The Novato Speaker Series Presents...
...four great speakers for our 2026-2027 Season
Available now!
Buy A Season Ticket!
Checkout The Amazing Speakers For Our Upcoming Season!
Enjoy All Four Events With A Season Ticket!
To purchase tickets and eliminate processing fees, write us a check payable to “Novato Speaker Series”, memo “your email address”, and mail to “NSS, 42 Blanca Dr., Novato, CA 94947. Thanks!
Adult $100
Student $50
Sponsored by these
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2026-2027 Speaker Series
The Bill and Adele Jonas Center
1800 Ignacio Blvd building 19, Novato, CA 94949
Doors open @ 6:30
Novato Speaker Series Mission Statement
In our continuing mission to serve Novato and our surrounding communities, the Rotary Clubs of Novato have committed to providing a Speaker Series of diverse, relevant, and interesting topics each year to inform and educate Rotarians and the general public. It is our goal to further Rotary International’s motto of “Service Above Self” with a wide range of engaging speakers.
Who is the Novato Speaker Series for?
Whether you're a student, a professional, a retiree, or anyone in between, the series offers something of value. The presentations are designed to be accessible to a broad audience and to spark curiosity and discussion. The series is ideal for individuals who are passionate about lifelong learning and exploring new horizons.
Thursday Evenings
Thursday Evenings
The Novato Speaker Series is an ongoing program that brings together a diverse range of speakers from various fields and backgrounds to share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives with the community.
Held at the spacious Bill and Adele Jonas Center on the Indian Valley Campus of the the College of Marin, the series features entertaining and informative talks that cover a wide range of topics, from current events and health and wellness, art and culture, and more. Each speaker is carefully selected to provide a unique and engaging presentation, and the series is designed to foster community engagement, learning, and enrichment.
Whether you're a lifelong learner, a curious individual, or simply looking for an enjoyable evening out, the Novato Speaker Series is an excellent opportunity to expand your horizons and connect with others in your community.
The Monthly Novato Speaker Series is an ongoing program that brings together a diverse range of speakers from various fields and backgrounds to share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives with the community.
Held on a monthly basis, the series features entertaining and informative talks that cover a wide range of topics, from current events and health and wellness, art and culture, and more. Each speaker is carefully selected to provide a unique and engaging presentation, and the series is designed to foster community engagement, learning, and enrichment.
Whether you're a lifelong learner, a curious individual, or simply looking for an enjoyable evening out, the Monthly Novato Speaker Series is an excellent opportunity to expand your horizons and connect with others in your community.
Chris Gargano
A Visionary Leader and Storyteller
Chris Gargano’s career in the world of professional sports has gifted him a deep understanding of the dynamics that create successful teams and leadership structures. His work as a leader in the content departments of the Oakland Raiders, San Francisco Giants, and New York Jets created a desire to analyze and master how to lead with heart. This passion led to the founding of the Gargano Leadership Group, where Chris works to help teams and individuals reach their full potential.
As a storyteller, Chris wants to understand people, specifically, what makes people great and how they perform at such high levels. His Podcast, ‘Keep the Line Moving’ is a way to hear industry leaders share their insights. Here, Chris comes together with people who have excelled in their careers and lead in ways that profoundly impact their peers and teams. Hear how successful leaders practically, strategically, and empathetically lead people to achieve beyond their collective and individual abilities.
Buddy Biancalana
Retired Major League Baseball (MLB) Shortstop
Buddy Biancalana, born in Greenbrae, California, in 1960, is a baseball legend whose career started at Redwood High School in Larkspur. He was a standout player, making it to the Mythical National Champion Team in 1977. The Kansas City Royals drafted him in 1978, and he played in the Major Leagues from 1982 to 1987, notably contributing to the Royals' 1985 World Series victory.
After his playing career, Biancalana ventured into coaching and authored a book, "The 7 Secrets of the World Class Athlete." In 2009, he was inducted into the Redwood High School Athletic Hall of Fame, solidifying his place in baseball history.
Donna Spitzer
Musician,
Opening Number
Following a successful engagement at The Hotel Alpha Playboy Club in Japan, Donna has appeared locally at the The Starlite Room of The Sir Francis Drake Hotel, as bandleader at The Terrace Bar of The Claremont Resort Hotel, at local nightspots such as Pearl’s, Cetrella, the no name bar, Joe LoCoco’s, Hotel Mac, The Mason Street Wine Bar, Harry’s, The Dock, The Union Hotel, Mulhern’s, 19 Broadway. She has entertained for numerous major corporate affairs, fundraisers, for wineries, country club functions, and galas in a career that has spanned two decades. A longtime favorite for local parties and galas, Donna is the bandleader and lead vocalist of the popular variety dance band,
The Full Tilt! Band.
Donna also headlines with the contemporary Swing,Blues and Classic Rock group, Sweet City Blues
Attending the Novato Speaker Series is an enjoyable and enriching experience that offers something for everyone.
Explore Fascinating Topics with the Novato Speaker Series
July, 27th
Paul A. Schwarzbart
Paul fled to Belgium with his parents when Austria was annexed in 1938. His father was arrested in Brussels on May 10, 1940. With surreptitious help, he "hid" in a catholic school in an Ardennes village near Luxembourg for 2 years. After reuniting with his mother, the two eventually came to the United States and settled in San Francisco.
July, 27th
Cantor David Margules
Cantor David Margules’ beautiful tenor voice has enhanced and blessed members of Congregation Rodef Sholom since 1991. As the synagogue’s cantor and musical director, he choreographs services and leads the congregation in traditional prayers and new arrangements – enjoining them to sing out with him and the rabbis.
2024 Speaker Series Schedule
Events take place in Bill and Adele Jonas Center
1800 Ignacio Blvd Building 19, Novato, CA 94949
May, 30th
TBA
June, 27th
TBA
TBA
info coming soon
Rosie Casals
October 22, 2026
Rosie Casals
Rosie Casals is an International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee, 12-time Grand Slam champion, and a revolutionary force who fundamentally reshaped professional sports. Rising from the public courts of San Francisco as America's first prominent Latina tennis player, the 5’2” powerhouse defied the era's traditional tennis mold with an acrobat's speed and an unyielding, fiery court presence. Globally celebrated for her historic doubles partnership with Billie Jean King, Casals captured 112 professional doubles titles—the second-most in tennis history. More than a champion, "The General" was a fierce social advocate and one of the courageous "Original 9" players who risked their careers in 1970 to form the first women's professional tour, breaking gender barriers to pave the way for modern player equity and equal prize money.
Patrick Martin
January 28, 2027
Patrick Martin
Majoring in Psychology and Theater Arts, illusionist and comedian Patrick Martin worked his way through University studies by teaching sleight of hand to corporate executives. After graduation, he competed at an International Symposium of Magic and made magical history by winning two “Grand Prix Awards” for excellence in both stage and close-up magic. Known for the universal quality of his magic and humor, Mr. Martin has been featured at theater and music festivals throughout Europe, Indonesia and Japan. Patrick has performed on television specials in Europe, Japan, China, and in the United States, and currently can be seen on the popular series, “Masters of Illusion". He has entertained for numerous Heads of State, as well as at private parties for Jack Nicholson, 1st Lady Michelle Obama, Steve Wynn, and singer Katy Perry.
Kerrie Holley
April 22, 2027
Kerrie Hollie
Kerrie Holley, JD, is an internationally recognized software engineer, inventor, and technology executive celebrated for pioneering Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), the foundational framework that paved the way for modern cloud computing. A recent inductee into both the National Inventors Hall of Fame (2025) and the National Academy of Engineering (2023), Holley has guided enterprise-scale technology paradigms for over five decades across the world's most influential firms. Throughout his storied career, he has broken historic barriers as IBM's first Black Distinguished Engineer and later as an IBM Fellow and Master Inventor, subsequently serving as a Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Cisco, a technology executive at Google, and the first Technology Fellow at Optum. An accomplished author of five industry-defining books, Holley remains a premier global keynote speaker, board leader, and strategic advisor shaping the deployment of generative AI and emerging intelligent systems.
Elisabeth Leamy
July 22, 2027
Elisabeth Leamy
Elisabeth Leamy is a 13-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, and keynote speaker celebrated for her high-stakes career in broadcast television. Best known for her decade as the on-air Consumer Correspondent for ABC’s Good Morning America and investigative reporter for The Dr. Oz Show, she has spent over 25 years navigating the fast-paced, high-pressure world of network news. Today, Elisabeth leverages her investigative skills and hard-won media insights to help corporate audiences and professionals conquer "priority overload" and unlock peak performance through her signature framework, The TRIoritize Technique™. A respected voice in both finance and lifestyle media, she is also a contributor to The Washington Post, host of the Easy Money podcast, and the author of two critically acclaimed books.
Here's what you get:
By attending the Novato Speaker Series, you'll have access to professional development opportunities, cultural enrichment, and exposure to new ideas that can challenge your assumptions and help you grow as a person. Additionally, you'll have the chance to network and build relationships with other attendees, creating lasting connections that can benefit you both personally and professionally.
The presentations are often entertaining and engaging, making for an enjoyable evening out.
The series may include presentations on art, music, literature, and other cultural topics that enrich your understanding of the world.
The series provides an opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics from experts in their fields.
See What Others Say About Novato Speaker Series
Both Syl and I had a great time and kudos for organizing this event, so much fun and so cool.
- Dick and Sylvia Hageman
Congratulations. As a result of your leadership, Novato is growing culturally—and becoming more classes in the process.
- Barry Smail
Tony Lindsay was such a surreal experience. It was my first musical concert and it was amazing. Fantastic vocals and good music. Thank you for the opportunity to experience it.
- Larry Baten
Beautiful event
I’ve never heard anyone hold a note like that as she did on Ave Maria.,
You are fabulous.
All the best.
- Mark Milberg
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