2027-2028 District Governors

 

Justin Richardson is an educator, author, and keynote speaker with Waymaker Leadership Development, where he supports teachers, school administrators, and business leaders across Texas and beyond. With a passion for people, he helps leaders grow through professional learning and coaching. In 2021, he earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership, and his research on spiritual leadership practices has been featured in the Journal of Ethical Educational Leadership.

 

Justin’s dedication to service is at the heart of his work, both professionally and through Rotary. A proud member of the Canyon Rotary Club in Canyon, TX since 2013, he has led initiatives in membership, team building, goal setting, budgeting, and community partnerships. He finds the greatest fulfillment in the fellowship and shared commitment to making a difference. He has served as the District Learning Facilitator District 5730, supporting the development of leaders across the district.

 

On a personal note, Justin has been married to his best friend, Mandy, since 2000. She is an ICU nurse with over two decades of experience. Their son, Jack, is attending West Texas A&M University studying real estate management.

Born and raised in Gas City, Indiana, Nate was inspired at an early age to attend Ball State University’s College of Architecture and Planning – ultimately deciding the focus on urban planning and community development to help citizens and communities improve their overall quality of life and thrive.  Beginning his career in Huntington, Indiana, Nate was provided with an opportunity to grow professionally and began becoming involved with several non-profits that had a strong focus on community support and enhancement.

 

In 2015, Nate put his trust in a map of the United States hanging on a wall and a dart throw to determine where the future would take him.  That dart struck Duncan, Oklahoma – where Nate has called home for ten years.  Nate currently works for the City of Duncan as their Director of Community and Economic Development and still emphasizes the importance of enhancing the quality of life of all those around him.  In 2017, Nate was invited to be a guest speaker at the Duncan Rotary Club and was eventually asked to join.  Enthusiastically, Nate said “yes” and had the opportunity to serve two terms as the club president, in part due to Covid-19.  After multiple requests by Past RI President, Ron Burton, to throw his name in the hat for the role of District Governor, Nate has been selected to serve as DG for District 5770 in 2027-28.

 

At home, Nate has two dogs.  Lucy who is a Boxer/Australian Sheppherd mix and Byng who is a Labrador/German Sheppherd mix.  Nate often admits that when together, the dogs might be the smartest creatures living under that roof – they both have Nate trained extremely well.

 

Kurt Bartley has been a dedicated member of Rotary since 2004 and currently serves as District Governor Elect (DGE) for Rotary District 5790 for the 2026-27 Rotary year. He has been the Chair of the District 5790 Membership Team and served as through 2026. Kurt also served as President of the Rotary Club of Arlington during the 2021-22 Rotary year, leading the club through a period of growth and service. While in Colorado, he also served as President for Rotary Club of Denver Mile High during the 2014-15 Rotary year.

 

Professionally, Kurt has built a distinguished career in higher education philanthropy and planned giving. He served as Director of Planned and Estate Giving at The University of Texas at Arlington from 2016 to 2022, following five years as Director of Planned and Estate Giving at Regis University in Denver, Colorado, from 2011 to 2016. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with donors and families to help create meaningful charitable legacies that support education and community impact.

 

Kurt and his wife, Catherine, have been married for 36 years. Their journey has taken them from Colorado Springs, Colorado, where they lived from 1990 to 1996, to Parker, Colorado, where they resided from 1996 to 2016, before settling in Arlington, Texas, in 2016. They are proud parents of their daughter, Sarah, who lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Rod Henry has dedicated his life to service. He is what the late Texas author Joyce Landorf Heatherley described as a Balcony Person – an uplifting presence in the lives of others, who is quick to honor, affirm and appreciate those around him.

 

Rod’s introduction to Rotary occurred in 1972 when he was selected as a Student Rotarian and Rotary Scholarship recipient by the Logansport, IN Rotary Club. His journey began in 1979 when he joined his first Rotary Club in Lancaster, OH followed by Anderson, IN; Cocoa Beach, FL; Terre Haute, IN; and now, Temple, Texas.

 

Past president of the Rotary Club of Temple, Rod served on the board and as chair of the Membership, Programs/Events, Fund Raising, and Public Information Committees. He was presented the first Mark of Excellence Award (Rotarian of the Year) by his Club in 2024.

 

At the District level, he has served on the Membership Committee, District Governor Nominating Committee, Service, and has been Assistant Governor. He is a Major Donor 1, Sustaining Member, Paul Harris Society, graduate of the Rotary Leadership Institute, and Polio Plus Society. He is a recipient of District 5870’s Roll of Fame.

 

A graduate of Indiana University, Rod and his wife, Benita, a retired educator, have two grown children and a granddaughter.

With nearly two decades of Rotary service and over 30 years of leadership in the petrochemical industry, Dona brings a wealth of experience, passion, and vision to this role. Her journey is a shining example of how professional excellence and a commitment to "Service Above Self" can inspire meaningful change.

 

Professionally, Dona serves as Director Strategic Procurement Operations for Sempra Infrastructure in Houston, overseeing procurement, logistics and warehousing in the US and Mexico. Dona previously worked at TPC Group and LyondellBasell, where she held leadership roles in engineering, operations, supply chain, and environmental health and safety. A graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Dona is also a member of the ISM Houston Executive Advisory Board. Her professional achievements mirror her dedication to excellence and collaboration.

 

Dona began her Rotary journey in 2004 with the Rotary Club of LaPorte, where she quickly became a standout member, serving as club secretary and earning the title of Rotarian of the Year twice. In 2008, she became a charter member of the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline, where she served as the club’s second president and, in recent years, as Club Foundation Trustee. She also made a significant impact during her tenure with the Rotary Club of Memorial-Spring Branch, where she served as club president and was named Rotarian of the Year for 2015-2016.

 

Dona has left her mark at the district level, serving in key roles such as Lieutenant Governor and District Grant Committees Chair. She co-developed and facilitated the District’s “Difficult Conversations” initiative, helping clubs navigate sensitive topics with grace and collaboration. Her leadership in training has been a cornerstone of District 5890, as she has shared her expertise on club leadership, fundraising, and strategic planning through Vibrant Club workshops and PETS, as well as at Zone and multi-district training events.

 

Rotary is a true family tradition for Dona. Her husband, Dorden, has been an active member of the Rotary Community Corps and has supported countless projects and events. Their children, Chris and Nicole, carried the Rotary torch through Rotaract and are both Paul Harris Fellows. Even the family’s beloved dogs, Persephone and Lady Sif, play their part in the fight against polio as honorary members of the “Kennel Klub” for PolioPlus.

 

Dona’s leadership, both in Rotary and her professional life, positions her perfectly to lead District 5890 into an exciting future. Her ability to inspire others, combined with her vast expertise, ensures that our district will continue to thrive and make a lasting impact.

 

Please join us in congratulating Dona Burke on this extraordinary honor and in welcoming her as our newest 2027-2028 District Governor! 

 

Special thanks to Sandra Liu, Chair of the Governor Nomination Committee, and their time and dedication to select such an outstanding Rotarian to be our leader during 2027-2028.