District Central Cluster Rotary Clubs: Bedford, Brunswick, Nordonia Hills, Solon, Strongsville, Twinsburg
Philip was born in Lemont, Illinois and grew up in Northford, Connecticut. He earned his Bachelors Degree from Trenton State College (NJ) in 1987 and his Masters Degree at Case Western in 1998. He served 22 years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves retiring in 1999. He retired from his position as an IT Support Manager at CBRE in 2020. He is married to Jane since 1989 and has 3 grown children. He enjoys grandchildren, amateur radio, gardening, campervan trips and supporting the local scout troop.
In 2004, Philip was looking for a way to serve the community. His father-in-law was a Kiwanian in Indiana, which inspired Philip to do the same locally. He attended a Chamber of Commerce luncheon which was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Twinsburg. While there, a Rotarian discussed the activities of the Rotary club, which piqued his interest. Philip joined the Rotary Club of Twinsburg in March 2005. He has been Membership Chair, Rotary Foundation Chair, Club President (2010-11, 2016-17, 2022-24), Assistant Governor (2011-13) and currently is serving a second term as Assistant Governor for the District Central Cluster.
He enjoys the position of Assistant Governor, because it give him the opportunity to visit and fellowship with multiple clubs and share events & ideas from the other clubs, as well as interacting with the district level directors and members.
Portage Cluster Rotary Clubs: Aurora, Garrettsville-Hiram, Kent, Mantua, Port-Summit, Ravenna, Northeast Ohio PLUS (Rotaract)
Elana Koh is a stay-at-home mom homeschooling three children and leading a local co-op in Twinsburg. With a professional background in marketing, event planning and tradeshow logistics, she's skilled at turning ideas into action. She also serves on an early childhood board, where she contributes her passion for education and child development. A founding member of Rotaract Club Northeast Ohio PLUS (July 2023), she served on the district public image committee, part of the 2022 class of leadership, and now co-presides over the club. Elana brings heart, purpose, and talent for building connections wherever she goes.
I said “yes” to being Assistant Governor because it just felt right. My marketing, event-planning, and tradeshow logistics background—plus my knack for organizing —made me realize I could really make a difference district-wide. This role gives me the chance to tap into better resources, share what’s working, and help our clubs get things done more efficiently. I’m excited to team up with fellow volunteers, see clubs collaborate more, and watch service projects thrive across our district. Together, we’ll build stronger clubs, leaders, and communities.
Geauga/Lake Cluster Rotary Clubs: Burton-Middlefield, Chagrin Valley, Chardon, Geauga West, Mentor, Painesville,
Why I joined Rotary: Throughout my life and career, the world has been my classroom and my home. My professional journey took me across the globe—over 72 countries, to be exact—where I worked, learned, and absorbed lessons from countless cultures, communities, and landscapes. I’ve lived in the pristine valleys of Switzerland, the heartland of Kansas, the majestic mountains of Colorado, and the vibrant streets of North Carolina, New Mexico, Louisiana, Idaho, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Each place offered its own rhythm and flavor; each left a mark on my curious spirit.
Yet, as I traversed continents and provinces, what grew most clear to me was the profound disparity and need that exist in so many corners of the world. Human necessity wore many faces: poverty, isolation, hunger, lack of opportunity, and the universal longing for belonging. I witnessed communities thriving and others struggling, and the threads of empathy and connection knit themselves tightly around my heart.
Despite my many adventures, I never truly found a sense of place—a spot to call my own, a community where my roots could grow. The world was rich and diverse, but it didn’t offer me lasting community or the feeling of home. That changed when I discovered Rotary.
Joining Rotary was transformative. It provided me with a unique opportunity: to truly immerse myself in my own community, to learn about its specific needs, and to offer support not just from afar, but side by side with neighbors and friends. Rotary’s mission resonated deeply with my experiences abroad and my desire to give back. Through financial contributions, forging meaningful connections, sharing my experiences, and volunteering my time, I found purpose—not just in global citizenship, but in local stewardship.
Rotary became the anchor I never had, a means to serve with intention and compassion. It offered a platform to channel my international perspective into tangible acts of kindness at home. By supporting local initiatives, mentoring, and rolling up my sleeves alongside others, I discovered that the truest sense of place is built on shared purpose and service.
In essence, I became a Rotarian because I wanted to bridge the gap between my global journey and my local life. I wanted to transform my awareness of human need into meaningful action. Rotary gave me that chance, and in doing so, it gave me the sense of belonging that had eluded me for years.
Professionally, Dr. Albert J. Tien is a seasoned expert in sustainable development, with over 35 years’ international experience across Fortune 500 companies, labs, NGOs, and industry groups. He excels in aligning sustainability with business strategy and driving organizational change. His background includes roles in industrial hygiene, project management, leadership development, and CSR, underpinned by a PhD in Biotechnology and specialized training. He is currently Managing Partner at an international consultancy.