The 2024-25 District 5340 Nominating Committee has selected Michael Brunker from the Rotary Club of San Diego to be District Governor 2027-28.
According to Rotary International Bylaws 12.030.7, any club within the district may propose a challenging candidate if it has been previously recommended to the Nominating Committee. Clubs have a 14-day period to submit their challenge to the Nominating Committee Chairperson, IPDG Don Fipps, at donfipps@gmail.com. If no challenge is made within this timeframe, Michael Brunker will be designated as the District Governor Nominee Designee.
A Bit About Michael
Michael Brunker is a renowned leader and an active contributor to the San Diego community, celebrated for his long-standing commitment to service, youth empowerment, and community growth. A Rotarian since 1994, he has held various leadership roles, including that of Club President for 2023-2024, Assistant Governor for District 5340 in Area 1 starting in 2024, and several committee roles within Rotary Club #33. Michael's leadership has invigorated the San Diego Rotary, resulting in notable accomplishments like the creation of the "Re-Imagine San Diego Rotary Strategic Plan," the induction of thirty new members, the raising of over $155,000 in an Annual Auction, the distribution of $225,000 in local and global grants, and securing a $400,000 grant to bolster those initiatives.
Michael's leadership reached far beyond the Rotary, as he also served as the Executive Director Emeritus of the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA for over two decades. His pivotal role in fundraising $34 million for the YMCA's redevelopment led to vital partnerships with Major League Baseball, the San Diego Padres, and the State of California. These efforts were recognized with the naming of a basketball gymnasium in his honor at the JRYMCA, reflecting his significant influence on the community.
Michael, a staunch advocate for youth sports, has been supporting student-athletes since 1987 through his role as Governor of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Pacific Southwest District, which boasts over 15,000 members. In 1988, he was instrumental in establishing the San Diego Regional Police Athletic League. His efforts have earned him multiple accolades, such as the Mr. San Diego Award from the San Diego Rotary (2019), the Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award from the YMCA of San Diego County, and the UAAMAC Lifetime Achievement Award.
Beyond his involvement with youth, Michael has established robust ties in the San Diego community through service on various advisory boards, including the San Diego State University President's Enrollment Management Advisory Council, the San Diego Gas and Electric Community Advisory Board, the San Diego Union-Tribune Community Advisory Board, and The Tuesday Group/Lucky Duck Foundation.
Michael embodies the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self," through his dedication to improving the lives of others, particularly underserved youth and families. His leadership roles in Rotary and the broader San Diego community demonstrate his unwavering commitment to creating a significant and enduring impact.