Paul Harris Fellow and Paul Harris Society Programs of the Rotary International Foundation

Dr. Gary Cohn will present a program on the Paul Harris Fellow and Paul Harris Society programs of the Rotary International Foundation, detailing various levels of PHF recognition, and how to engage with the foundation’s giving programs. He will also provide an overview of the major programs offered by the Rotary International Foundation. Dr. Cohn has enjoyed membership in the Rotary Clubs of Port Angeles, Everett, and Kirkland, serving in several club leadership roles over time. Dr. Cohn earned is first Paul Harris Fellow pin while in Port Angeles, and reached Major Donor status in 2019.

Dr. Cohn retired as superintendent of Everett Public Schools after a decade ending in 2019. Prior to Everett Public Schools, Dr. Cohn served as superintendent of the Port Angeles School District for eight years, and vice president at Lake Washington Technical College, where he also served as interim president. Previously, he taught marketing and business education for the Northshore School District, and worked as a marketing representative for an international manufacturer of data processing systems.

Recently, Dr. Cohn served on the boards of the YMCA of Snohomish County, Youth Eastside Services, Snohomish County Health Alliance, Washington Alliance for Better Schools, Music4Life, and the Governor's Council for the Healthiest Next Generation at the invitation of Governor Jay Inslee. Previously he served on the boards of the United Ways of Snohomish County and Clallam County, the Haller Foundation, the K.O. Erickson Trust, and the state’s Professional Educator Standards Board by appointment of former Governor Chris Gregoire. He also served on Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin’s Transition Task Force, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers’ Aerospace Task Force, Chancellor Paul Pitre’s WSU|Everett Advisory Council, and Snohomish County’s STEM Network.

Degrees earned include a doctor of philosophy in education at the University of Washington, a master of business administration at Seattle University, and a bachelor of arts with majors in economics and business administration from the University of Puget Sound.

Gary lives most of the year in downtown Kirkland with his wife, Sue, and their Dakota Sport Retriever, Bailey. Gary serves on the boards of the Museum of Flight, The Ridge at Troon North Condominium Association, the Brezza Condominium Association, and the Rotary Club of Kirkland. Both Gary and Sue are avid golfers and enjoy walking and social activities.