Leadership Nebraska proudly celebrates the achievements of 35 outstanding graduates from its Class XVI, who were honored during a commencement ceremony in Lincoln on Thursday, February 20. This special occasion recognized the commitment and contributions of leaders from across Nebraska as they received certificates and commemorative awards marking their successful completion of the program.

Leadership Nebraska is dedicated to developing informed and engaged leaders by strengthening their leadership skills and broadening their understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping the state. Participants gain the ability to assess critical issues, craft innovative solutions, and make a meaningful impact on Nebraska’s future.

“We are honored to welcome this exceptional group of leaders into the Leadership Nebraska alumni network,” said Bryan Slone, President of the NE Chamber. “These individuals exemplify the best of Nebraska—driving positive change in their organizations, communities, and across the state.”

The program consists of six immersive sessions held in locations across Nebraska, covering key topics such as economic development, healthcare, agriculture, education, and government and policy. By experiencing firsthand the industries and communities that shape Nebraska, participants gain valuable insights and build strong connections with fellow leaders.

The graduates of Leadership Nebraska Class XVI include:

AURORA:
Tammy Morris, Hamilton Community Foundation/Jim's U Save Pharmacy
 
BATTLE CREEK:
Angela Bessmer, Nucor Cold Finish
 
BELLEVUE:
Guadalupe Millan, All United Building Maintenance
 
DENTON:
Stacey Roach, Olsson
 
GERING:
Clinton Schleicher, ALLO Fiber

GIBBON:
Matthew Smallcomb, City of Gibbon
 
GRAND ISLAND:
Zachary Griess, Bosselman Enterprises
 
HOLDREGE:
Scott Dicke, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District
 
KEARNEY:
Alexander Straatmann, University of Nebraska at Kearney

LINCOLN:
Jennifer Williams, American Communications Group, Inc.
Julie Murray-Jensen, The Foundry Community Foundation
Melissa Grovijohn, Pinnacle Bank
Mitchell Clark, First Five Nebraska
Nathan Clouse, General Excavating
Tiffany Pusateri, Black Hills Energy
 
OMAHA:
Adam Steffen, Medica
Candice Price, Home Team Auto Sales
Christina Kahler, FNBO
Dustin Marvel, OPPD
Elise McHatton, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska
Jordan Klute, Klute
Julie Davis, Robert B. Daugherty Foundation
Rachael Johnson, Ho-Chunk, Inc.
Robert Bell, Robert M. Bell, P.C., L.L.O.
Shalon Buffum, Metropolitan Utilities District
Tierra Robinson, Nebraska Medicine
Andrea Mausbach, Great Plains Communications

OSCEOLA:
Nicole Brumbaugh, Nebraska Public Power District

PAPILLION:
Ivy Svoboda, Nebraska Alliance of Child Advocacy Centers
Michael DeBoer, Lamp Rynearson
Michelle Andahl, City of Papillion
Mynesha Spencer, All of Us Together Co.
Javier Saldaña, Jr., Nebraska Department of Economic Development
 
SIDNEY:
Timothy Craig, Adams Industries

WEST POINT:
Vanessa McCain, Cuming County Economic Development

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

NE Chamber President Bryan Slone recently welcomed Ryan Querry to the NE Chamber team. Querry will serve as Vice President of Membership Development, expanding the Chamber’s membership base and providing the best experience for members spanning the entire state.
 
“Ryan is adding immense depth to the NE Chamber team with his experience in sales and membership development,” said NE Chamber President Bryan Slone.  “His commitment to the state of Nebraska and local businesses will continue to advance not only the NE Chamber, but the state as a whole.”
 
An Omaha native, Ryan was raised in Louisville, KY and returned to Nebraska in high school.  After attending York College to play soccer, he later graduated from Bellevue University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a minor in Business Administration.
 
In his 19-year career, Ryan spent time at a Berkshire Hathaway owned insurance company, the San Francisco 49ers, as Chief Revenue Officer at Werner Park, and ultimately founded his consulting firm, Great Plains Sponsorships.  Most recently, Ryan served as the Vice President of Development at the Omaha Children’s Museum.
 
Over the years, Ryan has sat on nonprofit boards and coached numerous teams that accomplished unprecedented sales results. The accomplishments he is most proud of are being married to his wife, Jen, and raising their two kids, Harper & Nash. In his spare time, Ryan loves watching his son play baseball and daughter take the stage as a performer. He's a diehard fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Kentucky Wildcats basketball, and San Francisco 49ers. He treasures his time outdoors, whether on the golf course, by the water, or in his garage.

LINCOLN, Nebraska — The NE Chamber Foundation celebrated the recipients of six $2,500 college tuition scholarships named in honor of past Nebraska Business Hall of Fame honorees.

2025 Hall of Fame scholarship winners include:
 

• Brandy Bode, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, awarded the Bob Harris Scholarship;
• Kaylee Campbell, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, awarded the Jack Swartz Scholarship;
• Tyler Castle, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, awarded the Robert & Cynthia Milligan Scholarship;
• Brayden Hicks, University of Nebraska at Omaha, awarded the Kenneth L. Wortman Scholarship;
• Kaylee Powell, Concordia University, awarded the Virgil Eihusen Scholarship; and
• Sawyer Thompson, Nebraska Wesleyan University, awarded the Moe Beardmore Scholarship.

 
Students 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 to be considered. Since 1997, the NE Chamber Foundation has awarded over $267,000 in scholarships to more than 130 students across Nebraska.
 
“These students represent the future of Nebraska business leaders, and we’re thrilled to be able to support them in their educational journey,” NE Chamber Foundation President Tera Norris said. “We look forward to welcoming these outstanding group of individuals who will soon have a tremendous impact on business in 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.

LINCOLN, Nebraska — The NE Chamber and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) College of Business inducted five honorees into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame, including:

• Mike Boyle, Kawasaki, Lincoln
• Paul and Lori Hogan, Home Instead, Omaha
• Senator John Stinner, Western States Bank, Gering
• Senator Matt Williams, Flatwater Bank, Gothenburg

These leaders were formally inducted into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame on Thursday, January 30.  They join an esteemed group of over 140 Nebraska business leaders who have made a tremendous impact on the state’s economy, driven its competitiveness, and contributed significantly to the vitality of our free enterprise system.

“The Nebraska Business Hall of Fame is the highest honor a business leader can receive in our state.  These five Nebraskans have contributed greatly to the success and growth of Nebraska, making them among the most deserving.” said NE Chamber President Bryan Slone at the Banquet.

The program was established by the NE Chamber and UNL College of Business in 1992.  Candidates are nominated by individuals from the business community, business associations and academia.  Nominations for 2026 Hall of Fame honorees will open on February 10, 2025, on the nechamber.com website.