Classification Talk

Ed Marek is from Chicago and came to Minnesota to attend the University of Minnesota where he earned an MBA. His undergraduate degree is in Humanities focusing on Theater Arts from George Williams College. The majority of Ed's professional career was in nonprofit fundraising and management, most notably with the American Red Cross and as Executive Director of the Minnesota Environmental Fund. During his time with the Red Cross, he served on numerous national disaster assignments traveling throughout Minnesota as well as Louisiana and Missouri. Ed’s exposure to Rotary was being asked to join the Shakopee Rotary Club. He later transferred to the Eden Prairie Rotary Club when he received a promotion at work and began working in southern Hennepin county. He left Rotary for a time due to a job change. After a six year hiatus he rejoined and had been with the St. Paul Sunrise Club (then known as St. Paul Midway) since 2001. Unfortunately, the Club dissolved in June of 2022, a casualty of COVID. Fortunately, he has joined his 4th Club - Northfield. At the district level, Ed has served on the Fast For Hope Steering Team on the Initiative in Nicaragua. He has also served as Assistant Governor and is a member of the District Ethics Team. He served as District Governor in 2020-21. Ed is married to his best friend Sue, and they have a son, Steve and two years ago lost their daughter, Amanda, to breast cancer. In their spare time, they enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, kayaking, camping, hiking and reading.