Jon McKinnie to speak February 18

As Personal Insurance Agent at Bankers Life & Casualty, Jon McKinnie specializes in preserving retirement assets, providing Medicare coverage and supplements, long term care, life and annuities. Previously, Jon served as Int’l Director of Operations for Safari Knowledge Systems, Ltd and was instrumental in Safari’s expansion across the US, as well as into the Australian, United Kingdom and Japanese markets.  Degreed in Mathematics at Louisiana Tech University, Jon started his career as Data Processing Manager for Ford, Bacon & Davis, a New York based, International engineering firm.  Jon’s charge was to computerize the entire company’s operations, encompassing 40 states and 9 foreign countries.  This was Jon’s first experience in the international market, which has served him well throughout his career.

 Jon went on to develop a series of startup companies over the years.  His first, at 25 years old, was Tri-State Computer Services, which grew to cover operations in 15 states.  At 37, Jon started McKinnie & Associates, his flagship company.  McKinnie & Associates developed software and specialized hardware for betting systems and back office operations, starting with horse race tracks and later, lottery systems.  Their operations controlled 90% of the US racing market including Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby, and 30% of the world market, including the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the 2^nd largest racing facility in the world.  International lotteries included the Russian Lottery in Moscow, the Swedish National Lottery, and lotteries in Macau, Philippines, Australia, New Guinea, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Norway.  McKinnie & Associates’ growth covered the globe with operations in 14 countries on 4 continents.  As affirmation of Jon’s success, he was selected “Businessman of the Year” for the State of Louisiana.

 Jon’s companies were always recognized as being on the leading edge of technologies, resulting in his participation in many advisory positions, including IBM’s Advisory Council and the Louisiana State University Computer Advisory Council.

Jon served as State Racing Commissioner for the State of Louisiana for 6 years and on the board of Racing Commissioner International for 5 years.  During this period, he was selected “Outstanding Racing Commissioner of North America”.

 In 1999, Jon was named Executive Director of the National Horse Racing Commission, a national governmental compact, which governed racing regulations across the nation.  During Jon’s tenure, he established one of the first seamless interfaces to the FBI’s criminal database, reducing reporting of criminal history from months to minutes.

 During his career, Jon has maintained a community spirit, active in local, state, and national civic activities, including several Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, arts councils, and drug awareness programs. He served as District Secretary and Assistant District Governor for Little Rock Rotary District, was selected as “Rotarian of the Year” for District 6150.  Transferring to Greater Houston District 5890 in 2005, Jon currently serves as District Chief of Staff and chairs the Technology & Event Resources Committee.  In 2009, Jon was again selected as “Rotarian of the Year” in District 5890.  During Jon’s term as President and President-Elect, Space Center Rotary Club was recognized as “Large Club of the Year”, two years in a row. 

 Jon and his wife, Kay, founded Mothers Against Drugs, one of the premier drug awareness programs in United States.  Mothers Against Drugs has won two presidential awards, presented by Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.

 Jon’s recognition includes:

•          “Outstanding Young Business Leaders to Watch” in America

•          Louisiana’s “Businessman of the Year”

•          Pew Foundation’s “Outstanding Racing Commissioner” for North America

•          One of Arkansas’ “Outstanding Republicans”

•          “Rotarian of the Year” for Arkansas (2005) & Houston (2009)

•          “Person of the Year” for Louisiana Racing Industry

 In 2008, Jon was selected to host Rotary International President DK Lee of South Korea, on his executive tour of NASA’s Johnson Space Center facilities.  “To coordinate the activities for Rotary International President Lee, head of Rotary’s 1.2 million members, was indeed an honor and a highlight of my civic career”.

 Recently, June 28, 2010, was declared Jon R McKinnie Day, by proclamation by Houston Mayor Annise Parker.

 Jon and his wife, Kay, have thee children, four grandchildren, and one spoiled yellow lab, Daisy.