Jon Carmichael - Photographer

In a world of constant challenges, success depends on our ability to reimagine what's possible. Through stunning visuals and compelling storytelling, Jon Carmichael helps organizations and individuals transform their perceived limits into launching points for breakthrough success. Jon’s journey from passionate photographer to worldwide inspiration proves that when we dare to reimagine our boundaries, we discover opportunities we never knew existed.

A world-renowned astrophotographer celebrated for capturing the critically acclaimed "history's most amazing photograph," Jon Carmichael captivated the world when he unveiled his image of the 2017 Great American Eclipse, taken from an airplane at 39,000 feet after years of meticulous planning. His relentless pursuit of a seemingly impossible vision—convincing the captain of a commercial airliner to alter its course—embodies the power of audacity, empowerment, and aiming higher. The thrilling story behind the photograph and the obstacles he overcame have inspired audiences worldwide.  Beyond his stunning visual work, Jon is a remarkable storyteller and business motivational speaker.His signature Eclipse Mindset challenges individuals and teams to push past perceived limitations, embrace bold thinking, and elevate their goals beyond what seems possible. Through his inspiring keynotes, he shares how vision, grit, and daring action lead to extraordinary breakthroughs. His storytelling compels audiences to take risks, defy expectations, and confidently navigate uncertainty—turning obstacles into stepping stones for success.

Jon's captivating work has been spotlighted on Good Morning America, the Wall Street Journal, INC Magazine, USA Today, and even Times Square. With over 20 years of experience, he has been the trusted lead photographer for top brands such as Twitter, Dell, Microsoft, and ESPN.

His impressive portfolio includes collaborations with notable figures like President Obama, the Dalai Lama, David Copperfield, Lady Gaga, and even Batman.  A pivotal moment in Jon's career came in 2015 when Elton John, a renowned photography enthusiast, became the first to collect his limited-edition photographs, marking a transformative turn in his artistic journey.  Jon Carmichael doesn’t just deliver a speech—he takes audiences on an immersive journey that aligns with their unique challenges and aspirations.  Whether the focus is on leadership, innovation, resilience, or pushing beyond perceived limits, Jon weaves his message through breathtaking real world stories of chasing audacious dreams and redefining what’s possible.

With stunning visuals, heartfelt emotion, and moments that make audiences laugh, reflect, and dream bigger, Jon’s keynotes are more than just talks—they’re transformative experiences designed to ignite ambition, fuel innovation, and inspire people to aim higher than they ever thought possible.

Tim Cusack - Author & Speaker

Inspiring people to appreciate life, work and relationships, Tim Cusack tours nationally presenting his keynotes and trainings for corporations and associations, as well as education and health care organizations. When not presenting Tim is a professional actor and performs in TV and radio commercials.   

Tim's occupations have varied from Christmas tree trimmer to Alaskan fisherman and co-host of a CBS TV show, as well as a #1 morning radio show. 

Tim has volunteered with Hospice, Gilda’s Club, Mary Free Bed Hospital and other organizations. He currently works with a Critical Incident Response Team in West Michigan. He is married with two children.

In his spare time, Tim is an avid athlete, pursuing running, cycling and extreme croquet. 

Tim's book, “Me Too:  Extraordinary Everyday Stories That Connect Us,” is a best seller.

Ciara Stahly - Rotarian

Ciara Stahly has been involved with Rotary for all of her adult life—which is either a testament to Rotary’s impact or proof that she learned very early that saying “sure, I can help with that” is a dangerous habit.

Her Rotary story began in 2011 when she packed her bags for Sweden as a Rotary Youth Exchange student. What was supposed to be one year abroad became the beginning of a much longer relationship with Rotary. After returning home, Ciara immediately became a Youth Exchange volunteer and has since served in a variety of club and district leadership roles, including Youth Exchange Officer, District 6420 Outbound Coordinator, District Conference Chair, Club Secretary, and President of the Loves Park Rotary Club. Today, she is a member of the Rockford Rotary Club and serves as District 6420 Rotary Youth Exchange Chair.

Professionally, Ciara is the Director of Fund Development at Rockford Promise, where she leads fundraising efforts to help local students access full-tuition college scholarships and the support they need to succeed. A graduate of Rockford University with a degree in Psychology, Ciara has built her career around philanthropy, relationship-building, and bringing people together around ideas that can make their communities better.

At the center of both her professional work and her Rotary involvement is a belief that relationships can change the trajectory of someone’s life—a belief she can trace directly back to her own Rotary Youth Exchange experience.

Ciara lives in Rockford, Illinois, with her husband, Noah, and their cats, Aslan and Freja. Outside of work and Rotary, she enjoys traveling, local history—preferably the spooky kind—an unreasonable amount of washi tape, and a strong dirty martini.

Tom Gump - Rotary International Director

Tom Gump says the best part of Rotary is the friends you make. He has traveled the Rotary world, becoming an honorary member in dozens of clubs.

Gump embodies the first two words of Rotary’s vision statement: “Together, we.” He has brought in many members and has helped form numerous new clubs, including clubs to serve veterans and seek an end to human trafficking, both of which are the first of their kind in the world. He united five clubs to form a Rotary Community Corps to serve hundreds of refugees, led his district to become the fourth globally to have all its clubs designated as 100% Paul Harris Fellow clubs, brought three districts together to have legislation passed in his state to allow Rotary license plates for motorcycles, cars and trucks, brought together multiple districts to secure the bid for Minneapolis, Minnesota, to host the 2028 Rotary International Convention, and helped formed the Artificial Intelligence Rotary Fellowship.

Gump serves as chair of the Host Organization Committee for the 2028 convention. He previously served as aide to the RI president, chaired Rotary International’s Membership Growth Committee, was an International Assembly learning facilitator, and a president’s representative multiple times. He chairs the MDP Alliance, a consortium of multidistrict presidents-elect learning events.

Gump is committed to The Rotary Foundation, his club’s foundation, and the service projects they fund. He has worked on or led more than 20 global, district and club grants totaling more than US$4 million. He is also committed to Rotary’s fight to eradicate polio. After meeting frontline polio workers in Pakistan, he says, “It’s not an if, it’s when.”

Gump and his wife have provided for an endowment gift through their estate that will establish the Thomas and Catherine Gump Family Peace Fund. They support The Rotary Foundation as Major Donors, Bequest Society members, multiple Paul Harris Fellows, Benefactors, Sustaining Members, and PolioPlus Society members.

The Gump family has hosted seven long-term Rotary Youth Exchange students. Outside Rotary, Gump is active in his church, has served as Edina Community Foundation president, and has carried the Olympic torch in two Olympic Games.

Gump received RI’s Service Above Self Award and is a Gold Member of its Membership Society for New Member Sponsors. The Rotary Foundation has awarded Gump its Citation for Meritorious Service and Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World.

Since 2013, Gump has been the owner and managing broker of A-1 Asset Management LLC, a commercial real estate firm in Minneapolis. He is an attorney licensed in four states and holds a commercial broker’s license.