LINCOLN, Nebraska — Leadership Nebraska celebrated the graduation of 35 distinguished leaders from across the state during a commencement ceremony held Thursday, February 19, in Lincoln. The ceremony recognized the successful completion of the program’s Class XVII and honored participants for their commitment to strengthening their communities and Nebraska’s future.

Leadership Nebraska, a program of the NE Chamber Foundation, is designed to cultivate informed, connected, and action-oriented leaders. Through six immersive sessions hosted in communities across the state, participants deepen their understanding of the industries, policies, and regional dynamics shaping Nebraska’s economy and quality of life. Key focus areas include economic development, healthcare, agriculture, education, workforce, and government.

Throughout the program, class members engage directly with business executives, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and community innovators. The experience equips participants to evaluate complex issues, collaborate across sectors, and develop thoughtful solutions that drive meaningful impact.

“We are proud to welcome this exceptional group into the Leadership Nebraska alumni network,” said Tara Lea, Executive Vice President – Partnerships and Programs at the NE Chamber. “Class XVII represents the very best of Nebraska — leaders who are committed to growth, service, and strengthening our state for generations to come.”
The graduates of Leadership Nebraska Class XVII include:

AURORA:
Jennifer Dennis, Hamilton Telecommunications
 
BLAIR:
Bryce Miller, Great Plains Communications
 
COLUMBUS:
Bradley Christensen, Pinnacle Bank
Tara Vasicek, City of Columbus
 
CREIGHTON:
Lindsay Nelson, City of Creighton
 
FALLS CITY:
Amber Holle, Falls City Chamber & Main Street

FREMONT:
Cindy Slykhuis, RVR Bank
 
GRAND ISLAND:
Travis Mittan, Associated Staffing
 
HOLDREGE:
Meredith Pierce, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District
 
KEARNEY:
Peg Abels, University of Nebraska at Kearney
Scott Hayden, City of Kearney
Suzanne Brodine, Olsson
 
LINCOLN:
Carrie Myers, Davis Design
Dave Miller, ALLO
Dustin Snyder, Black Hills Energy
Dylan Wren, City of Lincoln
Kelly Ross, ECHO Collective
Michael DeLanie, Nebraska Hospital Association
Michael Medwick, First Five Nebraska
Shelby Strattan, Invest Nebraska
 
NORFOLK:
Brittney Koenig, Nebraska Public Power District
Katie Towler, Northeast Community College
Lisa Jones, Daycos
 
OGALLALA:
Christopher Heilman, American Shizuki Corporation

OMAHA:
Adrienne Cavill, Boyd Jones
Christopher Kestel, FNBO
Jaclyn Lindburg, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Kristin Lowrey, Access Period
LaTisha Henry, Comfort Squad, LLC
Lindsay Mouw, Conservation Nebraska
Lindsey Freeman, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska
Nikki Klugh, Nikki Klugh Design Group, Inc.
Sarah Griger, Eide Bailly
Susan Violi, Baxter Auto Group
Trevor Tonniges, Metropolitan Utilities District

These graduates join an esteemed network of over 400 Leadership Nebraska alumni, all committed to lifelong learning and service to Nebraska’s communities and industries.

Leadership Nebraska is the NE Chamber Foundation’s cornerstone program. The NE Chamber Foundation is focused on meeting the needs of current business, community and state leaders, as well as equipping Nebraska’s next generation of leaders with the experiences, information and research they need to turn big ideas into bold moves.

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LINCOLN, Nebraska — January 30, 2026 — The NE Chamber Foundation on Thursday awarded six outstanding Nebraska college students with $2,500 tuition scholarships.  The students are majoring in a business-related field and have shown excellence in their academics, leadership and community.
 
2026 Nebraska Business Hall of Fame scholarship winners are:

• Jacie Ambrose, University of Nebraska at Omaha, St. Paul native, awarded the Bob Harris Scholarship;
• Andrew Heckman, Hastings College, Hastings native, awarded the Jack Swartz Scholarship;
• Will Blatchford, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Lincoln native, awarded the Robert & Cynthia Milligan Scholarship;
• Lillian Johnson, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Lincoln native, awarded the Kenneth L. Wortman Scholarship;
• Maddock Oberzan, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Lawrence, KS native, awarded the Virgil Eihusen Scholarship; and
• Arabelle Horst, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Gretna native, awarded the Moe Beardmore Scholarship.

 
To be eligible, college students in Nebraska must be sophomores or juniors in a business-related field, show demonstrated leadership in extracurricular activities and maintain at least a 3.0 grade point-average. Since 1997, the NE Chamber Foundation has awarded over $280,000 in scholarships to more than 135 students across Nebraska.
 
“These students embody the talent and promise that will guide Nebraska’s business community forward,” said NE Chamber Foundation President Tera Norris. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to support them and look forward to seeing the difference they’ll make in communities across Nebraska.”
 
The NE Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable and education foundation that expands economic growth and opportunity throughout Nebraska through game-changing nonpartisan research and initiatives.  The NE Chamber Foundation also supports the future of Nebraska through the Leadership Nebraska program and college scholarships.  The NE Chamber Foundation strives to be the leader in Nebraska in future-focused research and data and be a catalyst for positive change.  Learn more at nechamber.com/foundation.
 
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​LINCOLN, Nebraska – January 6, 2026 – Luisa Smith has joined the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry this week as its Director of Government Affairs.
 
Smith has been working on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. since 2021, most recently as a Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator James E. Risch. Her policy expertise includes areas such as energy, transportation, science, and infrastructure. Smith grew up on her family’s cherry orchard operation in The Dalles, Oregon. She earned her bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of Idaho and a master’s degree in Strategic and Defense Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
 
“Luisa’s vast experience in federal legal and policy issues and her analysis and advisory skills will advance the Nebraska Chamber’s efforts to inform and advocate for members in the Unicameral and in Washington,” said Todd Bingham, President and CEO of the NE Chamber. “She has a keen mind for sophisticated policy areas, understands what it takes to run and grow a business and is an effective communicator and skilled in legislative strategy. We welcome her to Lincoln and look forward to her work for a stronger Nebraska.”
 
Smith will work with Executive Vice President of Legislation and Policy Hunter Traynor, Executive Director of Tech Nebraska Emily Allen, Vice President and General Counsel Ron Sedlacek, and President/CEO Bingham on legislative and policy issues.
 
Luisa will serve as the dedicated government affairs and policy lead for Tech Nebraska, managing Tech Nebraska and the NE Chamber’s shared technology & innovation portfolio and assisting as well with the NE Chamber’s broader agenda and presence before the Legislature. 
 
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