District Leadership

Jeff Kolin, District Governor 2026-2027

Jeff Kolin is a longtime public servant, community leader, and dedicated Rotarian whose career has been defined by building partnerships, strengthening communities, and creating lasting public impact.

Jeff's 38-year career in local government included service with eight California cities, one county, and a recreation and park district. He served as City Manager of Beverly Hills, Santa Rosa, and Pittsburg, where he led major infrastructure, economic development, and community enhancement projects.

Following his municipal career, Jeff provided strategic consulting services to local governments throughout California, assisting communities with public outreach, organizational development, and policy initiatives.

An active Rotarian for more than 28 years, Jeff served as President of the Rotary Club of Santa Rosa and has held numerous leadership positions within Rotary. As District Governor for 2026–2027, he is focused on strengthening club vitality, expanding Rotary’s reach, fostering collaboration among clubs, and creating meaningful opportunities for service.

His governor theme, “Building Bridges, Connecting Communities,” reflects his belief that Rotary’s greatest strength lies in bringing people together to make a positive difference.

Jeff and his wife Patty live in Santa Rosa, California, where they enjoy family time with their daughters and grandchildren, as well as travel, cycling, cooking, and wine collecting.

Jack Strange, District Governor Elect 2027-2028

I retired from teaching mathematics and science in 2024 after more than two decades in the classroom. It’s one of the things I truly miss. But let’s wind the clock back a bit. I was born and raised in Latin America, before moving to New York. Yes, I spoke Spanish before English but over the years it’s gotten rusty.

I am a career changer starting in “high tech,” rising to the executive levels in companies such as Canon, Xerox and Autodesk, principally in the engineering software space. That’s what brought me to Silicon Valley. Later, I got caught up in the dot com boom and participated in three start-ups and decided not to do a fourth. That’s when I chose to get my teaching credential and work with kids. 

I credit my wife for introducing me to Rotary. Now a Rotarian for fifteen years, I was club president twice and was the charter advisor to an enormously successful Interact club that went on to participate in Rotary’s first Program of Scale, fighting malaria in Lusaka, Zambia. The only Interact club to do so worldwide. 

My passions include service to kids and the elderly. I love photography, cycling and have a black-belt in tae-kwon-do. My wife, Eloise, is a twenty-year Rotarian. She too is a past president and member of the Santa Rosa Sunrise club. We married Easter Sunday of 2009 in Florence, Italy. 

Ann Gospe, District Governor Nominee 2028-2029

My life of service was developed through the example set for me by my parents. They raised me with a deep-seated belief that giving, helping, and working to create a better world is core to a life of purpose – and I was blessed to find Rotary to help me live out that passion.

I began my professional life as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and served during Operation Desert Storm. After my military service, I built a career in sales and event management. Today, I consider it a privilege to be a full-time volunteer, dedicating my time to serving our community and the world through Rotary and other organizations.

I officially joined Rotary in May 2013, following six years of active service as a Rotary spouse; further expanding my embrace of Rotary’s spirit of service and fellowship. Over the years, I’ve discovered a passion for working with youth and international service. We have hosted and supported over 20 exchange students through the years, joyfully expanding our family across the globe and building lasting international connections.

In response to the war in Ukraine, I work with a multi-club committee raising funds for humanitarian projects in partnership with the Rotary Club of Cherkasy-Centre, Ukraine and as the District 5130 International Services sub-chair. These efforts have already raised in excess of $1,000,000, supporting projects ranging from emergency medical supplies and orthoses, to generators, and a comprehensive children’s mental health support program.

I met my husband Jeff through a fellow Rotarian. We have two adult children living in Santa Rosa and Italy, and we live in Santa Rosa with our son, a high school senior and a founding member of his school’s Interact Club, continuing the family’s commitment to Rotary service. We call traveling our “drug of choice” and can be found exploring the world together as often as possible.