Kansas City Rotarian confirmed as next International President-Nominee

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - After years of dedicated service and leadership, a member of the Rotary Club of Kansas City-Plaza, Mo., Larry A. Lunsford, has been confirmed as the Rotary International President-Nominee 2027-28.

Considered a highly challenging and prestigious achievement, the position of Rotary International President is selected by a 17-member committee composed of past directors from across the globe.

Rotary members fight disease, promote peace, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, grow local economies, and protect the environment.

As President, Lunsford will also oversee Rotary’s top goal of ending polio. Alongside its Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners, Rotary has achieved a 99.9% reduction in polio cases.

“Our greatest strength lies in our ability to unite people of all cultures and generations through a shared commitment to doing good,” said Lunsford. “We exist without borders and boundaries, and see each other as part of our collective Rotary family. I am inspired by our members’ relentless belief that peace is possible and will encourage them to continue to be the torchbearers of hope. Our world needs this today, more than ever.”

Lunsford graduated from Truman State University with bachelor’s and graduate degrees in accounting. He is currently executive vice president and chief financial officer for the Bernstein group of companies.

Lunsford has held several board positions in the Kansas City metro, as well as several leadership roles within the Rotary since joining in 1991. He’s been recognized within the Rotary organization on a number of occasions, including the bestowment of The Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award and The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service, just to name a few.

Larry Lunsford will succeed Francesco Arezzo of Italy on July 1, 2027.