Leadership Nebraska Honors 35 Graduates

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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