Bret McKeand

Bret McKeand | Rotary Public Image Coordinator

A member of the Rotary Club of Peoria North, AZ, Bret joined Rotary in 2007 and over the years has served in several club and district positions. His commitment to Rotary is grounded in his belief that Rotary brings out the best in people, and when it comes down to it, only people – even one person – can make positive change in our world.

He served as his club president in 2016-17, and then Assistant Governor before serving as District 5495 Governor in 2021-22. A firm believer that every act of service is an act of peace, Bret has participated in myriad international projects, volunteered at RYLA camps and helped launch the district’s “Rotary Week of Service” in 2020.

Bret’s background in publishing, journalism, marketing and community service led him to take on the role of District 5495 Public Image Chair in 2022. He believes Rotary’s best marketing tool lies in its members and the incredible work they and their clubs do throughout the world. Bret is convinced sharing our “Rotary Moments” with non-Rotarians is the strongest way to build Rotary membership in North America.

In 2025, Bret served as chair of Southwest PELS, the oldest and largest Rotary presidents-elect learning session in North America.

Originally from Illinois, Bret spent his entire career with Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA in Arizona. He began his newspaper career as a reporter for the company and worked as an editor and publisher before retiring as president of the company’s Arizona operations in 2021. He has also served on the boards of numerous Arizona nonprofit organizations and was president of the statewide press association and the local chamber of commerce.

A history fan, Bret volunteers with the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum and is a member of their Speaker’s Bureau. He is the author of “Images of America: Sun City,” published by Arcadia Publishing.

Bret and his wife, Michelle, live in Peoria, AZ. They have two grown children and one grandchild.