Board & Members

Meet our Board and Members

2023-24 Board

President PJ Welch
Secretary Gary Daigneault
Treasurer Sandy Smith
Past-President Danny Mintz
President Elect Jermaine Rodney

Full name: PJ Welch
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: 47 years.
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Cardinal Van and Storage
When did you join Rotary?: 2002
Who led you to join?: My dad.
Why did you join? I came to Rotary often enough with my father to join.
Other organizations involved with: California Moving and Storage Association.
Other interests/hobbies: Volkswagens
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: I've helped to run my father's business for 30 years.
What do you love about 29 Palms?: Raising my daughter in 29 Palms
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: Supporting the orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico.

Full name: Daniel Mintz
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?:
Profession/Company work(ed) for:
When did you join Rotary?:
Who led you to join?:
Why did you join?
Other organizations involved with:
Other interests/hobbies:
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?:
What do you love about 29 Palms?:
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?:

Full name - Elizabeth Hatch Meyer
How long have you lived in 29 Palms? - 77 years
Profession/Company work(ed) for - Taught high school for MUSD for 28 years
When did you join Rotary? – Sept. 19, 2018
Who led you to join? Gary Daigneault
Why did you join? – I love 29 Palms and love making it the best place to live.
Other organizations involved with – Board of Trustees of Copper Mountain College, former City Council person for 8 years, Mayor twice.
Other interests/hobbies: Van Camping! Over 100,000 miles across America and Canada, so far.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself? – I just went sledding in Switzerland!
What do you love about 29 Palms? – 29 Palms has a good spirit and we take care of each other.
What’s your favorite Rotary memory? – Handing out boxes of food and Stater cards during COVID 2020.

Full name - Randolph Councell (Randy)
Profession/Company work(ed) for - Retired City of Twentynine Palms, Community Services Director 30+ years
When did you join Rotary? – 1991
Who led you to join? Dawn Benton and Danny Mintz
Why did you join? – Serve my Community
Other organizations involved with – Delano JC's, Delano Arts Foundation, Kern County Red Cross, Copper Mountain College Foundation
Other interests/hobbies: Gardening, travel
What’s an interesting fact about yourself? – grew up in Twentynine Palms, playing in sports programs as a child that I oversaw
What’s your favorite Rotary memory? – Traveling through Rotary Friendship Exchange to Italy, Lithuania, and taking Christmas presents to the orphanage in Baja with my sons.

Full name: Jamie Wayt
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: 1.5 years
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Owner, Texas Jack Wild West Outfitter. VP of Corporate Communications for Cimarron Firearms. Qualitative Research Analyst and Project Manager for various consumer research firms.
When did you join Rotary? 2021
Who led you to join? Liz Meyer
Why did you join? Moving to a new place during a pandemic makes it very difficult to meet people and I really wanted to get involved in the community.
Other organizations involved with: Several market research professional organizations, firearms industry orgs, and Fredericksburg, TX Chamber of Commerce
Other interests/hobbies: live music, film, pilates, cooking
What’s an interesting fact about yourself? I had a live music-focused blog for 10 years and was the rock blogger for the GRAMMYs, attending the awards for 6 years, interviewing many famous musicians!
What do you love about 29 Palms? It's peace, beauty, and creativity
What’s your favorite Rotary memory? Getting to know everyone and the weekly guests! Lots to look forward to in 2022.

Full name: Anna Stump
How long have you lived in 29 Palms? : since 2018
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Self employed artist and curator; art educator (San Diego City College, Grossmont College, Copper Mountain College); special project in 29 Palms: Mojaveland; film and video location in Los Angeles (www.moonhuts.com)
When did you join Rotary?: 2021
Who led you to join?: City Manager Frank Luckino
Why did you join? I joined Rotary to meet people in 29 Palms outside of the artist community.
Other organizations involved with: Trustee, Copper Mountain College; Morongo Basin Art Council, member
Other interests/hobbies: cooking, gardening (trying to learn how to grow in the desert!), donkey and pony!
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: I lived in Turkey for several years.
What do you love about 29 Palms?: I love the space and sky, and the freedom I feel here.
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: So far, I'm just enjoying getting to know the other members, and finding out what's happening in our community from all the amazing guest speakers. Plus lunches are a treat each week!

Full name: Gary Daigneault
How long have you lived in 29 Palms? : 43 years
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Broadcaster, 10 years with KDHI/KQYN 29 Palms, 32 years with Z107.7 Joshua Tree. Taught High School Vocational education, Broadcasting and Digital Multi-Track Editing, for 27 years.
When did you join Rotary?: September 1982
Who led you to join?: Local Mortgage Broker, Dick Tannenabaum
Why did you join? To give back to the community.
Other organizations involved with: Theatre 29, Koi Pond
Other interests/hobbies: Motorcycle rider, Direct and perform in live theater.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: I also paint, acrylic on canvas.
What do you love about 29 Palms?: The thing I love the most about Twentynine Palms is the wonderful, independent, sometimes quirky, people!
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: My favorite Rotary memory was watching the "lights go on" in our young people when I served as a RYLA Counselor.

Full name: Sandy Smith
How long have you lived in 29 Palms? : This time, since January 2001 compliments of USMC
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Executive Director of Copper Mountain College Foundation
When did you join Rotary?: October 2001
Who led you to join?: Jim Hart, then City Manager for 29 Palms
Why did you join? It felt like finding my people. I read about Rotary’s mission, Service Above Self and immediately felt like I belonged. The members of our club became my family at this duty station and have remained that for more than 20 years.
Other organizations involved with: I am a board member for Basin-wide Foundation.
Other interests/hobbies: Travel. Reading. Bingo. My grandkids – Juniper (3) Claire (3) and Colton (1).
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: I’ve traveled to five of the seven continents; 18 countries and can’t wait to see the rest of the world.
What do you love about 29 Palms?: The people. The small town feel. The way we band together to help each other and get things done. And the dry heat.
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: Brazil, 2015. I was a part of a five woman Vocational Training Team (VTT) to Maringa, Brazil. We spent a month living with Rotarians while working at the University. We shared best practices while learning alternative ways of marketing, grant writing, utilizing English in the classroom and campus culture. We were unplugged from real life but doing amazing work and it was life changing.

Full name: Jermaine Rodney Sr.
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: 32 years
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Business owner
When did you join Rotary?: 2014
Who led you to join?: Randy Councell
Why did you join? To serve my community
Other interests/hobbies: Serving my community
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: I'm an actor
What do you love about 29 Palms?: The people
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: When Santa arrived in a helicopter

Full name: Dawn Benton
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: 65 years
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Retired
When did you join Rotary?: May 1985
Who led you to join?: My dad.
Why did you join? Dad asked me to.
Other organizations involved with:
Other interests/hobbies: Travel, motorcycles.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?:
What do you love about 29 Palms?: Small friendly town.
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?:

Full name: Elizabeth Bevan
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: 20 years total
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Civil engineer for MCAGCC
When did you join Rotary?: Sept. 2021
Who led you to join?: My mom, Sandy Smith!
Why did you join? Rotary has always been a huge part of my life since I was in elementary school, and it finally was the right time in my life to be a Rotarian.
Other organizations involved with: Member of MSA. Volunteer for Copper Mountain College.
Other interests/hobbies: Kickball, crafting, and traveling
What do you love about 29 Palms?: Joshua Tree National park is my favorite part about living in 29 palms, there is so much adventure right in our backyard!
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: My favorite rotary memory is helping to organize, collect, and work towards gathering donations to take to our partnered orphanage in Mexico. We were at the time helping them build a brand new playground, and visiting to bring them new supplies, toys, food, and first aid kits. It was amazing to see the faces of these kids we were able to help first hand! Such an experience really stays with you. ❤️

Full name: Donald U. Thursby
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: almost four years
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Little Church of the Desert (Pastor)
When did you join Rotary?: October 2022
Who led you to join?: Liz Meyer
Why did you join? I had been a Rotarian before in Humboldt, NE. I liked their values and service.
Other organizations involved with: The Presbytery of Riverside
Other interests/hobbies: music, walking, reading, watching sports, some coin collecting
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: We have a 27 year-old ball python snake named Sammie.
What do you love about 29 Palms?: The people
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: Helping children and youth.

Full name: Matthew Finnegan
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: Over 12 years
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Little Church of the Desert, JD Properties
When did you join Rotary?: 2022
Who led you to join?: Liz Meyer and John Cole
Why did you join? It was time, I had been unofficially part of the Rotary for a few years. Seeing how much they have helped the community made it an easy decision when I was asked.
Other organizations involved with: Little Church of the Desert, Oasis of Mara 735 Masonic Lodge
Other interests/hobbies: Altruism
What do you love about 29 Palms?: The town is still small enough where any individual can still have an influence.

Full name: Pat Welch
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: 47 years
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Moving and Storage Cardinal Van & Storage
When did you join Rotary?: 1985
Who led you to join?: Ray Garett
Why did you join? To give back to my community
Other organizations involved with: California Moving and Storage, ATA and Elks Lodge
Other interests/hobbies: Fishing and old cars
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: I’ve been President of our Rotary Club twice
What do you love about 29 Palms?: Weather and the community
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: Helping an orphanage in Mexico

Full name: Jene Estrada
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: Seven years
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Morongo Unified School District
When did you join Rotary?: 2023
Who led you to join?: Superintendent Dr. Patricio Vargas
Why did you join? I joined to be a part of my local community and to network with other businesses that could benefit students in the Morongo Basin.
Other organizations involved with: Morongo Education Foundation
Other interests/hobbies: Art, reading and spending time with my family
What do you love about 29 Palms?: The night skies and the abundance of outdoor activities

Full name: Joel A. Klink
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: 63 years
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Letter Carrier US Postal Service, Owner Farmers Insurance Joel Klink Agency
When did you join Rotary?: a couple of years ago
Who led you to join?: Danny Mintz
Why did you join? Love for this community
Other interests/hobbies: Bowling
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: 5 time Mayor of Twentynine Palms
What do you love about 29 Palms?: People are awesome.
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: Helping at Carnival and food giveaway at Staters.

Full name: Joyce Coffey
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: 29 Palms is currently my home away from home. I hope to make it my home home in a year or two.
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Founder and CEO of Youth Research Vox, an educational nonprofit organization.
When did you join Rotary?: I joined Rotary 29 in 2024. Previously I was a member of another Rotary club in LA for three years.
Who led you to join?: Sandy Smith is my sponsor.
Why did you join? I love the Hi Desert community.
Other organizations involved with: United Nations Civil Society
Other interests/hobbies: I find great joy in telling stories through songs and poems. I am not a great singer or guitarist by any means, but the stories I tell through my songs come straight from my heart. If you catch me sometime, I'd be happy to share a song or two with you.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: I host the YRV Thought Partner Podcast.
What do you love about 29 Palms?: I love the people and how deeply they care about the desert, the earth, and each other.
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: Hearty food and laughter at every lunch meeting.

Full name: Stone James
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?:
Profession/Company work(ed) for:
When did you join Rotary?:
Who led you to join?:
Why did you join?
Other organizations involved with:
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What’s an interesting fact about yourself?:
What do you love about 29 Palms?:
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?:

Full name: Emily Symington Rothwell
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: Since 2024
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Tutor, Self-employed. Aspiring entrepreneur.
When did you join Rotary?: December 2024
Who led you to join?: Self-motivated
Why did you join? To get to know the community
Other organizations involved with: Rediscover 29
Other interests/hobbies: Singing & Songwriting, Reading, Collage
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: I've driven across the country more than a dozen times
What do you love about 29 Palms?: The vibe
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: Holiday party, J-55 volunteering

Full name: Dann William Rothwell, Jr.
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: Since 2024
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Entrepreneur / Escapade Skate 29 (current) Kooks Cafe (future)
When did you join Rotary?: December 2024
Who led you to join?: Self-motivated
Why did you join? To get to know the community
Other organizations involved with: Rediscover 29
Other interests/hobbies: Music, Skateboarding, Coffee Roasting, Event Organizing & Support
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: I have been to 3 coffee farms abroad as a professional coffee roaster & buyer. And 3 separate countries as a live musician & DJ.
What do you love about 29 Palms?: The scenery, the small town feel of getting to know your neighbor, and feeling like an integral part of its growing community.
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: 2024 Holiday Party, JT55 bike race

Full name: John Cole
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: 55 years
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Morongo Unified School District, City of 29 Palms
When did you join Rotary?: 2014
Who led you to join?: Pat Welch
Why did you join? Good group, good work, good people
Other organizations involved with: Food Pantry, MUSD Foundation, Annual Art Expo, Historical Association, starting track meets
Other interests/hobbies: Kids, grandkids, great-grandkids
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: Ran three marathons, including first L.A. Marathon
What do you love about 29 Palms?: The people and the community atmosphere
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: Our projects that have benefitted the city

Former Members

Full name: Jack D. Shelver
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: Three years
Profession/Company work(ed) for: City Manager--Del Mar, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Solana Beach, and Seal Beach. Assistant City Manager--Imperial Beach and La Mesa.
When did you join Rotary?: 1968--Del Mar (President 1970); 1972--Imperial Beach; 1977--Lemon Grove (President 1982); 1994--Ramona; 2020--Twentynine Palms
Who led you to join?: A lady I met at the gym who is no longer a member.
Why did you join? To serve Rotary and the community, and for the Fellowship.
Other organizations involved with: Little Church of the Desert; Sky's the Limit Observatory. When we lived in Julian I was president of the Fire District Board, Chairman of the Community Planning Group, and Treasurer of the Pine Hills Water Company Board.
Other interests/hobbies: I have a private pilot's license and am a certified SCUBA diver.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: After high school I served as a Marine in Korea just after the end of the war.
What do you love about 29 Palms?: Wonderful and interesting people.
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: Distributing food boxes to thankful people.

Full name: Frank J. Luckino
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: I have lived in the Morongo Basin for 19 years.
Profession/Company work(ed) for: City of Twentynine Palms
When did you join Rotary?: 2005
Who led you to join?: Gary Daigneault
Why did you join? To be involved and give back to the Community
Other organizations involved with: City of Twentynine Palms, Elks, and MUSD Foundation
Other interests/hobbies: Hiking, football, and Bourbon
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: Dana White (UFC President) was a trainer in our office in Las Vegas
What do you love about 29 Palms?: Definitely the people, small town America, helping one another
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: My Wife's (a former Rotarian) experience with RYLA that lead her to become a Teacher.

Full name: David Smith
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: Nine Years
Profession/Company work(ed) for: National Park Service
When did you join Rotary?: 2005 - Grand Canyon Rotary
Who led you to join?: My boss encouraged me to join.
Why did you join? My boss said it was a great way to make new friends who can help do public service.
Other organizations involved with: Little Church of the Desert, Joshua Tree National Park
Other interests/hobbies: Trail Running, litter clean ups, bowling, clogging
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: I have lived and worked in 9 National Parks across the United States.
What do you love about 29 Palms?: I love the people who go out of the way to help their neighbors when they are struggling.
What’s your favorite Rotary memory?: The Rotary exchange with the South Africans who arrived on the hottest day of the decade and who were thrilled that we all could hang out in a pool to escape the heat.

Full name: Patricia LaSala Stout
How long have you lived in 29 Palms?: 30 years
Profession/Company work(ed) for: Clergy
When did you join Rotary?: 2023, but was member of Crestline and Indio Morning previously
Who led you to join?: Liz Meyer, Marsh Collins
Why did you join? To participate in service opportunities
Other organizations involved with: Schoolhouse Museum
Other interests/hobbies: Traveling and reading
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?: I’m Italian
What do you love about 29 Palms?: People are friendly; sun and warmth.

Meet our Board and Members

2023-24 Board

​Former Members​

Former Members