Chris Nelson is District 6000 Rotary's DGDN for 2028-2029.
He has put together a wonderful bio for everyone to get to know him and his wife.
Let's welcome him into his new role.
Bill has been a Rotarian for over 20 years and during that time has enjoyed several Rotary Club experiences. His first Rotary Club membership was the Rotary Club of Chariton, IA (1988-97). Then came the moves to Elroy, Wisconson (1999), Morris, Illinois (1999-2010), and Denison, Iowa (2012 to present) with club membership in each community. Bill served as Rotary president of the Rotary Club of Denison in 2017-18 and 2021-23. In addition to local club membership Bill also serves on the District 6000 Board of Directors.
His “Rotary Resume” coincides with his career choice of healthcare leadership. This has enabled him to enjoy several communities as the local hospital CEO and member of the local Rotary Clubs. Bill retired from his career in healthcare leadership in December 2019. Bill is also a lifetime fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Bill was born in Des Moines, grew up in Cambridge, attended ISU (BS in management) and the University of Iowa (MBA). Bill served in the US Naval Reserve from 1971 to 1975. During his undergraduate years Bill also worked as a paramedic in Ames and Ottumwa. He has always enjoyed a round of golf and appreciate all that Rotary offers and the experience “Service Above Self” in his daily life.
He and his bride Bette met and were married in 1988. They had one son and currently enjoy time with family, friends throughout the midwest and the Rotary family of relationsihps that continue to provide inspiration in their journey.
Over the past 2 ½ years, the Rotary District 6000 Membership Action Team/Committee has been working to identify and accomplish membership goals as part of Rotary Zone 29 Regional Rotary Roadmap. The roadmap is designed to provide districts with ideas and motivation to increase activities and success. A byproduct of this roadmap is for districts to encourage clubs to participate in a Membership Olympics Challenge among clubs. The purpose of this challenge is to work towards setting goals, achieving membership growth and development, to improve the overall health and vibrancy of Rotary Clubs, have FUN, and create friendly competition along the way.
Rotary Clubs in District 6000 are encouraged to participate in the Rotary District 6000 Membership Olympics Challenge during the 2025-2026 membership year. Rotary Club Membership Chairs or Club Presidents are requested to complete the scoresheet below and forward it to PDG Steve Wieneke at swienenked6k@gmail.com no later than July 15, 2026, for the period July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026. Results of the challenge and awards will be announced and distributed in August 2026.
All clubs that participate in this challenge will be presented a certificate of recognition. Cash incentives will be awarded to the top 3 achieving Rotary Clubs in District 6000.
1st place that achieves the highest number of points will be awarded $250.
2nd place that achieves the 2nd highest number of points earns $150.
3rd place that achieves the 3rd highest number of points earns $100.
Total payout = $500
Let's Plant a Tree for Evey Member!
Rotary and Extension Club Members -
In our ongoing commitment to sustainability and community impact, I’m requesting each club to take part in a simple yet powerful initiative:
🌱 Plant at least one tree for every member of your club.
This is a meaningful way to contribute to environmental health, promote climate resilience, and leave a lasting legacy in our communities.
Here’s how you can get started:
Explore the links below to find tree species that are best suited to your local environment.
Purchase and plant your trees in appropriate locations with community support and visibility.
Learn how to care for your trees to ensure they thrive for years to come.
Tree Planting Resources
Let’s grow a greener future—one tree at a time.
Yours in service,
Norlan Hinke
District Governor 2025-2026
Unite for Good
Call the R.I. Contact Center 1+866-9ROTARY (1-866-976-8279) or email contact.center@rotary.org for help and to find deadlines.
Club officers: To find your RI support staff click here.
