Kiwanis International President

Arthur “Art” Riley of Westminster, Maryland, USA, was elected president of Kiwanis International and will begin his term on Oct. 1, 2020. He was elected during a Kiwanis International council meeting held in lieu of the annual Kiwanis International Convention. He was first elected to the board of trustees in July 2014.

Art's dedication to Kiwanis began in 1956 during travel with his father to the Kiwanis International Convention in San Francisco, California. That experience gave him an initial view of the Kiwanis world that resulted in his involvement in many Kiwanis activities. Official service in the Kiwanis family began as a member of Key Club and has continued as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Westminster, Maryland, where he has served for 39 years, including many leadership positions. Additionally, he is a member of the Centennial Internet Club and the Kiwanis Club of State Line, Maryland. Art’s leadership has also been demonstrated as a Key Club lieutenant governor and numerous positions within the Capital District, culminating as governor in 2007-2008.

During his tenure on the Kiwanis International Board, Art has served as counselor to 12 Kiwanis districts and traveled to more than 30 districts. Additionally, Art and his wife, Vickie, participated in a site visit to Cambodia for The Eliminate Project, in conjunction with UNICEF. Serving on Board committees has resulted in Art’s passion for recognizing and fulfilling the Kiwanis mission of serving children, strengthening Kiwanis through expanded service and partnership development, improving the Kiwanis image worldwide and expanding international understanding.

Art’s recent Kiwanis duties include service as board chair of Kiwanis Youth Programs, chairing the board committee on Public Relations, Image and Marketing, and serving as a member of the executive committee and board committee on Membership and Education. He has also served as a member of the Kiwanis Children’s Fund Board of Trustees.

Art has received Diamond Level George F. Hixson Fellowship and Diamond Level Walter Zeller Fellowship honors. He and Vickie are Major Gift donors and members of the Founders Circle.

Outside of Kiwanis, Riley has managed pharmacy practices for more than 45 years. His wife, a retired elementary school teacher, is a former president of the Kiwanis Club of Westminster. They have three adult children and three grandchildren. Riley’s extended family is also involved in Kiwanis in a variety of positions. Riley is active in his community, including service as a lay speaker at his church. He has published a book entitled “At the Foot of the Cross.”