Facilitators and Presenters
When you know, you know.
Rich, Bob and Valerie met at the Rotary International Convention 2019 in Hamburg, Germany and immediately felt that RYLA "spark." It has grown into a strong Rotary partnership (and friendship) between RYLA District 6760 and the Missouri RYLA Academy (Districts 6040, 6060, and 6080). The conversation to hold a RYLA Rotarian facilitator training began long before COVID came along. By training other district facilitators with ideas and solutions as jumping off points, not only do our local RYLA programs become stronger, but we elevate our unique RI youth "return on investment" programs to the Rotary, worldwide.
Rich Linden
Curriculum Director
Missouri RYLA Academy
Rich Linden has been involved with Missouri RYLA Academy leadership for 22 years, currently serving his 11th year as the Curriculum Director. He has attended 27 MO RYLAs.
Rich has presented RYLA in over 70 meetings including club presentations, district events, the multidistrict MO PETS Conference, and co-presented the only RYLA session of the Rotary International Convention in Hamburg, Germany in 2019.
Rich was a Rotarian for 8 years with the Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club in District 6040. He served on the club board as Grants Chair, President Designate, Youth Services Chair, Vocational Chair and two years as Sergeant at Arms.
Professionally, Rich is a well known media personality throughout the region, specializing in sports announcing, facilitation and events. Check him here:
Valerie Anderson
Administrative Director
Missouri RYLA Academy
Valerie Anderson was named an honorary life Rotarian at the age of 18 in a small community is Alaska. She officially joined the North Kansas City Rotary Club 21 years ago. In her club, she has served in various capacities including four terms as club president.
This is her 18th year as the MO RYLA Academy Executive Director, having attended 26 sessions. She has presented for RYLA over 90 times, including with Rich Linden at the RI Convention in Hamburg, Germany in 2019.
Valerie has served as the Vice Chair of the RI Interact Executive Committee, three years on the RI RYLA Executive Committee and has attended five international RYLA conferences.
Professionally, Valerie volunteers her photography skills to serve nonprofits. She has served with over 125 charities and her images have been seen by over 10 million people.
Robert Huffman
Director
District 6760 RYLA Program
Robert "Bob" Huffman has been a director and team leader for the District 6760 RYLA for over 16 years. He has an extensive Rotary resume which includes a past club president of the Clarksville Sunrise Rotary Club, past 6760 district governor, Paul Harris Society Member, Youth Services Chair and avid supporter of the Rotary Foundation. He has served as a MidSouth PETS facilitator, assistant governor, and is currently serving as Zone 30 Endowments and Major Gifts Advisor.
Professionally, Bob is a retired veteran of thirty years with the United States Army. He served his country with the Screaming Eagles around the world.
He has been married to Donna for the last 39 years. Donna is also a Paul Harris Fellow.
Elizabeth Usovicz, PDG
Rotary International Director 2021-2023 Zones 30 and 31
Elizabeth Usovicz is a past Rotary International Director for Zones 30 and 31. She is a 24-year Rotarian and Past President of the Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club. She served as the 2008-2009 District Governor for Rotary International District 6040, Missouri, and is a recipient of The Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service.
In October 2014, Elizabeth was recognized at the White House as a Rotary Women of Action honoree, and is a 2011 and 2012 recipient of the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Elizabeth’s personal tagline is, “The Power of We is Within Us All.” Her passion in Rotary is supporting orphans and at-risk children in Malawi, Africa and has written ten Rotary Foundation grants in support of children in Malawi, Africa, and led a Vocational Training Team to Malawi in 2016.
Her youth service also includes 8 years
as a Missouri RYLA counselor. :)
Craig Maxey
RYLA Chair
District 6690 RYLA Program
Craig Maxey hails from the Rotary Club of Reynoldsburg-Pickerington, Ohio, joining the club in 2009.
Craig was named Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and served as the District Governor of Distict 6690 in 2018-2019.
Craig's administrative Rotary resume is vast serving on 8 district conference committees and Zone 30 and 31 work for six years. He will chair the 2025 Zones 30 and 31 Institute.
Craig is a political consultant and Target Business Services--a printing, promotional products and graphic design company.
He has been marreid to the lovely and enchanting Renate Maxey for 22 years.
One of Craig's claim to fame is he has been the Chair of the 6690 District RYLA program for 12 years.