District Governor Patricia Chapman announces a new leadership team focused on helping clubs tell their stories, engage their communities, and expand their impact.
Rotary District 5030 is introducing a new approach to Public Image, bringing together a leadership team and a coordinated strategy designed to help clubs increase their visibility, strengthen community relationships, and create new opportunities for service and membership growth.
On Thursday, November 5, District Governor Patricia Chapman introduced the District’s new Public Image leadership team and outlined a model built around three interconnected pillars: Public Image Leadership, Promotion & Storytelling, and Engagement.
The new approach recognizes that effective public image goes beyond simply promoting Rotary’s accomplishments. It’s about helping clubs share the impact of their service, invite more people to participate, and develop relationships with businesses and community partners who share Rotary’s commitment to making a difference.
Most importantly, the new structure is designed to provide practical support to clubs while encouraging greater collaboration and sharing of ideas throughout the District.
Meet the New Public Image Leadership Team
Nadja Vol Ochs Wilson — District Public Image Chair
Nadja brings experience in nonprofit leadership, technology, creative communications, and community building to her new role leading District 5030’s Public Image Committee.
She currently serves as Executive Director of Vashon Wilderness Program, where she supports nature immersion experiences that foster curiosity, belonging, and connection among children, teens, and families.
A member of the Rotary Club of Vashon and former member and treasurer of the Rotary Club of Duvall, Nadja understands the importance of building meaningful relationships through service.
Her background in technology, nonprofit management, and the arts shapes her approach to public image, which emphasizes authentic storytelling, accessible communication tools, and collaboration.
In her recent article, “Helping Rotary’s Stories & Projects Take Flight,” Nadja shared her vision of helping clubs tell the stories behind their service and inspiring others to become involved.
As District Public Image Chair, Nadja will coordinate the committee’s efforts, build on the work already underway, and help clubs find effective ways to share their stories and connect with their communities.
Caleb Summerfelt — Director of Promotion & Storytelling
Caleb brings extensive Rotary leadership experience and professional communications expertise to his role as Director of Promotion & Storytelling.
He currently serves as Rotary Public Image Coordinator for Zone 27 and is a Past District Governor of District 5020, having served during the 2023–2024 Rotary year.
Caleb is also the founder and creator of Uniting Through Service (UTS), an international storytelling and news platform launched in 2026 to showcase service projects, achievements, and community impact across Rotary clubs, districts, and zones.
His experience in branding, design, digital media, and communications reflects a commitment to helping Rotary share its accomplishments with broader audiences.
As Director of Promotion & Storytelling, Caleb will help clubs promote their projects and events, develop compelling stories, and use effective communication channels to increase awareness of Rotary throughout the District and beyond.
His focus is on making it easier for clubs to share the important work they are doing and inspire others to become part of it.
Chris Nakea — Director of Engagement
Chris brings more than four decades of experience in technology, broadcasting, entrepreneurship, and community service to his role as District 5030’s Director of Engagement.
His career includes architecting technology solutions for organizations such as Microsoft, Xerox, Time Warner, Clear Channel, Harvard Business School Publishing, and UW Medicine. He also pioneered early interactive streaming as founder of Cyber Station and New Media Broadcasting in the 1990s and hosted Connected, a nationally syndicated technology radio program.
Chris currently serves as President of the Rotary Club of Vashon and Vice Chair of the Alzheimer’s Dementia Rotary Action Group (ADRAG), where he also directs the Global Advocates Program.
Through new technology, engagement strategies, and organizational development, Chris has helped ADRAG become one of the fastest-growing Rotary Action Groups. He developed its Global Advocates Program into an international network of District Ambassadors and Club Champions spanning more than 14 countries.
A former District 5030 Public Image Chair, Chris will focus on helping clubs strengthen community relationships, attract volunteers, develop business sponsorships, and build partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations.
Working closely with the District Membership Committee, his goal is to help clubs turn public awareness into meaningful engagement, stronger relationships, and membership growth.
Three Pillars, One Shared Mission
The new Public Image model brings together three complementary areas of support:
Public Image Leadership — Nadja Vol Ochs Wilson
Providing coordination, guidance, and resources to help clubs strengthen their communications and community presence.
Promotion & Storytelling — Caleb Summerfelt
Helping clubs promote projects and events, share compelling stories, and reach broader audiences.
Engagement — Chris Nakea
Helping clubs connect with volunteers, prospective members, businesses, sponsors, and community partners to turn awareness into participation.
Together, these pillars create a coordinated approach that connects communications with community involvement and club growth.
Leadership provides direction. Storytelling creates awareness. Engagement inspires action.
Putting Clubs at the Center
Across District 5030, Rotary clubs are doing extraordinary work. They are addressing community needs, supporting local organizations, and creating opportunities for people to make a difference.
The challenge is often finding the time, resources, and connections needed to share those accomplishments and invite more people to participate.
The new Public Image Committee aims to help clubs meet those challenges.
Whether a club wants to promote an upcoming fundraiser, share the success of a service project, attract volunteers, or connect with potential business and community partners, the committee wants to help.
Some efforts will build on resources and experience already available within the District. Others will involve developing new tools, strengthening collaboration among committees, and exploring ways to make promotion and engagement easier for clubs.
Just as importantly, the committee wants to learn from clubs themselves.
What approaches are already working? What challenges are clubs facing? What tools, training, or support would make the greatest difference?
The answers will help shape the committee’s priorities and future initiatives.
Opportunities to Get Involved
The new Public Image Committee is intended to be more than a resource clubs turn to when they need assistance. It is also an opportunity for Rotarians to share their talents, learn from one another, and contribute to the success of clubs throughout the District.
Members who enjoy writing, photography, graphic design, video production, technology, social media, or connecting with people can contribute their experience and creativity.
Participation doesn’t necessarily mean making a long-term commitment. Some members may want to help with a particular story, project, event, or initiative. Others may be interested in becoming more involved in the committee’s ongoing work.
The committee also welcomes members who simply want to learn, exchange ideas, or explore how their clubs can benefit from the new Public Image approach.
As the new structure develops, the team will continue identifying practical opportunities for collaboration, shared resources, and support across the District.
Join the Conversation
We’d love to hear from clubs across District 5030!
What is working well in your club? Where could you use support? What successful ideas or projects could benefit other clubs?
Club public image chairs, presidents, and any interested Rotarians are welcome to attend a Public Image Committee meeting. Whether you enjoy sharing stories, taking photos, working with technology, or bringing people together, we’d love to have you join us.
You are welcome to help with a project, explore joining the committee, or simply come listen and learn more. There is no commitment required to attend.
If your club has a story to share, an upcoming project to promote, a challenge you’d like help addressing, or an idea that could benefit other clubs, we encourage you to join the conversation.
Next Public Image Committee Meeting
Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM Pacific Time
Location: Zoom (Online)
Join the meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87464418472?pwd=T0TwWaZbGUOo1laDYvYyBGgZ21RCS6.1
All District 5030 Rotarians are welcome. No advance commitment or committee membership is required.
We look forward to hearing your ideas, learning about your club’s successes, and exploring how we can work together.
With Nadja providing leadership and coordination, Caleb expanding Rotary’s visibility through promotion and storytelling, and Chris developing opportunities for engagement and partnerships, District 5030 is bringing together complementary expertise around a shared commitment to helping clubs succeed.
Tell Our Story. Inspire Engagement. Grow Our Impact.
