At our February 17 meeting, Rotary 14 welcomed three new members (L to R): Dylan Kitchen (sponsored by Mick Hale), returning Rotarian Mick Hale (sponsored by Randy Hawthorne), and Rod Berens (sponsored by Larry Keiter). Be sure to give a warm Rotary welcome when you see them!
Dylan Kitchen, Leadership Lincoln (Corporate Partner)
Dylan Kitchen is the Director of Programming and Youth Engagement at Leadership Lincoln, where he designs transformative leadership experiences for young people and fosters strategic community partnerships. Passionate about civic engagement and mentorship, Dylan brings warmth, creativity, and a collaborative spirit to every initiative. He’s excited to deepen his connection to Lincoln through service and relationship-building.
Mick Hale, Leadership Lincoln (Corporate Partner)
Mick Hale is a veteran educator with nearly 40 years of experience in both formal and informal classrooms. From 2015-2020, Mick was the Executive Director of Leadership Lincoln and in July of 2025, he returned to Leadership Lincoln in this role. Mick grew up in Pella, Iowa and came to Nebraska by way of Peru State College. Mick and his wife, Lisa, vice-president of Customer Service for LES, are active in the community supporting many civic causes. They have three children and two grandchildren they enjoy spending time with every chance they get.
Rod Berens, Kingery Construction Company
Rod grew up in Gregory, SD. HE earned a Degree in Accounting from UNL. He joined Kingery Construction in 1999 as the controller. In 2013, Rod purchased Kingery, along with Christiansen Construction in Pender NE. He is especially proud of the company’s support for veterans as he has many relatives that served in armed forces. Kingery earned the Seven Seals Award from the Nebraska ESGR. Rod has also received the Patriot Award from the Nebraska Army National Guard in both 2020 and 2024. His wife is Candace Berens and they have 6 grown children and 3 grandchildren. Candace is a deputy county attorney.
