Speakers:

Joe Anderjaska

Email:

Joe is a fourth generation rancher/farmer from Hayes county. They have raised registered Angus cattle for almost 70 years along  with irrigated and dry land corn, wheat, soybeans and milo. Joe has served as a director on the Middle Republican NRD for 25 years. He has served on the Nebraska Association of Resource Districts and was president of board. He was selected to serve on the Republican River Water Sustainability Task Force. Most recently, Joe was selected by Governor Pillen to serve on the Water Quality and Quantity Task Force. 

Back to Top

Kelsi L. Anderson, PhD

Bryan College of Health Sciences
Email: kelsi.anderson@bryanhealth.org

Dr. Kelsi Anderson earned a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. During her fellowship at the University of Michigan, Kelsi realized that students were her passion and began teaching at Concordia University Ann Arbor. In 2016, Kelsi moved back to Lincoln and started working at Bryan College of Health Sciences as the Biomedical Sciences Program Director, transitioned to Provost in January 2018, and was appointed president in July 2024. Kelsi and her husband Dirk have 2 children. She is a Lincoln TeamMate, a volunteer at Lincoln Berean Church, and serves on the board of Camp Sonshine.

Back to Top

Jacob Aulick

Aulick Industries
Email: jacob@aulick.com 

Jake Aulick. Third generation business owner fourth generation Western Nebraska families. Family business was started in 1952 with two employees currently today we have 130 employees and six locations in the United States. Myself and my two brothers are in the process of going through dad’s retirement. We are fortunate to live an old school Nebraska lifestyle. We have no intent of changing that. We enjoy building new products and helping with school programs.

Back to Top

Mel Badheka

Citroniq Chemicals
Email: mel@citroniq.com 

Mr. Badheka is Co-Founder and President of Citroniq Chemicals. As seasoned executive with global energy industry experience of over 30 years, he has held several senior leadership positions: CEO & Country Head of Envision Energy’s India Division where he headed a $2.5 Billion renewables portfolio, Global Head Halliburton/Landmark Cloud Services in over 60 countries, Global Business Development Manager, Landmark Graphics, Global Technology Advisor at Associated Press, NY and positions in technology, accounting and finance. Mr. Badheka also advised several OEMs and led acquisitions of projects at various levels of development and operations, sales and business development efforts across multiple countries in renewables, oil & gas and technology.

Back to Top

Todd Bingham

 Email: tbingham@nechamber.com

Before joining the Chamber, Bingham was the President and CEO of the Utah Manufacturers Association, a leading industry organization with a 120-year legacy of advancing Utah’s manufacturing sector. Under his leadership, the association provided advocacy and strategic initiatives to drive growth for Utah manufacturers.

With more than 30 years’ experience as a registered lobbyist, Bingham served on numerous influential boards and councils, including the Governor’s Economic Council, the Utah Employers Council, and the OSHA Advisory Board, and contributed his expertise to the Utah Labor Commission’s Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, the Unemployment Insurance Advisory Board, and the Rural Economic Development Board.

Back to Top

Cobus Block

Director of International and Business Recruitment
Department of Economic Development 
Cell: 402-480-5806
Email: cobus.block@nebraska.gov

Cobus leads the Department of Economic Development’s International Engagement and Business Recruitment Teams. In that role, he assists Nebraska companies with exports, joint ventures, and new market entry, and works with foreign and domestic companies interested in expanding in Nebraska. Cobus is also responsible for the state’s promotional activity, which includes foreign trade offices in Germany and Japan. Cobus has organized multiple Governor-led trade missions to Europe and Asia and coordinates with various state and national agencies to promote the Nebraska overseas.

Before working at the Department, he spent 3 years studying and working in Asia. For two years in China, Cobus worked for the Frontier Program researching agricultural development. Most of his research focused on food safety and supply chain management in the Chinese dairy industry, and the development of the Chinese aquaculture industry. His findings have been published in the Wiley Handbook of Science and Technology for Homeland Security and other publications. In 2012, Cobus received a Fulbright Research Scholarship to Kazakhstan where he spent a year at KIMEP University in Almaty, researching border trade between China and the former Soviet Union.

Cobus holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Wyoming and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Back to Top

Heidy Boteo Najera

 Email: heiboteonajera@kearneycats.com 

My name is Heidy Boteo Najera and I am an EL para at Northeast elementary school. Last year was my first year working in a public school but I have been in education for 8 years. I began in education working at a daycare in town in the 18-24month room and I worked in preschool for two years. I loved teaching in early education and I learned so much from being there. Because of what I had learned in early childhood, I was very intrigued to learn about older grades and how early education can be a great foundation for learning. To this day, I am still excited and expectant to learn about the best learning practices for education. I have an amazing mentor at Northeast who is very willing and patient to teach me all that she knows. 

Back to Top

Nick Bowdish

Siouxland Ethanol
Email: nick@nbowdishcompany.com 

Nick is President and CEO of Siouxland Ethanol located in Jackson, NE where he leads the 100 million gallon per year ethanol production company with 45 employees. Siouxland Ethanol has returned its original investors over $81,000 on an original $10,000 investment made in 2005 in addition to the original $10,000 units now trading for approximately $40,000 per unit – a testament to the possibilities of value-added agriculture.

Back to Top

Mike Boyle

Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A.
Email: mboyle@lcn.kmmfg.com 

Mike graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and joined Kawasaki in Lincoln. He started in the engineering department as a process engineer. Eventually Mike was promoted to Engineering Manager, overseeing all engineering in Lincoln. He also managed Production, Quality, Information Technology, and the Continuous Improvement departments. Mike became Vice President in 2007, overseeing operations at Kawasaki’s Lincoln plant. In 2017, was promoted to Senior VP and COO, responsible for operations in the Lincoln, Nebraska plant and for the Maryville and Boonville, Missouri engine manufacturing plants. Mike has been President and CEO since January 2022.

Back to Top

Jesse Bradley

Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment

Jesse Bradley is the Director of the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment. Bradley has been in state government since 2006, when he started as an integrated water management analyst at DNR. In 2014, he was promoted to deputy director of DNR, and then in 2025 to the director of the new Department of Water, Energy, and Environment after the merger of DNR and NDEE. Jesse Bradley earned a BS in Environmental Geology from the University of Nebraska Omaha and an MS in Hydrogeology from Clemson University.  Jesse is also a licensed professional geologist in the state of Nebraska.

Back to Top

Lane Carr

Nebraska Department of Education
Email: lane.carr@nebraska.gov 

Lane has been with the Nebraska Department of Education since 2017. He currently serves as the Administrator for the Office of Policy and Strategic Initiatives. In this role, he coordinates inter agency- and statewide-initiatives and projects, and helps ideate, research, write, implement, and monitor education policies affecting Nebraska’s 360,000 public and non-public school students.

Back to Top

Eric Gehringer

Executive Vice President-Operations, Union Pacific

Eric Gehringer has served as executive vice president-Operations since 2021. He is responsible for all aspects of Union Pacific’s operations, including the Transportation, Engineering, Mechanical, Dispatching, Customer Care and Support, and Premium Operations departments.

Gehringer joined Union Pacific in 2006 as a management trainee. He previously served in numerous positions, including senior vice president-Transportation, Operating’s chief mechanical officer as well as chief engineer. Prior to joining Union Pacific, he held positions at Northwest Airlines and Daimler Chrysler.

A graduate of St. Louis University with a degree in aerospace engineering, Gehringer received an MBA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

He serves on the Board of Directors for Children’s Nebraska Foundation and is a member of the United States Strategic Command Council.

Back to Top

Dr. Justin Gibson

 Email: justin.gibson@lindsay.com 

Dr. Justin Gibson is an applied hydrologist and data scientist with expertise in irrigation management, soil moisture dynamics, and predictive analytics for agriculture. He is currently the Senior Manager of Digital Agronomy at Lindsay Corporation, where he leads the development of decision-support tools that integrate satellite imagery, weather data, and agronomic modeling to improve on-farm water use efficiency.

Justin holds a PhD in Bio-Atmospheric Interactions from the University of Nebraska. He previously conducted research at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, focusing on groundwater recharge and vadose-zone hydrology in irrigated agriculture. He later worked as a Data Scientist at Corteva Agriscience, applying large-scale analytics to optimize crop management strategies.

His work bridges academic research, field trials, and product development, with a focus on making advanced science accessible and actionable for growers. He is also active in industry engagement through groups like the Irrigation Association and regularly contributes to peer-reviewed research on irrigation efficiency and environmental modeling.

Back to Top

Justin Gipe

Scottsbluff High School
Email: jgipe@sbps.net 

Justin Gipe has taught business, marketing, management, and computer science courses at Scottsbluff High School for the past 20 years. After learning from his predecessor and earning an MBA and work-based learning endorsement, Justin began serving as the Internship and Work-Based Learning Coordinator last year. Justin has served in numerous other roles including middle school and high school coaching roles as well as TAN member for MBA research and Technology Integration Specialist for SHS. He is currently the CTE Department Chair, the head DECA advisor, and President-Elect to the Nebraska DECA Board of Directors.

Back to Top

Matt Gotschall

Central Community College
Email: mgotschall@cccneb.edu 

Matt Gotschall has worked at Central Community College for over 25 years, the past seven as College President. During his educational career in Kansas and Nebraska, Matt has been involved in multiple DOL initiatives from One Stop Career Centers, customized workforce training programs and most recently serves on the Greater Nebraska Workforce Investment Board and assists in implementing workforce solutions through the 6 Regions, 1 Nebraska initiative. A proud, native Nebraskan, Matt hails from a ranch in northern Holt County, earned all three post-secondary degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and currently resides with his wife, Michele in Grand Island.

Back to Top

Dr. Katie Graham

 Email: katie.graham@nebraska.gov 

Dr. Katie Graham leads Nebraska’s efforts to align education, workforce, and economic development as Administrator of Career, Technical, and Adult Education at the Nebraska Department of Education. With experience shaping policy and strategy at both the state and national levels, she has secured critical investments and built partnerships that expand opportunity for Nebraskans. Dr. Graham’s background spans research, program design, and systems leadership, including roles as Deputy State CTE Director, Data and Evaluation Specialist, and past President of Advance CTE’s Board of Directors. Her work centers on scalable, future-ready solutions that connect learners to meaningful careers and strengthen communities statewide.

Back to Top

Sapphire Guzman

I graduated in May 2024 from Lincoln Public Schools the Career Academy from the Welding and Machinery program. As a high school student, I participated in Skills USA, FFA, and Ambassador. My time in the SCC welding program has been phenomenal. It is a commonplace of innovative ideas, fresh perspectives, and wisdom.  Transitioning from The Career Academy to SCC was an easy decision for many reasons. I chose to continue at SCC because I’d be taking even more hands-on and informational courses all while gaining an Associate’s degree at a reduced rate. Every day I have learned something new from instructors and fellow students. Thus making my time not only eye opening, but immeasurably valuable.

Back to Top

Jeff Harrison

Deloitte
Email: jefharrison@deloitte.com 

Jeff Harrison is a Finance Transformation Leader at Deloitte with 20+ years of budget and cost analytics experience.  Based in Omaha, Jeff leads large financial management programs for state, local, and higher education clients. Over the last five years, Jeff has led a variety of strategic projects with Nebraska agencies including the Departments of Economic Development, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Administrative Services, Labor, and the Emergency Management Agency. 

Back to Top

Rich Harold

Lindsay Corporation
Email: rich.harold@lindsay.com 

Rich Harold
SVP, Global Operations, Lindsay Corporation
Omaha, NE

Rich Harold leads global operations at Lindsay Corporation, a top manufacturer of irrigation and infrastructure products. With three decades of experience in manufacturing across aerospace, automotive, industrial, electronics, and heavy equipment sectors, Rich brings a wealth of expertise to his role. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Iowa State University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and an Executive MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Back to Top

Tiffany Heng-Moss

Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Email: thengmoss2@unl.edu 

Dr. Tiffany Heng-Moss is the Interim Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources for the University of Nebraska system. She leads system-wide initiatives in agriculture, natural resources, and rural economic prosperity. From 2017 to 2025, she served as Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR), where she advanced academic innovation, workforce development, and student success. Her leadership established interdisciplinary credentials, a graduate framework, Nebraska’s first education compact, and a student success roadmap aligned with the N2025 Strategic Plan.

Back to Top

Craig Hicks

Aulick Industries
Email: craig@aulick.com 

Craig Hicks, former educator with 10 years as a math teacher and coach of a variety of sports at Leyton High School. I also spent 27 years as a technology integration specialist at Educational Service Unit 13 in Scottsbluff, NE. I just finished my first year as the educational liaison at Aulick Industries where my primary responsibility is coordinating a number of regional school trades projects and programs.

Back to Top

Trevor Hinz

ICM Inc.
Email: trevor.hinz@icminc.com 

As Director of Government and Industry Relations, Trevor is responsible for helping lead all federal and state government strategy in addition to working closely with elected officials and industry trade groups. He also supports ICM’s commercial business by building and strengthening relationships with customers, industry partners and stakeholders.

Trevor earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University and has completed post graduate work at the University of Colorado and Wichita State University. Originally from Medicine Lodge, KS, he grew up on his family’s cattle ranch where he still maintains an active interest. 

Back to Top

Sydney Hutchinson

UNL Elite 11 Veterinarian Program
Email: shutchinson5@huskers.unl.edu 

Sydney Hutchinson is a junior at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln studying animal science/pre-veterinary medicine. She is an inaugural member of UNL’s Elite 11 Veterinarian Program. Sydney is a member of the Dean’s List and was honored with the American Society of Animal Science Scholastic Achievement Award.

Sydney was selected to serve on the CASNR Student Advisory Board, UNL Campus Recreation Board, and was elected to serve as the Primary Program Coordinator for the Pre-Vet Club. Sydney works for UNL’s Institutional Animal Care Program and has received certification in Cattle Artificial Insemination through ABS Global.

Back to Top

Dr. Paul Illich

Southeast Community College
Email: pillich@southeast.edu 

Dr. Paul Illich became Southeast Community College president in July 2014, bringing 17 years of experience from McLennan Community College in Texas. Under his leadership, SCC developed its first strategic plan, completed a comprehensive facilities master plan, opened six learning centers across the 15-county service area, and successfully transitioned from quarters to semesters in 2019. The college added 26 programs, launched the Lincoln Campus Career Academy serving 600 high school students, and underwent successful accreditation review. Illich holds a Ph.D. in experimental psychology from Texas A&M University and champions data-driven decision making while fostering a culture of opportunity and respect.

Back to Top

Rob Jeffreys

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services
Email: rob.jeffreys@nebraska.gov 

Rob Jeffreys brings nearly 30 years of correctional experience to his role as director of NDCS. Previously, he led transformational criminal justice reform as the director of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). At IDOC, he restructured and streamlined population reduction mechanisms that resulted in the state ‘s lowest population level since 1991. He also held several executive level positions with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC), including chief of staff and regional director. As a visionary leader in criminal justice reform, Mr. Jeffreys is making system-level changes at NDCS and leading efforts to collaboratively transform the lives of all Nebraskans through greater public safety.

Back to Top

Jordan Klute

Klute
Email: jklute@kluteinc.com

Mr. Klute is the President of Klute Inc. From 2006 to 2010, Mr. Klute served as an accountant and consultant at Lutz and Company, PC. His responsibilities included business valuation, management consulting, tax and audit engagements. In September 2010, Mr. Klute relocated to St. Louis, Missouri and worked for the capital markets group of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage as an analyst for the mortgage trade desk. In 2013 Mr. Klute transitioned to Klute, Inc. where he has held multiple responsibilities including estimator, quality assurance manager, and operations manager. Mr. Klute is a retired Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Financial Analyst. He holds a BSBA in accounting and finance from Creighton University.

Back to Top

Vicki Kramer

Nebraska Department of Transportation
Email: vicki.kramer@nebraska.gov

Vicki Kramer was appointed Director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation in 2022 by Governor Jim Pillen. With a background in public policy, innovative financing, and integrated project delivery, her leadership has driven innovation for NDOT, including the state’s entry into public financing and the launch of an Infrastructure Hub that supports local public agencies in securing federal grants. She is a vocal proponent of increased safety measures, including driver accountability and safe systems approaches.

Back to Top

Lynsie Lancaster

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student
Email: lynsielancaster@gmail.com 

My name is Lynsie Lancaster, and I’m a double major in Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary studies with a minor in Spanish at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. I’m a member of the inaugural Elite 11 Scholars cohort. A program that helps me pursue my plans to become a large animal veterinarian and serve rural Nebraska communities. I’m also president of the UNL Rodeo Club and compete in goat tying and team roping on the traveling team and am involved in the Chi Omega sorority.

Back to Top

Dr. Matthew McCarville

State Chief Information Officer,
Director, Office of the Chief Information Officer 
Email: Matthew.McCarville@nebraska.gov 

Dr. McCarville is an accomplished leader, educator, and technology strategist; he is committed to driving positive change and harnessing the power of data and technology for the benefit of organizations, education, and society. He is also dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, ethical data use, and strategic decision-making in any organization he engages with.

With extensive experience as a Chief Information Officer, Chief Data Officer & Vice Chancellor; Dr. McCarville has managed complex operations, led large teams, and navigated budget challenges/constraints with an innovative mindset. His work in higher education and government has allowed him to play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of information resources and technology to support state, academic, research, and service operations.

Back to Top

Tony Raimondo, Jr.

Board Chair, Behlen Mfg. Co.
Email: tony.raimondo@behlenmfg.com 

Anthony (Tony) F. Raimondo, Jr. serves as Board Chair for Behlen Mfg. Co., a leading steel fabrication company with diverse business units headquartered in Columbus, Nebraska.

Raimondo joined Behlen Mfg. Co. in 1990 and has held various positions at the company including Co-CEO of Behlen, CEO of Hilton Industries; President of The Behlen Technology Group; Co-President of International and Diversified Products; President of the Behlen Country business unit, and Facilities Manager – managing plant engineering products, EPA and OSHA compliance.

Back to Top

Ben Rhodes

Nebraska Ethanol Board
Email: ben.rhodes@nebraska.gov 

Ben Rhodes is the Executive Director of the Nebraska Ethanol Board, an independent Nebraska state government agency dedicated to the promotion and development of the renewable fuels industry.

Rhodes is from west Omaha and lives in Lincoln, Nebraska. He holds a B.A. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is currently pursuing his MBA at the same institution.

Back to Top

Vanessa Rising

Email: vari@novonesis.com 

Vanessa brings nearly 30 years of experience with Novonesis, a global BioSolutions leader. She is General Manager and Director of Manufacturing at the Blair, Nebraska site—one of the world’s largest enzyme production facilities. Previously, she led technical service teams across the Americas, supporting Food & Beverage and Household Care industries. Her career began in quality and operations, including a global role in Denmark. Raised on a North Carolina farm, she holds degrees in Food Science and Microbiology. Vanessa actively supports Nebraska’s bioscience and manufacturing sectors through advisory roles and industry organizations.

Back to Top

T. Hank Robinson

Aksarben Foundation
Email: hank@aksarben.org 

Dr. Robinson is the Executive Director the Aksarben Foundation’s Full Value Ag initiative.

Back to Top

Chris Roth

Reinke Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Email: chrisroth@reinke.com 

With hundreds of dealers in more than 40 countries, Reinke Manufacturing is the world’s largest privately held manufacturer of center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems. Family-owned since 1954 and headquartered in Deshler, Neb., Reinke develops products and technology designed to increase agricultural production while providing labor savings and environmental efficiencies. Chris Roth is the president of Reinke Manufacturing and is a graduate of the University of Nebraska.

Back to Top

Matt Rhule

Husker Football Head Coach
University of Nebraska – Lincoln 

Matt Rhule is in his third season as Nebraska’s head coach in 2025. Rhule led Nebraska to its first bowl appearance in eight years in 2024, guiding the Huskers to a victory in the Pinstripe Bowl. Rhule enters 2025 with 12 years of experience as a head coach, including nine years in the college ranks and three seasons as the head coach of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. Highly regarded as a program builder and player developer, Rhule led successful turnarounds of the programs at Baylor and Temple and has improved Nebraska’s record in each of his first two seasons in Lincoln.

A native of New York City, Rhule earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Penn State and his master’s degree in educational psychology from Buffalo. He and his wife Julie have three children, Bryant, Vivienne and Leona.

Back to Top

Jackson Stansell

Sentinel Ag
Email: jackson.stansell@sentinelag.tech 

Jackson Stansell is the Founder & CEO of Sentinel Ag. Originally hailing from Dothan, AL, and a graduate of Harvard with a bachelor’s in engineering sciences, Jackson received his master’s in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. During that program, he led the development of an image-based nitrogen management software system called N-Time which became Sentinel’s flagship solution. Since founding Sentinel in September of 2021, Jackson has led the Sentinel team in improving farm profitability and efficiency through better nitrogen management.

Back to Top

Jeff Steffen

jsteffen@gpcom.net 

Jeff and Jolene Steffen farm around 600 acres in Northeast Nebraska about 10 miles south of the South Dakota border. About 500 of these acres are row crops. They currently grow Corn, Oats, Soybeans, Buckwheat, Cereal Rye and Peas for cash crops. They also graze Cow Calf pairs on full season annual cover crops and winter graze cover crops and crop residue. They have been continuous no-till for 30 plus years but only in the last 10 years have they really concentrated on soil health with cover crops being implemented on the entire farm.  Jeff and Jolene also raise non-GMO Soybeans and Oats for certified seed. Jeff is on the Nebraska Natural Resource Commission and serves on the board of his local Natural Resource District.   They also love Nature and Wildlife: as West Bow Creek runs through the middle of their farm. 

Back to Top

Diane Temme Stinton

TMCO
Email: dstemme@tmcoinc.com 

Diane Temme Stinton is CEO of TMCO (Total Manufacturing Company) in Lincoln, Nebraska. A Lincoln native, she holds a BA from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and a BMus, MPhil, and PhD from Bangor University in Wales. A strong advocate for manufacturing and workforce development, she serves as Lincoln area director of Dream It Do It! Nebraska and founded the Lincoln Manufacturing Council with the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development. Under her leadership, TMCO was named Nebraska’s “Manufacturer of the Year” in 2023. Dr. Temme Stinton also received the 2020 Inspire Award for Excellence in Business.

Back to Top

Carmen Tapio

North End Teleservices
Email: ctapio@northendteleservices.com 

Carmen Tapio is CEO of North End Teleservices, an omnichannel provider of contact center outsourcing in government and commercial sectors. Under her leadership, the company has generated over $500 million in economic impact and was named one of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Top 100 Small Businesses. Tapio leads with a passion for empowering people, removing barriers to employment through innovative programs such as transportation and social services. Founder of multiple ventures, including Forever North Real Estate, she drives lasting economic impact. Tapio believes jobs spark careers and independence—benefiting business, the state, and communities.

Back to Top

Katie Thurber

Nebraska Department of Labor
Email: katie.thurber@nebraska.gov 

Katie Thurber is the Nebraska Commissioner of Labor. She was appointed to this position in 2025. Prior to her appointment as commissioner, Thurber served as Deputy Commissioner for Operations for the Department of Labor from 2023-2025. She has worked with all divisions across the department to ensure high quality service delivery. Thurber graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2010 and interned at the Nebraska Department of Labor the same year. Other than Deputy Commissioner for Operations, over the past 13 years, Thurber has served in roles such as hearing officer, legal counsel, and Director of Unemployment Insurance.

Thurber is a graduate of Gering High School in Gering, NE and received her undergraduate degree in mathematics from Birmingham-Southern College, where she had a full athletic scholarship.

Back to Top

Mia Valdez-Hartley

Email: Amiia.lynn2207@gmail.com 

Hello, my name is Mia Valdez-Hartley. I recently graduated from Lincoln Northwest High School, where I was a proud member of the Bryan College of Health Sciences Focus Program. Throughout high school, I was involved in a variety of activities including dance, track, speech, FBLA, National Honor Society, and volunteer work—but my passion has always been healthcare. Transferring from Lincoln East to join the focus program was a leap of faith that shaped my path to success. It gave me the confidence to land my first caregiving job at 15 years old. Now 18, I work in the ICU at Bryan Health. I am beyond excited to begin the Nursing Program at Bryan this Fall to continue working towards my goal of becoming an ICU Nurse and eventually a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Back to Top

Scott Volk

Weiland, Inc.
Email: scott@weilanddoors.com 

Scott Volk is the Vice President of Manufacturing at Weiland, Inc., a Norfolk, NE-based manufacturer of world-class doors and windows for specialty markets. With over 30 years of manufacturing experience, Scott has driven innovation and efficiency in production, operations, automation, and strategic business growth. He has advised high school and college manufacturing and automation programs, serves on the Nebraska Chamber Executive Council, chairs the Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Council and the Nebraska Chamber Manufacturing Policy Council, and is a member of the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance steering committee.

Back to Top

Lee Will

State of Nebraska – Department of Admin Services
Email: lee.will@nebraska.gov 

Lee Will has been with Nebraska government since 2015 as a Budget Management Analyst and Deputy Budget Administrator. In 2020, he was appointed State Budget Administrator and reappointed to this role in 2022. He is responsible for managing a state budget totaling over $15 billion annually. Lee has been critical to the passage of the most conservative budgets in Nebraska’ history.

Governor Pillen promoted Lee to Chief Operations Officer (COO) for the State and Director of the Department of Administrative Services beginning October 1, 2024. He resides in Omaha with his wife Amber, two daughters, and three cats.

Lee holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Arts in History Pre-Law from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Back to Top

Josh Witt

Cargill
Email: Joshua_Witt@cargill.com 

Josh Witt is the Senior Director of Cargill’s Colocation Business in North America, providing renewable feedstocks to companies innovating in bio-based industrial products, food and feed through fermentation. His work focuses on fostering collaboration between Cargill and emerging companies, accelerating innovation and supporting the growth of sustainable technologies in the bioeconomy. He has been with Cargill for more than a decade, holding various sales and sales management roles across food, beverage, and industrial markets. Prior to joining Cargill, he worked in technical sales at Nalco Chemical Company.

Josh holds an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of St. Thomas. He and his wife, Karly, reside in Minnetrista, Minnesota, with their two daughters.

Back to Top

Courtney Wittstruck

Nebraska Community College Association
Email: cwittstruck@nccaneb.org 

“Courtney Wittstruck grew up on a farm in rural Lancaster County and graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in International Business and German from Clemson University, an MBA from The Citadel, and a Juris Doctor from Charleston School of Law.

As Executive Director of the NCCA, Wittstruck advances member colleges’ policy goals through public and legislative advocacy.

Before joining the NCCA, Wittstruck spent almost two decades in global manufacturing, the majority of which for German companies Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, and Continental, in various roles such as plant manager, production manager, corporate legal counsel, lean manufacturing, etc.”

Back to Top

Paul Younes

Paul was born in Haifa, Israel and came to the United States on a soccer scholarship to York College when he was eighteen years old.  After transferring to Kearney State College, he earned a degree in Business Administration and helped support himself as a dishwasher at a local motel restaurant.  After much hard work, he became the manager of the hotel and thus, began his career in the Hospitality Business.  Over the years, he grew his business and is the President and Owner of Younes Hospitality, which owns and operates 15 hotels and 3 conference centers located in Nebraska.

Back to Top

Tracy Zink

Email: tzink1212@gmail.com 

Tracy Zink is a third-generation producer from southwest Nebraska, where she farms both irrigated and dryland acres in a diverse rotation that includes corn, soybeans, sorghum, and wheat. Her professional journey began in health and wellness and evolved through senior housing before bringing her back to her roots on the farm—where she remains deeply connected to the health of the soil, water, crops, and her rural community.

Tracy currently serves as Chairwoman of the Nebraska Sorghum Producers and holds seats on several key agricultural and community boards, including the Middle Republican Natural Resources District, Nebraska Ethanol Board, United Sorghum Checkoff Program, Nebraska Rural Radio Association, FSA County Committee, and the Red Willow County Extension Board. Appointed in 2023 by the USDA and Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, her leadership reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, advocacy, and the future of agriculture in Nebraska and beyond.

Back to Top