Events

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.

Ezra Teshome is an entrepreneur who has earned accolades worldwide for his philanthropic endeavors and efforts within Africa to impact the lives of children. He is passionate about global health issues, particularly focusing on the eradication of polio and bringing clean water to villages in rural Ethiopia. He has served notably on the board of several organizations, as well as a university. Professionally, Ezra has built a successful insurance and financial services business for over 35 years. He is also very involved in his local Ethiopian community, where he helped build the first church and establish the community center.   

As a testament to his contributions to society, Ezra has been awarded with many of the highest honors in his community, including the World Affairs Council World Citizen Award; Seattle University’s Alumni Community Service Award; Distinguish Alumni Award from High-line Community College; The Rotary Service above Self Award; Rotary International service award for world polio free Award, Martin Luther Jr. Distinguished service Award from UW Science center and being named a Time Magazine Global Health Hero. 

 Ezra served as the District Governor 2013-14 of Rotary District 5030. He is married to Yobi, and they have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. 

Jenny Andrews is the executive director of Malaria Partners International (MPI) where, along with a strong board of directors, she leads efforts to end malaria through a comprehensive approach similar to Rotary’s successful Polio Plus campaign. Jenny works with Rotarians throughout Africa to engage in local, provincial and national efforts to end malaria in heavily endemic countries. Prior to joining MPI, Jenny served as the Director of Global Engagement & Philanthropic Partnerships at PATH where, alongside a team of global professionals, she helped advance people-centered primary healthcare to make good health accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live. Next year, Jenny will celebrate her 30^th year as a Rotary member. She has served as the president of her club and has been involved in nearly 20 international service projects. Jenny holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Miami University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Oregon. When she is not working, Jenny can be found on a trail preparing for her second pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago.