Erik Bergrud serves as Senior Vice President, Public Policy at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. In this role, he leads a team that represents Kansas City area businesses in their interactions with local, state, and federal elected officials, advancing public policies that promote regional growth and competitiveness.
His professional journey began with transformative graduate studies in public affairs at Park University, where he embraced a lifelong commitment to public service. He later served the University as Chief Strategic Communications Officer, guiding its public image, advising institutional leadership, and leading an award-winning communications team.
Erik is a nationally respected leader in the public administration field. A fellow of the Congressionally-chartered National Academy of Public Administration and a past president of the American Society for Public Administration, he has contributed to ethical reform and national policy dialogue, including leadership in revising ASPA’s Code of Ethics and co-leading the Memos to National Leaders initiative. From 2021–2023, he contributed to a NAPA panel study of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He received ASPA’s Elmer B. Staats Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Public Service in March 2026
His impact extends to civic and community life. He has chaired the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Missouri State Affairs Committee, served as president of the International Relations Council, and led the Parkville, Mo., Economic Development Council. He and his wife, Kimberlee, are active philanthropists who have co-chaired major fundraising events for numerous Kansas City nonprofits, most recently Wine & Roses 2025, a benefit for the city’s municipal rose garden.
Erik also brings his voice and energy to local sports and events as a public address and broadcast announcer for the Kansas City Comets (MASL), the KC Courage (WPSL), and Parkville community events. Along with broadcast partner Nick Vasos, he won the MASL’s 2022–23 Best Broadcast Production Award and currently hosts Ten for Ten, the league’s weekly interview series in its third season. He was inducted into the Park University Athletics Wall of Honor in September 2025.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Kansas and a Master of Public Affairs with an emphasis in Government-Business Relations from Park University. He is a graduate of the Council of Independent Colleges’ Senior Leadership Academy and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Centurions Leadership Program.
July 1, 2026 marked the beginning of the new Rotary year. This year's theme is "Create Lasting Impact". Enjoy these pictures from last week's Changing of the Guards meeting as we thanked Past President Jared Campbell for his service during the 2025-2026 Rotary year and installed Neil Barnett as President of Club 13 for the 2026-2027 Rotary year.
Club 13 Presidential Lineup: Past President Jared Campbell, Incoming President Neil Barnett, President Elect Kristy Bayer and President Nominee Lee Brumitt.
Club 13's Family Picnic theme is going to be a "reunion" in hopes to reconnect with former members of Club 13.
If you know of any former Rotarians that would be interested in attending and possibly rejoining the Club, please send their CURRENT email address to Sally Bibb and she will send them a personal invitation to the picnic. sallybibb@aol.com
Are you ready to make waves for a cause that truly matters?
We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming 5th Annual Rotary Regatta in partnership with Jacomo Sailing Club! This is an exciting community event benefiting the Rotary Youth Camp — a place where kids of all abilities get to experience friendship, freedom, and pure joy, often for the first time.
For over 100 years, the Rotary Youth Camp has opened its doors to children with physical and developmental challenges, offering them a safe, accessible, and adventure-filled summer. But none of that is possible without the support of generous donors like you.
The Regatta isn’t just about boats and fun on the water — it’s about giving kids a chance to feel unstoppable. That's why our goal this year is to raise $50,000 AND have 50 boats competing!
We’re asking for your support to help underwrite the event and maximize the dollars that go directly to the camp. Whether it’s a sponsorship, a donation, or an in-kind gift, your contribution fuels an unforgettable summer for some truly amazing kids.
Here’s how you can help:
Sponsor the Regatta – Gain visibility in front of community leaders and show your heart for service. (see the attached Sponsorship Benefit document for sponsorship levels)
Donate an item or experience – For our raffle, auction, or prize giveaways.
Make a tax-deductible donation – Every dollar brings a child one step closer to camp.
We’d love to recognize your support at the event and across our promotional materials. But most importantly, we want you to know: your gift changes lives.
Our next 4th Thursday will be held on July 23 at Minsky’s Pizza, 5105 Main Street from 5:30 to 6:30. As Neil mentioned at the COG, we will have a speaker as well as getting together for conversation, appetizers and libations. We will have pizza squares for you and a cash bar. Please let Kandi know if you plan to attend and if you are bringing a guest.
We will be hearing from our own, Stacy Carrow. She serves as President of the Board of the United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City. She recently attended two official forums at the United Nations Headquarters in New York: the Commission on the Status of Women and the High-Level Political Forum. Stacey will share insights, takeaways, and updates from her time at the UN and on her recent visit to Washington D.C. for the United Nations Association Advocacy Summit.
It should be an enjoyable and informative evening. See you there.
Stacey Carrow, President of the Board of the United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City, recently attended two official forums at the United Nations Headquarters in New York: the Commission on the Status of Women and the High-Level Political Forum. Stacey will share insights, takeaways, and updates from her time at the UN and on her recent visit to Washington D.C. for the United Nations Association Advocacy Summit.
The wait is over — your official Kansas City Rotary Summer 2026 Event Guide is now available!
As the World Cup brings thousands of visitors and incredible energy to our region this summer, Rotary clubs across the metro have come together to create an exciting lineup of events, service opportunities, cultural experiences, social gatherings, and watch parties for Rotarians and guests from around the world.
President Jared Campbell, with an unusually broad smile on his face, welcomed all for the annual Changing of the Guard meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. After saying the Pledge of Allegiance, Jared delivered a thoughtful invocation emphasizing Rotary leadership and service. Two spouses of our members were then introduced, and Joan Caulfield was welcomed back to Club 13 as a returning member. President Jared announced that Mike Regan, a former member of the Club, passed away on June 26. A vibrant Happy Bucks session then took place during which Pete Sotta, announced that Westside CAN Center’s Back to School event will take place on Friday, July 24 from 3:00 to 6:00, and Club 13 will be donating calculators and flash drives for the numerous backpacks handed out to students at the event. Check the Buzz Saw for more information on how you can help!
Jared then made remarks as the outgoing President. He emphasized the gratitude he has for the opportunity to serve as the Club President, for the friendships he has made, and for the spirit of service in the Club. He noted two “international” moments which were particularly inspiring to him: the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada and the opportunity during the World Cup to welcome visiting Argentinians and develop relationships and connections across cultures and borders. Jared noted the many community service projects in which the Club participated, Westside CAN, Harvesters, Geeks for Kids, Project Cure, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace. He mentioned the District Conference at the Camp and participating in the Shoes for Orphan Souls roll call for the first time. His hope for Club 13 is that we continue to grow in Rotary spirit as individuals and as a Club, build relationships, and challenge ourselves to find ways to serve. He then recognized the members of the KC Rotary Club Foundation Board, the Camp Board, the Club Board, the various Committee chairs, the scribes, and the Foundation Board’s Resource Development Committee and provided a custom-made Rotary wheel to recognize each individual’s hard work this year.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony then took place with Jared presenting incoming President, Neil Barnett, with the President’s Pin and Neil presenting Jared with the Past President Pin together with a book of letters from Club 13 members thanking Jared for his solid year at the helm and a plaque of recognition. Neil particularly noted the seamless manner in which Jared handled the transition from Mandy to Kandi Kos as the Club Coordinator. Neil then recognized the incoming Board of Directors and Officers and presented his goals and themes for the new Club year. Neil thanked Howard Mick and Jim Porter for being his Club sponsors 20 years ago and noted Jim’s recent comments to him that it is “upward and onward.” Neil noted that the Club has certainly changed in the last 20 years, but it is still a vibrant and inspiring Club. The theme set by this year’s Rotary International President, Olayinka Babalola, is “Creating Lasting Impact,” and Neil stated five areas where he thought Club 13 could make a lasting impact: (1) Rotary Youth Camp (Joshua Center for Neurological Disorders just completed its 30th year at the Camp); (2) Community Services (Geeks for Kids, Shoes for Orphan Souls, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Project Cure, Harvesters, Westside CAN, etc.); (3) Allowing Rotary experiences to transform them personally; (4) Be a welcoming Club and plug members into Club activities; (5) Be flexible and innovative as the Club introduces new programs such as the Nature Walk/Trail Trek fundraiser for the Camp and changes to the 4th Thursdays with Ask Execs, Firesides, or topics presented by members as a substitute for a social hour at a pub.
President Neil announced upcoming meetings. We then said the Four-Way Test, and the meeting was adjourned.
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