Meet local rotary 'leaders among leaders'

Longtime Rotarians David Keyes and Steven Roberge are best described as “leaders among leaders.” 

Having both been active members of their Rotary Clubs for over 20 years, the two North Idahoans are now taking on leadership roles in Rotary District 5080, which represents 57 clubs and 2,055 members as far west as the Tri-Cities in Washington, as far south as Lewiston, as far east as Wallace and as far north as Canada’s British Columbia. 

Keyes will serve as district-Governor Elect for the 2025-26 term, and Roberge will follow in his footsteps as the district-Governor Nominee, meaning he will serve as district Governor Elect in 2026-27.  

For Keyes and Roberge, being chosen for these positions was no luck of the draw.  

For a Rotarian to be eligible become the district's Governor Nominee Designate, they must have first served as a club president, been a Rotarian for several years and be in good standing with Rotary, Keyes explained. 

After approval from the applicant’s home club, candidates and their running partners go through a rigorous interview process — sometimes, an applicant will apply for several years before making it to this point, but the candidate is notified “almost immediately” if they are selected. 

Both described being chosen for the roles as a “great honor.” 

“It’s almost intimidating because of all the amazing work these men and women have done,” said Keyes. “You almost feel like a slacker compared to some of these people.”  

Both Keyes and Roberge plan to create a greater awareness of Rotary and the work Rotarians do, as well as build up membership numbers during their time as district Governor-Elect and district Governor Nominee.

“We need more members to do great things,” Keyes explained. “It’s not just the ‘old guys’ Rotary anymore. It can’t be.” 

Roberge plans on launching an active public image campaign to help reach these goals.  

“The campaign will inform the community about this great organization and the many projects and good deeds that Rotarians do every day,” Roberge explained. “We want to increase membership in current clubs, form new clubs that are more flexible and affordable and that meet the needs of a younger, working demographic.” 

“Everyone wants to help, but they don’t know how to plug in,” said Keyes. “Rotary is a great place to plug in.”  

Keyes’ home Rotary Club in Sandpoint is responsible for major fundraising events, including the CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo Bicycle ride. The money from the popular event goes toward Lake Pend Oreille School District’s Book Trust program, which provides books to every kindergartner to third grader in the district. 

Keyes told The Press that since the start of Book Trust, Lake Pend Oreille has maintained higher-than-average reading scores — and was the only school district in the state to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Roberge also highlighted the good Rotary has done on an international level.  

“Rotary International has been a driving force since 1987 in the eradication of polio," said Roberge. “There are very few cases left each year and this goal will be met in the near future.” Rotary International accomplishes this through vaccine drives and other resources in countries still working to eradicate polio.  

“The power of 1.2 million dedicated people to complete projects that make the lives of millions of individuals better is a force for good in this world,” Roberge said.  

    From left to right: Rotary International Director Dan Himelspach, District Governor Nominee Steve Roberge, Rotary International Director Elect Wyn Spiller, Rotarian Steve Spiller, after Roberge completed the Governor Nominee Learning Seminar on September 11th.