was a distinguished governor, lieutenant governor, a member of the finance committee and has been parliamentarian. She also is a Certified Club Leadership Trainer and has presented at three international conventions. She has received the district Leadership Medallion and has served as chair of the Past District Governor's Association, as well as chair of the District Convention, the Training and Education Committee and the Youth Services Committee.
She is a George F. Hixson Fellow and a Walter Zeller Fellow. Katrina was The Formula chair for the Southeast Area and the Georgia District.
In her community, Katrina has been a member of the boards of directors of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, Liberty House, March of Dimes and the Albany Technical College Foundation. She has served as past chair of Lee County Heart Association and past president of Lee County Association of Educators and Women in Network. She is past district director of Georgia Association of Educators. She was a finalist for Small Business of the Year and was named Junior Women's Club Family of the Year, Georgia Business Teacher of the Year and Future Business Leaders of America Advisor of the Year. She is the owner of Merle Norman Cosmetics and Gifts in Albany, Georgia.
She holds a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Georgia and a master's degree in education from Georgia State University.
She and her husband, David, have one son, daughter-in-law and one grandson.
Arthur N. Riley Westminster, Maryland, USA
Arthur "Art" Riley of Westminster, Maryland, USA, was elected president of Kiwanis International and will begin his term on Oct. 1, 2020. He was elected during a Kiwanis International council meeting held in lieu of the annual Kiwanis International Convention. He was first elected to the board of trustees in July 2014.
Art's dedication to Kiwanis began in 1956 during travel with his father to the Kiwanis International Convention in San Francisco, California. That experience gave him an initial view of the Kiwanis world that resulted in his involvement in many Kiwanis activities. Official service in the Kiwanis family began as a member of Key Club and has continued as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Westminster, Maryland, where he has served for 39 years, including many leadership positions. Additionally, he is a member of the Centennial Internet Club and the Kiwanis Club of State Line, Maryland. Art's leadership has also been demonstrated as a Key Club lieutenant governor and numerous positions within the Capital District, culminating as governor in 2007-2008.
During his tenure on the Kiwanis International Board, Art has served as counselor to 12 Kiwanis districts and traveled to more than 30 districts. Additionally, Art and his wife, Vickie, participated in a site visit to Cambodia for The Eliminate Project, in conjunction with UNICEF. Serving on Board committees has resulted in Art's passion for recognizing and fulfilling the Kiwanis mission of serving children, strengthening Kiwanis through expanded service and partnership development, improving the Kiwanis image worldwide and expanding international understanding.
Art's recent Kiwanis duties include service as board chair of Kiwanis Youth Programs, chairing the board committee on Public Relations, Image and Marketing, and serving as a member of the executive committee and board committee on Membership and Education. He has also served as a member of the Kiwanis Children's Fund Board of Trustees.
Art has received Diamond Level George F. Hixson Fellowship and Diamond Level Walter Zeller Fellowship honors. He and Vickie are Major Gift donors and members of the Founders Circle.
Outside of Kiwanis, Riley has managed pharmacy practices for more than 45 years. His wife, a retired elementary school teacher, is a former president of the Kiwanis Club of Westminster. They have three adult children and three grandchildren. Riley's extended family is also involved in Kiwanis in a variety of positions. Riley is active in his community, including service as a lay speaker at his church. He has published a book entitled "At the Foot of the Cross."
James M. Rochford Peoria, Illinois, USA
James "Jim" Rochford served as president of the board of trustees of Kiwanis International from October 1, 2017, to September 30, 2018, and immediate past president from October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2019. Due to the untimely death of 2018-19 President Florencio C. "Poly" Lat, Rochford was appointed to the 2019-20 Kiwanis International Board as immediate past president.
Rochford was elected to the one-year term as president of Kiwanis International during the 102nd Annual Kiwanis International Convention in Paris. He has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Peoria, Illinois, for 36 years, where he has served as club president. During his time with Kiwanis, he has personally invited 1,500 new members to the service club and has opened 105 new Kiwanis clubs.
Kiwanis International is a global service organization with more than 700,000 members, all dedicated to helping children in their communities and in communities around the world. Kiwanis clubs sponsor youth leadership programs for students in elementary, middle and high schools, and at colleges and universities, by giving students the opportunity to learn valuable leadership skills while performing volunteer services.
Rochford has served in Kiwanis district leadership roles and has been an advisor for high school Key Clubs and Kiwanis university-level Circle K clubs. Within Kiwanis, Rochford is a certified trainer and is a George F. Hixson and a Walter Zeller fellow.
Outside of Kiwanis, Rochford has been Tri-County Citizen of the Year, has received the JC Penney/Golden Rule Award and is a past president of the Peoria Jaycees. He is founder and president of the Peoria Irish AAU basketball program.
Rochford, an attorney, and his wife, Debra, have two daughters, one son and four grandchildren.
Gunnsteinn Björnsson Sauðárkróki, Iceland
Gunnsteinn Björnsson, Sauðárkróki, Iceland, was elected as trustee of Kiwanis International at the European Federation convention in Reykjavik, Iceland, in May 2019, by delegates from Europe. He has been a member of Kiwanis for 19 years.
Gunnsteinn is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Saudarkrokur-Drangey, where he has served two terms as president and secretary. He has served as The Formula Chair and was a member of a convention committee. He is a former lieutenant governor and governor, former chair of the Public Relations Committee and was a member of the Public Relations Committee of the Kiwanis International-European Federation.
He is a graduate of the agricultural university Hólar Iceland and received a Tanning technician certification in 1992. He is chief executive officer of Atlantic Leather, where he has been marketing and branding a new type of leather.
He is a member of and has served in leadership positions in a local political party.
Gunnsteinn was an elected member of the municipality of Skagafjördur from 2014 to 2018; was chairman of employment culture and served on the promotional committee. He is now chairman of the board of Fjölbrautaskoli Nordurlands Vestra school, to which he was appointed by the Minister of Education in 2016.
He and his wife, Sigríður Ingunn (Sigga) Káradóttir, have four children and four grandchildren. She is a charter member and current president of the Kiwanis Club of Freyja Saudárkrókur.
Greg Beard Alexandria, Louisiana, USA
Greg Beard of Alexandria, Louisiana, USA, was elected to a three-year term as a trustee of Kiwanis International in July 2017 at the 102nd Annual Kiwanis International Convention in Paris, France.
Greg is a 23-year member of the Kiwanis Club of Alexandria, Louisiana. He is also a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of eLaMissTenn, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, internet club. Greg is an alumni member of Builders Club, Key Club and Circle K.
Greg holds Life Member status. He is a Diamond Level George F. Hixson Fellow and a Hixson Ambassador, a Diamond Level Walter Zeller Charter Fellow, a Centennial Award and a recipient of the Tablet of Honor. He is a member of the International Founders Circle and is a major gift donor to The Eliminate Project.
Greg is a past chairman of the Formula-USA Region 2 and past co-chair of the Lead and Major Gifts Committee of The Eliminate Project. He has also participated in an Eliminate Project site visit to Madagascar.
Greg served as the Elections Chair for the 2016 Kiwanis International Convention in Toronto, Canada. He served as a distinguished governor in 2011-12 for the Louisiana-Mississippi-West Tennessee District, a distinguished lieutenant governor in 2009-10 and a distinguished club president in 2007-08.
Greg is a district facilitator/instructor for club leadership education. He is also a John T. Roberts Fellow, a River of Life Fellow, and a recipient of his district's Tablet of Honor. Greg has been Kiwanian of the Month and has received the President's Appreciation Award for Outstanding Service to Sponsored Youth and the Distinguished Leadership Service Award.
Greg is a Louisiana state district court judge, being elected in 2014. He earned his bachelor's degree in general studies from Louisiana State University and his juris doctor/law degree from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge.
Greg and his wife, Lisa, have one adult son, Tyler. He enjoys scuba diving, skeet shooting, horseback riding and do-it-yourself projects around the house.
David W. Hurrelbrink Kansas City, Kansas
David W. Hurrelbrink, Kansas City, Kansas, United States, was elected to a three-year term as trustee of Kiwanis International in June 2019 at the 104th Annual Kiwanis International Convention in Florida. He has been a member of Kiwanis for 28 years.
Dave is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Kansas City West, the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa 2.0 and the Centennial Internet Club. He is a former club president. He is the current membership chair for his club.
Dave is a former governor, lieutenant governor and co-chair of a large district fundraiser. He is a George F. Hixson, Walter Zeller Fellow, and Tablet of Honor recipient among other awards.
Dave is current chair of the Wyandotte County Park Foundation; a past chair and member of the Unified Government Planning and Zoning Commission and a past member of the Wyandotte County Park Board.
A semi-retired business owner, David earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics from Kansas State University.
His wife, Pat, is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Kansas City West, where she has served as president and is the current secretary. She is a past lieutenant governor. They have two children and four grandchildren.
George Delisle Westfield, Massachusetts, USA
George R. Delisle of Westfield, Massachusetts, United States, was elected to a three-year term as trustee of Kiwanis International in June 2018 at the 103rd Annual Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas.
George is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Westfield where he has served as distinguished president and membership chair. He was named Westfield Kiwanian of the Year. In his district, he holds the New England District Red Jacket, is a member of the John Morton Society and has served as governor and a distinguished lieutenant governor. He served as The Formula vice-chair and is a club opener for the New England and Bermuda District.
George is also charter secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Northampton (Massachusetts), and is a member of the Centennial Internet club of Pennsylvania.
He has twice been awarded the New England District of Key Club's Key of Honor and received the New England Circle K International Tim Daly and Chester Bogushas Awards. He is a Walter Zeller Fellow.
In his community, George is retired from the newspaper business where he was a reporter, editor, columnist, office manager and information technology specialist. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts.
He and his wife, Geana, have three adult children.
Daniel Vigneron Howald, Luxembourg
Daniel Vigneron of Howald, Luxembourg, is immediate past president. He served as president during the 2019-20 administrative year.
Daniel has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Vielsalm for 33 years and has served as club president twice. He served as Kiwanis International-European Federation president and is a former Kiwanis International trustee. He has also served as governor of the Belgium-Luxembourg District.
He is a George F. Hixon Fellow and a Walter Zeller Fellow.
Daniel is a technical manager for a real estate company. He holds a master's degree in economics from the University of Liege.
Daniel's wife, Faby Gregoire, is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Bastogne. They have three children and four grandchildren.
Gary "Coop" Cooper Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA
Gary "Coop" Cooper, Fayetteville, North Carolina, United States, was elected to a three-year term as trustee of Kiwanis International in June 2019 at the 104th Annual Kiwanis International Convention in Disney World. He has been a member of Kiwanis for 24 years.
Coop is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville and the Centennial Internet Club. He is a former club president, lieutenant governor, governor and district trustee.
Coop also has served as president of the Carolinas District Kiwanis Foundation, Aktion Club assistant District administrator, Aktion Club and Builders Club advisor, and has been a Past District Governors Council Chair. He is the chair of the Boys & Girls Children's Homes committee.
He is a George F. Hixson and Walter Zeller fellow.
Coop is a past board member of the Cumberland County Partnership For Children; past president of Mortgage Bankers Associations in Fayetteville, Greensboro and Raleigh; is an honorary member of the 82nd Airborne Division and a participant at the Air Force War College (as civilian); was an Honorary Commandant of the USAF Combat Control School; is a current member of the High Point University Board of Visitors and a former chair and president of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from High Point University and is a mortgage banker.
He and his wife, Debbie, who is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville, have two children, Gary Jr. and Paul, and two grandchildren, Tate and Maddie.
Chian Chu-Ching Taichung City, Taiwan
"George" Chu-Ching Chian of Taichung City, Taiwan, was previously elected as a trustee of Kiwanis International in March 2016 at the Kiwanis Asia-Pacific Conference in Taichung City, Taiwan by delegates from Asia-Pacific. After completion of his three-year term, he was appointed for an additional one-year term as trustee by the Kiwanis International Board for the 2019-20 administrative year.
George has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Hsitun for 23 years.
George is a Charter Walter Zeller Fellow and a George F. Hixson Fellow Diamond 40, supporting the Kiwanis International Foundation and The Eliminate Project: Kiwanis eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus and is a Major gift donor. He is a life member and received the Kiwanis International Foundation Eagle Award in 1999. George is also a charter board member of the Taiwan Kiwanis Children's Foundation.
George was Taiwan District governor in the 2012-13 administrative year and lieutenant governor from 2002-03. He is a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Hsitun and a past district treasurer.
George is retired and a full time Kiwanian. He is also active in other charitable associations in Taiwan.
George has two children and one grandchild. He enjoys traveling, making new friends, documentary reading and antiques collection.
Ernest Schmid Einode, Austria
Ernest Schmid, Villach/Carinthia, Austria, was elected to a three-year term as a trustee of Kiwanis International during the July 2017 103rd Annual Kiwanis International Convention in Paris, France.
Ernest has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Lentia for two years. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Villach Santicum for 15 years.
He has served as president of the Kiwanis International-European Federation (KI-EF) and has also served as club president, lieutenant governor, and governor.
He has been a Life Member since 2011 and is founder of the Kiwanis club of Klagenfurt-Wörthersee and Kiwanis Club of Triquetra. He served as chairman of Kiwanis Day since 2010 and has been chairman of International Relations since 2012. He also has been chairman of the Kiwanis International Foundation and a member of the KI-EF Board. He also has been a district coordinator for The Eliminate Project and was a former member of the KI Growth Committee Europe.
Ernest has participated in 18 Austria District conventions, eight KI-EF conventions and six Kiwanis International Conventions.
He holds a doctor of philosophy in educational science from the University of Klagenfurt, Austria, and is an insurance broker.
Ernest and his wife, Elke, have one child. He enjoys Kiwanis, ski-touring, swimming, cycling, running and standup paddleboarding.
Charles "Chuck" Gugliuzza Homestead, Florida, USA
Charles "Chuck" Gugliuzza, Homestead, Florida, USA, was elected to a three-year term as trustee of Kiwanis International in July 2017 at the 102nd Annual Kiwanis International Convention in Paris, France.
Chuck has been a member of the Homestead/South Dade Kiwanis Club for 17 years.
He is a George F. Hixon Fellow, a Walter Zeller Fellow and is a member of the Tablet of Honor. He is a member of the Kiwanis Children's Fund Founder's Circle and has ridden on the Rose Parade Kiwanis Float. He holds The Eliminate Project Centennial Award, The Eliminate Project Recognition Award and along with his wife, Emilia, is a major donor of The Eliminate Project. He also is an Eliminate Project District Advocate and participated in a site visit to Senegal for The Eliminate Project.
Chuck has served as a distinguished club president and has been Kiwanian of the Year. He has been a distinguished lieutenant governor and governor and holds the Florida District Honorary Lifetime Award.
He has received the Florida Key Club Key of Honor Award. He has attended 16 district conventions - missing only the 2017 district convention as he was attending the New England & Bermuda District district convention at the same time - and has served as a Formula Team Counselor. He is a Ralph Davis Fellow, Diamond Level, and a Robert W. Thal Lifetime Sustaining Member Fellow. He and his wife, Emilia, also have funded a perpetual US$1,000 annual CKI scholarship.
Chuck has worked with the Formula & Eye of the Tiger teams to open numerous new clubs. He continues to sponsor new members each year into Kiwanis, and is a charter member of the Pinecrest / Palmetto Bay Club - and - Centennial EClub that he helped to open.
Outside of Kiwanis, Chuck is a business owner with interests in accounting and property management. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and Toastmasters. He received the Homestead/South Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award, the Homestead City Council Community Service and Kindness Award and is a past board member and director of the Chamber of Commerce.
He is a graduate of Moravian College and holds an MBA from Seton Hall University.
With his wife Emilia, he has organized a Holiday Santa Program that provides gifts to more than 10,000 children in South Florida and Colombia. Chuck plays Santa every year and his wife is Mrs. Claus. He also enjoys reading, travel and of course, community service.
Elio Garozzo Catania, Italy
Elio Garozzo of Catania, Italy, was elected to a three-year term as trustee of Kiwanis International in May 2018 in Baveno, Italy, by delegates from Europe.
Elio has been a member of the Kiwanis since 1992. He is currently a member of the Kiwanis Club of Catania Est and previously a member of the Kiwanis Club of Catania-Centro. He has served two terms as club president.
In his district, Elio served one term as a distinguished governor and one term as lieutenant governor. He is a recipient of the Tablet of Honor. He has served as a member of the Kiwanis International Youth Service Committee and has been European Coordinator of Kiwanis Junior Districts. He also has been a member of the International Committee for Service Leadership Programs.
He has opened new clubs and brought new members to Kiwanis. He was honored at the 101st Annual Kiwanis International Convention in Toronto for the third-highest growth in a district.
In his community, he is a member of the Worldwide Salesian ex Alumni Organization; a member of FAI, an organization for the protection of Italian heritage sites; and is a member of the National History Society. He is an alternative dispute resolution expert and is accredited by the Ministry of Justice, working in mediation, arbitration and conciliation.
He and his wife, Jitka, have two sons.
Charles "Chuck" Gugliuzza Homestead, Florida, USA
Charles "Chuck" Gugliuzza, Homestead, Florida, USA, was elected to a three-year term as trustee of Kiwanis International in July 2017 at the 102nd Annual Kiwanis International Convention in Paris, France.
Chuck has been a member of the Homestead/South Dade Kiwanis Club for 17 years.
He is a George F. Hixon Fellow, a Walter Zeller Fellow and is a member of the Tablet of Honor. He is a member of the Kiwanis Children's Fund Founder's Circle and has ridden on the Rose Parade Kiwanis Float. He holds The Eliminate Project Centennial Award, The Eliminate Project Recognition Award and along with his wife, Emilia, is a major donor of The Eliminate Project. He also is an Eliminate Project District Advocate and participated in a site visit to Senegal for The Eliminate Project.
Chuck has served as a distinguished club president and has been Kiwanian of the Year. He has been a distinguished lieutenant governor and governor and holds the Florida District Honorary Lifetime Award.
He has received the Florida Key Club Key of Honor Award. He has attended 16 district conventions - missing only the 2017 district convention as he was attending the New England & Bermuda District district convention at the same time - and has served as a Formula Team Counselor. He is a Ralph Davis Fellow, Diamond Level, and a Robert W. Thal Lifetime Sustaining Member Fellow. He and his wife, Emilia, also have funded a perpetual US$1,000 annual CKI scholarship.
Chuck has worked with the Formula & Eye of the Tiger teams to open numerous new clubs. He continues to sponsor new members each year into Kiwanis, and is a charter member of the Pinecrest / Palmetto Bay Club - and - Centennial EClub that he helped to open.
Outside of Kiwanis, Chuck is a business owner with interests in accounting and property management. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and Toastmasters. He received the Homestead/South Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award, the Homestead City Council Community Service and Kindness Award and is a past board member and director of the Chamber of Commerce.
He is a graduate of Moravian College and holds an MBA from Seton Hall University.
With his wife Emilia, he has organized a Holiday Santa Program that provides gifts to more than 10,000 children in South Florida and Colombia. Chuck plays Santa every year and his wife is Mrs. Claus. He also enjoys reading, travel and of course, community service.
2019-20 KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
