In-Person NCPELS
March 11th - 13th, 2027
Virtual NCPELS
April 6th - 8th, 2027
2027-2028 District Governors
District 5580
District Governor Elect 5580
Kim Nelson
Hello! My journey began in Iowa, where I was born, but life took an exciting turn when my family and I moved to North Dakota when I was just five years old. Growing up on a turkey farm with my three younger brothers was a wonderful experience that instilled in us a strong work ethic and a deep sense of community. We spent countless hours alongside our parents, making our hometown a better place to live. After graduating from Wyndmere Public School in 1978, I pursued my passion for education at the University of Minnesota Crookston, earning an AAS degree in Early Childhood, followed by a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I spent five rewarding years working in early childhood education, and then transitioned to the optical industry, where I thrived as a manager and regional manager for ten years. Most recently, I proudly served as the Executive Director of the North Dakota State College of Science Alumni Foundation from 2015 to 2025.I retired in September of 2025.
I became a Rotarian at the age of 25, breaking barriers as one of the first five women to join the Rotary Club of Wahpeton. My Rotary journey has been fulfilling, allowing me to serve in various roles including treasurer, president elect, vice president, and even president three times! I’ve been active on many committees and have helped launch programs that are still benefiting our community today. Additionally, I served at the District Level as a newsletter editor and area District Assistant Governor for three years. A highlight for me was helping unite the Wahpeton and Breckenridge Rotary Clubs in 2017. My passion for Rotary grew, and I was encouraged by fellow members to run for District Governor. I’m thrilled to say that I’ll be serving in that role for 2027-2028, thanks to the support of the Rotary Club of Wahpeton Breckenridge.
On the personal side, I’m married to my wonderful husband, Brian, who recently joined the Rotary Club of Perham. Family is everything to me! I have two amazing adult children from my first marriage who have embraced the spirit of Rotary alongside me. My daughter, Beth, and her husband Bryan live in Kansas City, Mo., and Beth dedicated 16 years to the district 5580 RYLA program, inspiring many young leaders. My son, Gary, proudly serves as a member of the Rotary Club of Wahpeton Breckenridge and is making his mark in our community. I also have two lovely stepdaughters working in the medical field: Jessica is a nurse anesthetist, and Toni is a Physician Assistant specializing in Respiratory Therapy. My son-in-law Joe is a respiratory therapist too! I have a stepson who lives in Wyoming as well. Together, our blended family embraces life with joy, and we’re blessed with seven wonderful grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
I feel incredibly grateful for the journey I’ve had and excited about what lies ahead in both my personal life and my Rotary work!
Kim Nelson
District 5950
District Governor Elect 5950
Sam Thompson
Sam Thompson has been a member of the Rotary Club of Edina the past 13 years. His previous roles with his club included serving on the board of directors as Youth Service Director, and as an officer and, eventually, president in 2020-21. He also has worked closely with Camp Enterprise for many years and was the Camp E Chair in 2017.
Sam was Co-Chair of the RI Minneapolis Convention Site Committee which successfully was awarded to Minneapolis (scheduled late May of 2028). He also is Co-Chair and President of the Host Organizing Committee (HOC) with the RI 2028 Convention.
Sam lives in downtown Minneapolis with his wife Kim, and they have three adult daughters living in three different states.
Sam founded, owned and operated a conference and event management company named MetroConnections for 29 years. He later founded, owned and operated a Business Intermediary services company called Transitions In Business for 13 years.
Sam Thompson
District 5960
District Governor Elect 5960
Lonny Stormo
Lonny Stormo is the co-founder and CEO of Pops, a digital health company focused on empowering people to live more independent, fulfilling lives. He brings 36 years of healthcare industry experience, including a long tenure at Medtronic—the world’s largest medical device company—where he held a variety of leadership roles, most notably as head of the Medtronic Therapy Delivery business.
Lonny’s personal mission has always been to help people live more complete lives—a commitment reflected in both his professional journey and community service. He joined the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary Club in 2016, serving six years as Foundation Chair and leading as Club President in 2023–2024.
At the district level in Rotary District 5960, Lonny joined the Foundation Team in 2020 and became Chair of the Public Image Team in 2023. He currently serves as District Governor Nominee and is set to be District Governor in 2027–2028.
Lonny and his wife, Janet—also a proud member of the Stillwater Sunrise Rotary—live in the Stillwater, MN area and have one daughter, Chandler. He holds a BSEE from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and an MBA from Arizona State University. In his free time, Lonny enjoys traveling, great food, and diving into history.
Lonny Stormo
District 5970
District Governor Elect 5970
David Jenson
David Jenson graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1981 and Palmer College of Chiropractic with his doctorate in 1984. After practicing for one year in Montana, Dave and his wife, Lynn, moved to Algona, Iowa and opened a private practice in 1985. Having sold the practice in 2024, Dr. Dave still sees patients four days a week.
Dave has been an active Rotarian since 1986. Serving two terms as the Algona Rotary President in 1989-1990 and 2020-2021. Dave was honored at Rotarian of the Year in 2015-2016. He stays busy frying the “Famous Rotary Donuts” at school and community functions in Algona. Dave currently serves on the District Board of Directors.
Dave and his wife, Lynn, have been married 43 years. They have two adult sons that live in Algona. We are blessed to have three beautiful granddaughters and enjoy being involved in their lives.
David Jenson
The North Central President-Elect Training Seminar is an annual training event for incoming Presidents and Presidents-Nominee in
Districts 5580 (MN/ND/WI/Canada), 5950 (MN), 5960 (MN/WI), 5970 (IA), & 6000 (IA).
About NCPELS
North Central PELS is where you will meet with your fellow class Presidents-Elects and President-Nominees. At PELS you will have time to network, share ideas, and learn the important role you have as Club President. CLICK HERE for information about North Central PELS.
Schedule
Your days at PELS will be packed with a variety of learning experiences. General and district sessions as well as break out sessions provide you with the best and most up to date information. CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of events.