Omaha, Neb., August 27, 2020 –Leadership Omaha (LO), one of the nation’s longest-running community leadership programs, has graduated its latest “best class ever” – a diverse group of leaders engaged in precedent-setting activities throughout the region.
The 10-month course, nearly half of which was impacted by exponential change caused by a worldwide health pandemic, focused on opportunities in Greater Omaha designed to fuel a vibrant community characterized by forward-momentum. The result: collaboration in the form of small-group projects that translated insight into action, along with motivated leaders who are ready to strengthen and transform the community.
One LO small group, “GRL PWR,” partnered with Smart Gen Society, an Omaha-based nonprofit that educates youth and parents to avoid negative digital-world implications. The LO group hosted a virtual presentation for Class 42 and Leadership Omaha Alumni to learn more about Smart Gen Society.
“We really enjoyed our partnership with Smart Gen Society,” said Leadership Omaha Graduate Jillian Humphries. “Not only did we get to know one another on a deeper level, but we found ways to showcase each team member’s unique skills and talents.”
To meet the needs of families quarantined during the health crisis, the LO small group, “We Are One” partnered with The Union for Contemporary Art to create and deliver 70 art kits to 32 families. Demand for the kits was so high, an additional 120 kits were made and delivered.
“Our project was a quick reaction to an immediate need. The Union for Contemporary Art continues the effort through an ongoing program, Art + Life Kits, as part of its ongoing Radical Heart Initiative,” said Jenny Zimmer, Leadership Omaha Class 42 graduate and “We Are One” group member.
“It was truly an honor to guide this class of leaders, especially during unique pandemic circumstances. Their commitment to staying engaged took determination and was inspiring to see. This class, like the alumni before them, exceeded expectations and I’m excited for their continued leadership in our community. Congratulations, Class 42!” said Liz Kerrigan, Greater Omaha Chamber’s leadership strategist.
The Graduates of Leadership Omaha Class 42:
Sabrina Ahern, LEO A DALY
Brian Anderson, University of Nebraska Foundation
Tanin Arkfeld, Union Pacific Railroad
Kiley Armitage, QLI
Caitlin Bolte, Confluence
Nicole Carritt, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Kelli Cavey, The Omaha Community Foundation
Sam J. Cooper, TitleCore National
Savannah Cuevas, Greater Omaha Chamber
Steve Eck, FNBO
Elizabeth Evans, Jackson Lewis P.C.
Eric L. Ewing, Great Plains Black History Museum
Lauren Foster, Greater Omaha Chamber
Kate Gallagher, Buffett Early Childhood Institute
Steph Gould, American National Bank
Scott Hahn, Koenig | Dunne, PC, LLO
Mark Haner, LinkedIn
Adam Hartung, CIT
Kamron Hasan, Husch Blackwell LLP
James Hawthrone, Metropolitan Community College
Jillian Humphries, Frost Media Group
Brad Jones, MyStaff Inc
Jay Kline, White Lotus Group
Sharlyn Konfrst, Farm Credit Services of America
Gerald Kuhn II, City of Omaha
Laura Langford, Omaha Public Power District
Emily Lindsey, Starbucks Coffee Company
Itzel Lopez, AIM Institute
Abby Mack, Carson Wealth
Eric Mayberry, Omaha World Herald
Brian Miles, Bridges Trust
Pat Morris, DRT LLC
Erica Pieper, RISE
Brian Poppe, Mutual of Omaha
Katherine Porto, Nebraska Medicine
Laurent Quenaud, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Cynthia Ray, BVH Architecture
Josh Render, Kiewit Building Group
Eli Rigatuso, Bellevue University
Mark Rodgers, Core Bank
Toby Samuelson, Morrissey Engineering
Allison Schorr Zach, ICAN – Institute for Career Advancement Needs
Vanessa Silke, Baird Holm LLP
Kyle Soares, Bank of the West
Nick Thielen, EHPV Management Group Inc.
Andrew Wesely, Ayars & Ayars, Inc.
Troy Wharton, Lozier Foundation
Andy Yosten, HDR
Jenny Zimmer, Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture
The application window for Class 43 has closed. Applications for Class 44 will be available in early 2021. Class members are chosen based on their demonstrated community involvement and vision for Omaha. Participants must attend at least 80 percent of the seminars to graduate.
For more information about Leadership Omaha, contact Liz Kerrigan, leadership strategist, at 402-978-7913.
About Greater Omaha
Greater Omaha is a No. 1 ranked up-and-coming-tech hotspot and Time magazine’s 2017 No. 3 Most Up-and-Coming City in America. Recognized for its “We Don’t Coast” attitude, and named America’s 2019 No. 2 Best Small City by Resonance Consultancy, Greater Omaha is home to more than 30 communities and nearly 1 million people, with a steady economic growth that outpaces the nation.