Leadership Nebraska honors 30 graduates

Thirty Nebraska leaders were recognized with certificates and commemorative awards for completing Class XIV of Leadership Nebraska at a commencement ceremony held Thursday, February 9, in Lincoln.
 
Graduates are current and emerging leaders from communities throughout Nebraska. The program enhances their leadership skills and deepens their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing our state. Leadership Nebraska is dedicated to the development of informed leaders who understand issues, define problems, develop solutions and achieve positions of higher responsibility in Nebraska.
 
“Strong leaders make strong communities,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber president. “We are pleased to add the talents and drive of Class XIV to those of the larger network of Leadership Nebraska alumni across the state. These 355 individuals are in the field every day making decisions and accelerating growth in their organizations, communities and state. We are proud of their passion for the Good Life.”
 
The program includes six, two-day sessions held in various locations across Nebraska. Topic areas include economic development, healthcare, agriculture, education, and government and policy.
 
Leadership Nebraska Class XIV members who graduated Thursday include:
 

AURORA:
Brett Mitchell, Fontel, Inc.
 
BLAIR:
Jordan Rishel, Washington County Community Foundation
 
CRETE:
Dr. Jennifer Bossard, Doane University
 
COLUMBUS:
Dawson Brunswick, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce
 
FALLS CITY:
Lucas Froeschl, Falls City Economic Development Growth Enterprise
 
GERING:
Jennifer Sibal, Gering Public Schools
 
GRAND ISLAND:
Lisa Albers, Anesthesia Group of Grand Island
Lori Schuppan, Chief Industries, Inc.
Lynne Werner, First National Bank (FNBO)
 
IMPERIAL:
Eric Exum, Pinnacle Bank
 
KEARNEY:
Michael Christen, University of Nebraska at Kearney
Trevor Lee, Economic Development Council of Buffalo County
John Lowe, State of Nebraska
 
LINCOLN:
Matthew Kasik, Region V Services
Brandon Malleck, Black Hills Energy
John McNally, Nebraska Public Power District
Holley Salmi, NE Chamber
Abbi Swatsworth, OutNebraska
NORFOLK:
Candace Schmidt, Norfolk Public Schools
 
NORTH PLATTE:
Jacob Rissler, Mid-Plains Community College
 
OMAHA:
Sydnie Carraher, The Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative
Brenda Christensen, SHARE Omaha
Veronica Doga, UNO-Nebraska Business Development Center
Ryan Gerdts, Omaha Public Power District
Cynthia Gubbels, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska
Patrick Hoefener, Medica
Kara O’Connor, Edward Jones
Patricia Thraen, Peter Kiewit Foundation
 
PAPILLION:
Mark Stursma, City of Papillion
 
WAYNE:
Brittany Webber, State Nebraska Bank & Trust

 
For more information on the NE Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Nebraska, please contact the NE Chamber at (402) 474-4422 or visit www.leadershipnebraska.com.