Nate Sheen is the kind of person who will go the extra mile for those in need.
That kind of quality is among the reasons he recently was honored as the 2024 Alliance Rotarian of the Year.
During his announcement of the Rotarian of the Year Award, Rodman Public Library Director Eric Taggart, a former Rotarian of the Year, noted Sheen is described by those who know him as caring, dedicated, enthusiastic and hard-working.
“Most people are very busy these days, and while their time is filled, the question is really are they doing what they do well,” started Taggart. “Well, this man runs his own business and still finds time to prioritize his family and his community.”
Sheen is the founder and managing partner of Astoria, an Alliance-based IT consulting firm that also provides managed IT services, cybersecurity, workstation management, and repair.
He is also a dedicated husband to his wife of 11 years, Lindsay Sheen, and a father to the couple’s two children, Cameron and Addison.
“His wife, who describes him as her best friend, said no matter what life throws at us, we always remain on the same team especially with our trust in God,” continued Taggart. “He has always brought us through our struggles. His kids adore him and love to play together and go on adventures.”
Meanwhile, one of Sheen’s employees, who was not identified during the presentation, had related to Taggart a story about what kind of boss and friend Sheen is.
The employee was on a service call an hour away from the shop during a snowstorm. It was late and he was leaving the site when he became stuck in the parking lot. When the employee called Sheen, the business owner showed up at the site, helped get the van unstuck and then followed him back to the shop to make sure he got home safely.
According to Taggart, the employee said, “He has always been the kind of person to go the extra mile, literally in some cases, to make sure everyone is OK.”
Involved in the Carnation City community, Sheen serves on the board of the Alliance Area Habitat for Humanity, the marketing committee of the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce, and the steering committee of Eastern Stark County Safety Council.
In Rotary, Sheen serves on the Rotary Board. During the annual installation dinner, he will ascend to the office of vice president and is in line to become president in 2026-2027.
Over the past year, he has also taken on oversight of the Alliance Rotary Club’s Flag Project, a fundraiser that brings in more than $50,000 each year that is used to help fund community projects. Sheen has made some changes to the program to expand it.
“I think that speaks volumes,” said Taggart. “It was already very successful and it would have been easy just to keep the status quo, but Nate is working to make it even better. He is doing excellent work for our organization. What I appreciate is that he sincerely values relationships that he has fostered through volunteer work. He feels that he is able to make a closer community by developing those relationships.”
While Sheen is filling a need for Rotary, the club is likewise filling a need for him.
“Rotary has filled a hole that I needed filled as far as being a place for community service and having a community to be a part of,” explained Sheen. “I am proud to be a member of the Alliance community and being a part of Rotary has given me a great opportunity to make it a better place.”
And as Rotary has been a perfect match for Sheen, the Rotarian of the Year has been a good fit for the club, according to outgoing President Sid Zufall.
“Nate Sheen has been a blessing for Rotary, and it is very well-deserved the honor that he has been given.”
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