Topic: Tour of the Gila

Jack Brennan was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in economics from Georgetown University in 1973, followed by a master's degree in environmental affairs from Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs in 1977. His connection to Silver City began during the summers of 1976 and 1977, when he worked on two adobe houses in the area. Drawn to the community, he moved to Silver City permanently in 1977, met Nancy Booth that fall, and the two later married in 1980, raising their children, Jake and Kelsey, in the town they made home.

Jack spent the early part of his career at Mershon's Cabinet Shop, becoming a partner before leaving in 1988 to co‑found Gila Hike and Bike with Michael Sauber, a business he remained dedicated to until his retirement in 2016. His involvement with the Tour of the Gila began in 1989, starting with selling shirts and gradually taking on greater responsibilities until becoming race director in 2000. Although he attempted to retire from the role in 2016, he continues to serve as race director today, supported by a board of directors and an excellent social media manager, Jennifer Olson.

The Rotary Club will meet in the conference room of Gila Regional Medical Center. Visitors should enter through the main entrance. There is a brief "meet and greet", and then the speaker has the floor. The club welcomes members of the public to the meetings. Lunch is available in the hospital cafeteria. Guests are advised to arrive in the cafeteria well before noon.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Since its founding in 1923, the Silver City Rotary Club has provided support and service to numerous non-profit organizations and civic causes in Silver City and Grant County as well as supporting and participating in humanitarian projects sponsored by Rotary International.