Speakers

Don Richter, founder of Secret Witness, will give us an update on the private non-profit organization of concerned citizens dedicated to solving crimes and improving public safety by generating information, not otherwise available, that aids law enforcement in prevention of crime, arresting, and prosecuting suspects.   Birth for the idea of Secret Witness was after seven year old Lisa Marie Bonham was kidnaped from Idlewild Park’s Kiddeland.  Her skeletal remains were discovered months later near Verdi.  Don and his wife Pattti frequently took their own children to that same Kiddeland, so Lisa's murder became very personal.

Since its inception in 1979, Secret Witness has been a highly beneficial crime fighting organization, helping to solve thousands of crimes. Secret Witness serves Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and the surrounding communities of Northern Nevada.

Don is a charter member of Reno South Rotary Club.

Kristopher Dahir is  currently serving his 2^nd year as the President of the Rotary Club of Sparks Centennial Sunrise.  Kris is also serving his  2^nd term as Sparks City Council member, and has  been elected as the President of the Nevada League of Cities.  He’ll address his work with  the Nevada League of Cities and with the Nevada Veterans Memorial.

Together with representatives from cities throughout Nevada,  the Nevada League of Cities  advocates for local governments.  Kris is passionate about the power of collaboration  to address common issues for Nevada municipalities such as homelessness, crime, and public health. 

After the loss of Sparks Mayor Ron Smith to cancer in 2020,   Mr. Dahir also stepped up to serve as Board Chair for the Nevada Veterans Memorial.  This ambitious project was championed by Mayor Smith with the goal of building a new memorial plaza at the Sparks Marina  to honor the fallen service men and women from all over the state of Nevada.  Kris is a strong advocate for veterans and is currently serving as chaplain for the Northern Nevada Veterans Home.   He is a passionate civil servant, and has recently announced his candidacy for Nevada Secretary of State 2022.  He and his wife Melissa have two grown sons, Adam and Noah.