“I love Rotary and everything it stands for.”
– District Governor Kathy Schulte
July 25, 2026, MISSOULA, MT – As Past District 5390 Governor Lucy Smith(Kalispell) sang her farewell to Rotarians around Montana, new District 5390 Governor Kathy Schulte (Missoula) quietly launched her official role on July 1. Rotary District 5390 includes 57 Rotary, Rotaract and Interact clubs throughout Montana. “DG Kathy,” as she is fondly called, has been preparing to step into the governor job for the past three years.
“I am truly honored to have been chosen by my fellow Rotarians from across Montana to serve as district governor this year,” Kathy said. “I love Rotary and everything it stands for. The opportunity to serve others, strengthen our communities, and make a difference in people’s lives is incredibly rewarding. I have always felt that the more you give to Rotary, the more Rotary gives back to you.”
Wasting no time, Rotary District 5390’s newest governor was busy her first day on the job working out bus transportation arrangements for students attending Camp RYLA. She said she attended RYLA on the last day of camp and was very impressed with the caliber of the students and the learning and fun they were all having together.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
DG Kathy has also been working to complete her leadership team. The 2026-27 District Executive Team includes Immediate Past District Governor Lucy Smith (Kalispell); District Governor-Elect Jeff Langlinais (Townsend); District Governor-Nominee Jackie Vick (Bozeman); and District Treasurer Jim Oates (Polson).
Assistant/Area Governors for this year are Area 1 – Heather Howlett (Bigfork); Area 2 - Dean Fiedler (Missoula); Area 3 – TBD; Area 4 – Kelly McDermott (Helena); Area 5 – Laura Kuntz(Bozeman Sunrise); Area 6 – Chelle Fried (Great Falls); and Area 7 – PDG Sandy Wong (Billings).
Kathy appointed Victoria Emmons (Missoula) as chief of staff, a new position to serve on the District Executive Team and assist the DG throughout the year. A Rotary member for 34 years, Victoria has served twice as club president, editor of her club newsletter and District 5390’s Big Sky News, member of the district training committee, district lieutenant governor, and chair of the public image committee.
Other district officers and directors include Chief Inclusion Officer Andy Nelson (Missoula Sunrise); Council on Legislation Mike Mayott (Billings); Finance Committee Kathy Schulte (Missoula); Foundation Chair Bob Minto (Missoula Centennial); Grant Stewardship Brian Furey (Whitefish); Interact Chair Nikki Powers (Anaconda); International Service Chair Mary Hubbard (Bozeman Sunrise); Literacy Project Roy Beekman (Kalispell); Membership Chair Kyle Waterman (Kalispell Daybreak); Ombudsman Emily Rice Anaconda); Paul Harris Society Administrator Roger Barnes(Bozeman Sunrise); Peace and Conflict Resolution Chair Emily Rice (Anaconda); PELS Registrar Matthew Buerkle (Anaconda); Polio Plus Chair Lucy Smith (Kalispell); Protection Officer Mike Mayott(Billings); Public Image Chair Diana Rahdert (Kalispell); District Registrar Matthew Buerkle(Anaconda); RI Convention Chair – Barcelona Jeff Langlinais (Townsend); Risk Manager Barbara Prescott (Bozeman Sunrise); RYLA Chair Jeff Langlinais (Townsend); SW PELS Planning Committee D5390 Representative Barrie Mathews (Miles City); Youth Exchange Committee Mike Mayott (Billings); Youth Exchange Inbound Coordinator Chad Kriskovich (Billings West).
Kathy is still finalizing five district committee chairs. A complete list will be available soon on www.montanarotary.org.
“I am happy that so many outstanding Rotarians have volunteered their time to serve the district and the clubs all around Montana,” said DG Kathy. “Your clubs and their success remain our priority. As your district team, we promise to serve you in the best way possible. Contact any of us whenever you have a question or need advice and we’ll try to head you in the right direction. We’re all in this together.”
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