Facilitators and Presenters

It's time to unite our superpowers!

The conversation between several districts to host a RI International RYLA Rotarian director/facilitator training began long before COVID came along. By training other district RYLA leaders 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:

www.thelindenevents.com

Craig Maxey

RYLA Chair

District 6690

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.

www.targetbusinessservices.com

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.