Leadership Nebraska

Leadership Nebraska Class XVI has made their way out West! On their second outing of the year, Class XVI has been getting familiar with Western Nebraska, learning about the incredible businesses, and of course, visiting Chimney Rock!

Day one of Leadership Nebraska is officially in the books! ?? This year’s class is extra special because we’re part of the most competitive cohort in the program’s history, receiving the highest number of applications ever. The program focuses on equipping leaders across the state with the tools and knowledge needed to tackle key Nebraska issues like economic development, healthcare, education, and more. It’s exciting to be part of such a dynamic and engaged group committed to driving meaningful change in our communities! #Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry #Class16 #LeadershipDevelopment #StatewideImpact #DrivingChange #CivicEngagement #RelationshipBuilding #NebraskaStrong Tara Lea, IOM; Mynesha Spencer; Javier Salda?a Jr

Leadership Nebraska Class XVI kicks off tomorrow! Before all the excitement begins, let's take a moment to recognize our AMAZING presenting sponsor, Medica! This nonprofit health insurance provider offers a range of plans for individuals, families, employers, Medicare, and Medicaid, serving communities in Arizona, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. We're so grateful to have Medica back for a second year as our presenting sponsor. Thank you, Medica, for being an incredible partner in all the communities you serve!

**Apologies to Alex....his post made it on Facebook but not LinkedIn. Please help us welcome Alex Straatmann!!** ?? Meet Class XVI! ?? Next up, representing central Nebraska...Alex Straatmann, an attorney and the Chief Compliance Officer at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Alex previously worked on the staff of U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith for nearly 16 years. Alex also served two terms on the Kearney Public Schools Board of Education, including two years as president. He is a candidate for Kearney City Council. A proud Kearney native, Alex graduated from Kearney High School (1996), UNK (2000), and Texas Tech School of Law (2003). As a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve, Judge Advocate General Corps, Alex has 15 years of service, including mobilizations to the 3rd Infantry Division and United States Space Command. He currently serves as Team Chief of the 8th Legal Operations Detachment in Omaha. Alex and his wife, Dr. Kim Andresen, live in Kearney with their two dogs and two cats. Their love for animals led them to found the Paws for Patriots program at the Kearney Area Animal Shelter. Alex is active in the community, serving on various boards including the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, KPS Foundation, Central Nebraska Veterans Memorial, and more. He has also been involved with the Tehama Shriners, Kearney Sertoma, American Legion, and VFW Auxiliary.

?? Meet Class XVI! ?? Last but certainly not least please meet Zac Griess, Director of Petroleum at Bosselman Enterprises! Before this, Zac served as the Director of Finance & Treasury, and in 2019, he led the launch of BossFuels, Inc., entering the wholesale fuel distribution market. He also serves as the Executive Sponsor of the Multicultural Alliance ERG. A graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney with an MBA, Zac is a dedicated member of the Grand Island community. He is the Board President of the Multicultural Coalition and co-founder of the Khadija Abdudaim Citizen Fund with his wife. Zac also plays an active role in Leadership Unlimited’s Golf Classic Committee, organizing and fundraising for their annual event. Zac and his wife, Sarah, have two spirited, blue-eyed, red-headed boys, Treyven and Branick. In his free time, Zac enjoys outdoor activities and cheering on the Cornhuskers. We’re thrilled to have Zac’s leadership and vision as part of our Leadership Nebraska family. Welcome, Zac!

?? Meet Class XVI! ?? Please give a warm welcome to Vanessa McCain, a graduate of Wisner-Pilger Public School and a proud alumna of Central Community College in Hastings, where she earned her Associate’s Degree in Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts! Since September 2022, Vanessa has been the Project Coordinator for Cuming County Economic Development, overseeing 40 projects through the Owner-Occupied Housing Program and managing funds for Rural Workforce Housing Projects. Her responsibilities also include maintaining Business Improvement and Demolition Grants for local businesses and residents, as well as handling office duties, accounting, and attending monthly meetings. Shortly after joining Cuming County Economic Development, Vanessa took on the role of Director of the Cuming County Visitor’s Bureau, where she actively manages promotional and infrastructure grants and creates marketing materials. Through her work with the Visitor’s Bureau, Vanessa became involved with the Discover Northeast Nebraska Travel Council, which promotes rural towns and their attractions in Northeast Nebraska. Vanessa now serves as the council’s secretary, managing social media accounts and organizing monthly meetings. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her family, especially her five nephews, and loves engaging in various sports and enjoying the great outdoors. We are thrilled to have Vanessa bring her strategic vision and passion for community engagement to Leadership Nebraska. Welcome, Vanessa!

?? Meet Class XVI!! ?? Hailing from rural Sidney, Tim Craig brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our group. As the COO of Adams Industries, Tim has a strong background in leadership and problem-solving, honed over 15 years in law enforcement and his roles in the business sector. Tim’s commitment to his community is unmatched. He volunteers with the Sidney Angels, helping children and adults with disabilities, and instructs in the 4H shotgun shooting sports program. He’s also a vital part of Sidney's E3 Program, guiding entrepreneurs on their journey, and serves as an advisor for the Western Nebraska Community College CDL driver training program. At Adams Industries, Tim oversees operations across various divisions and plays a key role in expanding the company’s reach and enhancing customer relationships. His dedication to both business and community service exemplifies true leadership in Nebraska. Let’s give Tim a warm welcome to our Leadership Nebraska family!

?? Meet Class XVI!! ?? As the Customer Experience Program Manager for Black Hills Energy Nebraska/Iowa, Tiffany Pusateri has dedicated nearly two decades to understanding and improving customer experiences. Her work has led to the development of a comprehensive construction communications program and strong relationships with regulatory commissions. Tiffany is not just a leader in her professional life; she’s also deeply committed to her community. She volunteers with United Way, serves on the Salvation Army of Lincoln Advisory Council, and regularly supports various local non-profits. In her leisure time, Tiffany enjoys outdoor adventures and sports with her husband, Tony, and their three children, Carson, Beckett, Haylen, and their furry friend Ollie. Join us in welcoming Tiffany to the Leadership Nebraska family!

?? Meet Class XVI! ?? Tierra Robinson is a leader in the field of health care diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has 15 years of experience at Nebraska Medicine, where she currently serves as the Director of Adaptive Learning and Inclusive Excellence. In this role, she oversees the Interpretive Services and Employee Health Departments, as well as the development of education and training from an inclusive and equitable lens. Tierra holds a Master of Business Administration from Bellevue University and a Master of Health Administration from Clarkson College. She values diversity immensely and appreciates the individuality that each person possesses. She is passionate about advancing health equity and improving health outcomes for underserved populations. Tierra is leading several initiatives which includes identifying and removing barriers to addressing health equity, enhancing accessibility efforts, building a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion training suite, and improving language access within her organization. Tierra is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, where she lives with her husband and children. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She is an active member of Nebraska Medicine’s Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) Council and the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE). Welcome Tierra!!

?? Meet Class XVI! ?? Please welcome, Tammy Morris, the Executive Director of the Hamilton Community Foundation, as part of our Leadership Nebraska Class XVI! Alongside her role at the Foundation, Tammy co-owns Jim’s U-Save Pharmacy with her husband and manages human resources, marketing, and retail merchandising. With an impressive career spanning child welfare, juvenile justice, and 30 years of leadership in Nebraska's public and private sectors, Tammy brings a wealth of experience to the class. Tammy is no stranger to making a difference in her community. She has spearheaded numerous fundraising campaigns and public art installations throughout Central Nebraska. In addition to her leadership roles, she has shared her expertise as an adjunct professor at Doane University. Tammy holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a focus on Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. An alumna of Leadership Tomorrow Aurora and the Nonprofit Executive Institute of the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM), Tammy has been actively involved in numerous boards and organizations at the local and state levels. Her roles have included serving as Vice President of the Heartland Council of Community Foundations and as a Governor-appointed commissioner on the Nebraska Commission for Housing and Homelessness. When she’s not working, you can find her spending quality time with family and friends, enjoying her hobbies of cooking, golfing, and traveling. Let’s give Tammy a big welcome to Class XVI!!