District Governor Nominee Designate
Tamara Lynn Bennett (a.k.a. Coleman-Lawrie) was born and raised in Niagara Falls, Ontario with her loving family and many siblings. Tamara graduated from Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology in Business Marketing. Since expanding her education in areas of philanthropy, legacy giving, social investment, community impact and development through the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Buffalo State University Grant Institute, the Tamarack Institute and University of Pennsylvania, she has contributed nearly 20 years of expertise and knowledge in the social, human and philanthropic sectors.
Tamara’s professional experiences include: Executive Director for United Way South Niagara, Regional Director of the Autism Ontario – Niagara Region Chapter, Development Director for Wesley Urban Ministries in Hamilton, Development Officer for the Women’s Place South Niagara Nova House capital campaign, and is currently the Director of Community Impact for United Way Niagara in Ontario.
From a young person, Tamara understood the value of volunteerism and giving back to her community. Over the past 25 years, Tamara has invested countless hours of her personal and professional passions in many worthwhile causes to improve the lives of others. Her volunteer and leadership contributions include Chair of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners Niagara Golden Horseshoe Chapter, Chair of the Niagara Golden Horseshoe LEAVE A LEGACY™ Program and 8 year National executive committee member, Board Member of the Western New York Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled Foundation, past member of the Zonta Club of Niagara, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity builds and most importantly her time, talent and treasure she has committed to Rotary. Tamara is a Past President of the Welland Rotary Club, current Assistant Governor of Area 7, Chair of the District Membership New Member On-Boarding Committee and supports other District-wide initiatives. Tamara is a proud two time Paul Harris Fellow and lives out her commitment to her community through Rotary.
While Tamara works in Canada and is a member of the Rotary Club of Welland, she lives in Western New York in Marilla. She is married to her best friend and husband of eight years, David Bennett, and lives in Marilla with David and their daughter Zoey. Her most pride and joy comes from their daughter Zoey, her tenacity for life and their loving friendship.