Meet our March MVP - Ken Willers | Author, Educator, Speaker, Rotarian
By Barbara Myers Myers Mason APR

When Ken Willers first visited the Rotary Club of Duluth in 2020 as a guest speaker, he had no idea it would lead him to join a global network of service and leadership. Now an active Rotarian, Ken finds inspiration in the club’s community impact and the opportunity to connect with diverse leaders across Gwinnett County. A lifelong educator and accomplished storyteller, Ken has dedicated his career to Catholic education and leadership, even publishing a book of thought-provoking parables.
Like many future Rotarians, Ken Willers, was invited to speak to the Rotary Club of Duluth in 2020. He was the new president of Notre Dame Academy, a pre-kindergarten through 12th grade Marist Catholic International Baccalaureate World school in Duluth, Georgia. He liked what he experienced. After attending several meetings and realizing that the club’s community service initiatives aligned with his educational background and values, he applied to and joined the club.
He said, “The amazing members of Rotary create an environment that is both stimulating and inspiring, making each meeting a joy to attend. As a relative newcomer to Gwinnett, he added, “The diverse array of speakers at our meetings broadens my understanding of Gwinnett County, educating me on a wide range of services, non-profit organizations and the vision for future growth in the city and county.”

Another aspect of Rotary he has enjoyed is hosting members of the Rotary Club of Duluth at his school. “Club members can experience our amazing student body and the outstanding learning environment our school offers,” he said.

The more Willers attends meetings, the more he said he learns about the global network of Rotary which inspires him to delve deeper into its workings and enhance his involvement. In fact, given his career in Catholic education, he is particularly moved by Rotary’s mission which “resonates deeply” with his personal and professional values.

Aside from Rotary, Willers is actively involved with the National Catholic Education Association and has been speaking at their annual conventions for the past 20 years. He said, “I enjoy volunteering my time and expertise to mentor and consult with Catholic educational leaders nationwide.”
 
Prior to serving at Notre Dame, Willers was the Associate Superintendent of Leadership for Innovation and Growth for the Diocese of Oakland. He is known for his inspirational use of storytelling in leadership and has delivered numerous keynote addresses. He is also known for conducting workshops and training sessions for Diocesan and Archdiocesan principals as well as educational leaders nationwide.

His passion for storytelling recently led him to publish a book titled "Stories That Should Be Told," a collection of parable-like stories written over the last 30 years. A publisher discovered some of his stories on LinkedIn, inquired if he had more, and proposed the idea of publishing them.

Of more than 100 stories he had shared, 40 were selected for the book. He said, “I firmly believe that effective leaders inspire others through the stories they tell, stories that not only stimulate thought but also touch the heart.”

Among many accolades Willers has received, he was named the National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals in 2017. That same year, he was awarded the Lead. Learn. Proclaim Award for Outstanding Leadership. In 2016, he received the Administrator Award for Exemplary Leadership by the International Society for Technology in Education.

Willers holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Don Bosco College, a Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology, and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Catholic Diocesan Leadership from the Catholic University of America.