El Dorado County (Feb 29, 2024) – The Rotary Club of Placerville joyfully announces that Kurt Raffetto, a distinguished Past President, has been appointed as the Rotary District 5190 district governor for the upcoming Rotary Year 2026-27. This prestigious role positions Raffetto to lead and guide the 61 clubs within District 5190, covering the expansive regions of northeastern California and all of northern Nevada.
Background: Kurt Raffetto’s journey with the Rotary Club of Placerville commenced in 2014, sponsored by his father, Danno Raffetto. He ascended to the presidency from 2018 to 2021 and presently holds the position of area governor for Area 6. Area 6 encompasses the Rotary Clubs of Georgetown Divide, Pollock Pines-Camino, Cameron Park, and Placerville.
District Governor Role: In his upcoming role as district governor, Raffetto will assume responsibility for overseeing the diverse Rotary landscape within District 5190. Notably, this district stands as one of the geographically largest in the United States, encompassing north-eastern California and the entirety of northern Nevada. Raffetto’s appointment marks a historic moment as he becomes only the second Placerville Rotarian to serve as district governor, following in the footsteps of Clyde Curtis during the 1956-57 Rotary year.
Community Contributions: Beyond his Rotary roles, Raffetto has been an integral part of the district’s service initiatives. He served as the district service chair and played a critical role in the district disaster response committee, formed in the aftermath of the devastating 2021 wildfires, including the Caldor Fire. Under his leadership as club president, Raffetto led the community in raising $100,000 for the Rotary Club of Paradise following the Camp Fire and received recognition as the recipient of the Community Service Project of the Year Award for 2018-19.
Personal and Professional Background: A fifth-generation resident of El Dorado County, Kurt Raffetto’s roots run deep in the community. His 23-year career in the U.S. Air Force, where he flew various aircraft, culminated in a return to his hometown. Alongside managing commercial property and a walnut orchard in the Apple Hill area with his father, Raffetto has contributed extensively to the community. His wife, Veronica (Polly), recently retired as a colonel from a 31-year career in both the active duty and the Air Force Reserve.
Community Involvement: Kurt’s commitment extends beyond Rotary, including roles such as the publicity chair for Placerville Ducks Unlimited, flight captain of the Sierra Flight 27 Order of Daedalians, and contributions to the Marshall Foundation for Community Health. He has also served as a commissioner for the El Dorado Veterans Affairs Commission, District 3, and has been involved in coaching youth basketball and junior varsity baseball.
