Larry’s passion for Rotary and his invitation into the family of Rotary began during his college years when, in 1982, he was selected as a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar to Australia. Larry joined Rotary in 1992, served as his club’s President in 1997-98, and as District Governor for District 6040 in Missouri in 2001-02.

He served as Rotary International Director (2013-15) and as aide to RI President Mark Daniel Maloney. In addition, he has served as zone institute chair, Rotary Public Image Coordinator, Rotary Foundation alumni coordinator, regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, training leader, International Assembly leaders’ seminar trainer, RI committee chair and member, and chair of the Rotary Peace Centers Committee of The Rotary Foundation. 

Larry currently serves as a Trustee of The Rotary Foundation for a four-year term, 2021-25.

“Bailey Farren’s year has been nothing short of remarkable. In a testament to her unwavering determination and entrepreneurial spirit, she earned a coveted spot on Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 list. Her journey to this achievement is a story of resilience and relentless hard work.

Bailey’s exceptional talent and innovation shine through her creation of a groundbreaking app that has revolutionized the way firefighters and emergency services operate in real-time. With precision and efficiency at its core, her app has become a game-changer in the field, saving lives and ensuring swift responses during critical situations.

But Bailey’s journey doesn’t stop there. She’s not only a trailblazing entrepreneur but also a symbol of grace and beauty, as she was recently crowned Miss San Francisco. Her ability to balance both brains and beauty is a testament to her multifaceted talents.

And if that wasn’t enough, love has also found its way into Bailey’s life, as she recently got engaged. This incredible year has not only been about professional achievements but also personal milestones.

Bailey Farren’s story is one of inspiration, resilience, and triumph, proving that with unwavering dedication, even the loftiest dreams can become a reality.”

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey with a speaker like no other! We are thrilled to announce that the one and only ‘Jim ‘Jumbo’ Eakins, standing tall at a remarkable 7 feet, is gracing our stage. But let us assure you, this is not your ordinary speaker.

Jim ‘Jumbo’ Eakins has a story that transcends the realm of professional basketball. Yes, he’s been a part of championship teams, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg in his incredible narrative. Beyond the courts, Jim made a choice that would change his life and impact the world.

After hanging up his basketball sneakers, Jim decided to give back to the world that had given him so much. The fellowship he had cherished for years led him on adventures that are nothing short of mesmerizing. These are tales that will captivate your heart and ignite your spirit.

But Jim’s story doesn’t end there. He’s not just a towering figure on the court; he’s also traded elbows with other great players and had the privilege of being a teammate to none other than the iconic Dr. J, Julius Erving.

Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Jim ‘Jumbo’ Eakins – a story that’s more than just a slam dunk. It’s a slam dunk for the soul, a story of triumph, inspiration, and boundless generosity, enriched by experiences alongside basketball legends. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this extraordinary experience with a giant of a man, both in stature and in heart. Reserve your seat now for an unforgettable evening with Jim ‘Jumbo’ Eakins! 🏀🌍🌟

John Petersen is the founder of Threshold Rising LLC a company focused on ‘leadership as fellowship,’ the belief that trust is the currency of relationships. Relationships are the cornerstone of teams. That philosophy is the backbone of how John goes deep with teams rather than broad to build lasting trust focused relationships to help teams fulfill amazing outcomes. Simply, trust makes the team.

The foundation of John’s keynote, “Don’t Be a Hero, Be Human”, is based on insight from elite level athletics, a successful career in leadership, and the science of relationships. Every story has a moral, and the moral of John’s story is the pursuit of helping teams achieve more together. It will be coming to the TEDx stage this winter!

In 2019, committed to testing the philosophy on teamwork, John embarked on a rowing project dubbed ‘The Impossible Row’ from Chile to Antarctica with a team of five others. The expedition set multiple world records and became the world’s first completely human powered row from South America to Antarctica across the most dangerous ocean in the world: The Drake Passage. Footage from the expedition was turned into a full length documentary by Discovery Channel.