Rotarian of the Year 2009

Max DaMetz

Thanks to Rotarian Max DaMetz, a project for the City of Olathe that commemorates Rotary's 100th birthday, was dedicated May 2nd, 2009. The project began in 2003, and Max worked tirelessly with Olathe Parks and Rec, and all parties involved to complete the project in 2009.

The support for the 6000 pound sculpture, "Trails West", now in Lone Elm Park, was designed, completed, and donated by DaMetz Engineering.  For complete story...

Above, Max is pictured with Eldon Tefft, Professor emeritus of sculpture at the University of Kansas.  Mr. Tefft created the oxen and conestoga wagon sculpture.

Max joined Rotary March of 1987. Ford Bohl was his sponsor. Max has been a board member of Olathe Rotary and has participated in many Olathe Rotary projects.

He is a licensed Professional Engineer & registered Land Surveyor who has been associated with private consulting firms for more than thirty years, in which he served as a partner for twenty years and is currently the Managing Member of Level-4 Engineering, LLC. Max was with Brezina Engineering in Dodge City, KS from 1977 to 1979, Payne and Brockway Engineers, Olathe, KS from 1979 -2002, and has been with Level 4 Engineering in Lenexa, KS since 2004.

He graduated from Stanley High School in 1967. He has a Bachelor of Science in English Education from the University of Kansas, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University.  Max was an English Teacher and Basketball Coach at Kinsley and Dodge City, Kansas from 1971-1975.

Max is a board member on the Olathe Medical Center Charitable Foundation. He has been Olathe Optimist Breakfast Club President and Optimist Lieutenant Governor of Kansas, and is an active member of Grace United Methodist Church. He is a past member of the United Methodist Kansas East Conference Church Growth and Development Committee.

Max has been married to his wife Linda for 37 years. Their daughter Erin and husband Tim Deneke have given them 2 grandchildren, Grace and Samuel, who we have all met at our Christmas party. Max and Linda also have a son, Ryan.

Max enjoys KU football and basketball, traveling, and playing with his grandchildren.