Amanda Otto - Incoming President 2025/2026

Amanda Otto, Incoming President 2025-2026

I am both humbled and honored to accept the role as your incoming President. First of all, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Kyle for his leadership, dedication, and the many contributions he has made over the past year. He has set a high standard and I am truly grateful to be following in his footsteps.

I became a Rotarian six years ago, when I started at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina; however, my connection to Rotary goes way back. Rotary and our Salina Rotary Club, in particular, holds a special place for me as I think back on my childhood and the valued time spent with my grandparents, Bill and Joan Harris. I didn’t know the impact of Rotary, at the time, or even what Rotary was, but it is very clear now. My grandfather was an active Rotarian for many years. As a little girl, I remember his Monday schedule always including the same lunch meeting. I didn’t understand why it was a high priority on my grandfather’s schedule. Aa a Marine, police officer for the Salina PD, Assistant City Manager for the City of Salina, and manager of the Bicentennial Center (now known as Tony’s Pizza Event Center), he demonstrated Service Above Self in all that he did and I am blessed to be able to witness this dedication to others. When I became a Rotarian, I finally understood the amazing impact Rotarians have on our community and the world. This impact does not just happen at weekly meetings; it happens in our everyday lives. Now, at this moment, as your incoming President, Service Above Self has come full circle for me and I am truly honored to serve our club in this capacity.

The motto Service Above Self is simple, yet powerful and continues to inspire me and so many others. It reminds us that leadership is not about titles or recognition-it’s about responsibility and service to others.

As we look ahead to this new Rotary year, I am filled with a sense of purpose and possibility. We have an opportunity to build on the strong foundation we’ve inherited. Whether it’s supporting local initiatives, engaging with our youth, expanding international partnerships, or responding to urgent community needs, our work matters – and it makes a difference.

As I mentioned in previous meetings, your board has been working on building a three-year strategic plan. We hope to complete this process by late July. This plan will follow Rotary International’s action plan and will guide our club in terms of growth and increased impact. Since the strategic plan will not be complete until after the start of the upcoming club year, I plan to set goals that will build off the momentum Kyle has led with. They will include:

Strengthening our club’s connection to the community

Growing and diversifying our membership

Encouraging every member to find joy and meaning in their service

Ensuring that every voice in the room feels heard, valued, and empowered

Together, we will carry Rotary forward-not just as volunteers, but as changemakers, bridge-builders and stewards of hope.

Thank you for placing your trust in me. I look forward to working side by side with each of you as we continue the work that Rotary is known and respected for around the world, creating lasting change in our communities and beyond.

Amanda Otto