By Leadership Nebraska
LINCOLN – Twenty-eight Nebraska leaders were recognized with certificates and commemorative awards for completing Class XIII of Leadership Nebraska at a commencement ceremony held Thursday, March 3.
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 are critical to building thriving communities and a resilient, growing economy,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber president. “Today, we face more complex challenges than ever, but the opportunities before us are even greater. We are anxious to see how the members of Class XIII make their mark on our future.”
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 XIII members who graduated Thursday include:
ALLIANCE:
Mara Anderson, Alliance Recreation Center
BLAIR:
Matthew Reed, Great Plains Communications
COLUMBUS:
Heidi Elliot, Nebraska Public Power District
HOLDREGE:
Rochelle Jurgens, Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District
KEARNEY:
Brenda Jensen, City of Kearney
Kelly Kreger, Path for Growth
Lisa Tschauner, University of Nebraska at Kearney
LINCOLN:
Macala Carter, Great Western Bank
Ben Martens, U.S. Bank
Nate McHargue, State Farm
Bridgett Petzoldt, Black Hills Energy
NELIGH:
Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen, City of Neligh Economic Development
NORFOLK:
Dr. Tracy Kruse, Northeast Community College
Andrea Libengood, Daycos, Inc.
NORTH PLATTE:
Chance Schilling, First National Bank of Omaha
OMAHA:
Brook Aken, Omaha Public Power District
Britton Gabel, Omaha Public Power District
Elizabeth Hallgren, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business
Julie Klug, Aksarben Foundation
Megan Murray, Metropolitan Utilities District
Jennifer Olds, Peter Kiewit Foundation
Sarah Sjolie, The Wellbeing Partners
Carole Swanson, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Nebraska
PAWNEE CITY:
Jessica Colo, OCI Insurance & Financial Services
SCOTTSBLUFF:
Douglas Mader, Western Nebraska Community College
WAYNE:
Abby Schademann, Wayne Area Economic Development
WISNER:
Kevin Black, Pinnacle Bank
YORK:
Edward Tjaden, City of York Police Department