EDUCATION

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Bachelor of Science: Journalism (2002)

Master of Arts: Communication (2011)

EMPLOYMENT

Omaha Public Library Foundation

Executive Director (2014 – Present)

Oversees all fundraising efforts by the Omaha Public Library Foundation, which supports the Omaha Public Library system, its twelve branches, staff, and patrons.

 

The Steier Group

Campaign Manager (2011 – 2014)

Managed feasibility studies and capital campaigns for nonprofit organizations and community groups, on a local, regional and national scale. Wrote a variety of copy for publications, both internal and external.

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Part-Time Faculty Member, School of Communication (2008 – Present)

Teaches Media Storytelling to University of Nebraska at Omaha undergraduates. The course teaches students the core elements of writing for print and broadcast, and the basics of photography and videography. All School of Communication undergraduate students are required to take Media Storytelling.

Assistant Director, Media Relations (2007 – 2011)

Managed media relations for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, including pitching story ideas and assisting local, regional and national reporters with requests.

Cox Communications

Public Affairs Specialist (2006 – 2007)

Managed local media relations for Cox Communications, Inc. Managed and executed company sponsorships in the community. Managed the Cox Connects Kids program, which donates free computers to needy families in the Omaha area.

Leslie Kline Lukas & Associates

Account Executive (2005 – 2006)

Managed local, regional and national public relations for clients (U.S. Cellular, Scooter’s Coffeehouse), including drafting of press releases, story coordination among media outlets, relationship building with reporters/editors, as well as event planning for clients.

Bellevue Leader

Staff Writer (2002 – 2005)

Wrote feature articles for the Bellevue Leader, including an award-winning series on a Bellevue family who adopted twin girls. Also covered Bellevue Public Schools board meetings and assisted with graphic design and layout of the newspaper.

Papillion Times

Staff Writer (2001 – 2002)

Wrote feature articles for the Papillion Times and its sister publications. Also covered the La Vista City Council.

Cox Interactive Media

News Producer (1999 – 2000)

Wrote, edited and managed news content for the DiscoverOmaha.com Web site. Worked with the news department at WOWT (NBC 6) to ensure news content was accurate and up-to-date.

KMTV (CBS 3)

Newsroom Intern (1998 – 1999)

Served as evening and weekend assignment editor, joined reporters and photographers covering stories in the field, wrote copy for weekend newscasts, called local hospitals and police departments for updates on victims.

The Gateway (University of Nebraska at Omaha)

Joined as a Staff Writer (1997) and was promoted to News Editor (1998). Was named youngest-ever Editor in Chief (1998) and managed a staff of section editors, writers and photographers.

COMMUNITY

Greater Omaha Young Professionals Council

• Chair (2016)

• Member (2015 – 2017)

The Greater Omaha Young Professionals serve as a catalyst organization to retain and attract young professionals to the Greater Omaha area through engagement, opportunity, and advocacy.

Leadership Omaha

• Class 39 Member (2016 – 2017)
Leadership Omaha develops effective leaders who will strengthen and transform Greater Omaha. A selection committee of program alumni and chamber board members ensures that each class of 45 to 48 participants reflects the diversity of the community-at-large.

 

Omaha Press Club Board of Directors
• President (2010)
• Board Member (2007 – 2011)
• Face on the Barroom Floor Committee Member (2005 – 2009)
For more than 50 years, the Omaha Press Club has promoted excellence in communications and media professions through fellowship, education and advocacy of freedom of information. The group is open to all professions – not just the working press.

 

Omaha Press Club Foundation Board of Trustees
• Member (2016 – Present)
• President (2019 – 2020)
• First Vice President (2018 – 2019)
• Second Vice President (2017 – 2018)
The Omaha Press Club Foundation each year presents more than $25,000 in internship awards and scholarships to students at Creighton University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

 

Optimist Club of Omaha
• President (2018 – 2019)
• President-Elect (2017 – 2018)
• Member (2016 – Present)
The Optimist Club of Omaha is part of Optimist International, a worldwide volunteer organization made up of more than 2,500 local clubs whose members work each day to make the future brighter by bringing out the best in children, in their communities, and in themselves.

Optimist International, Nebraska District
• Governor-Elect (2022 – 2023)
• Lieutenant Governor (2020 – 2022)

Public Relations Society of America: Nebraska Chapter

• Board Member/Community Service Chair (2008)

• Board Member/Publicity Chair (2007)

• Board Member/Awards Chair (2006)

PRSA Nebraska exemplifies industry best practices, encourages ethical behavior, provides professional development, mentoring and networking opportunities, and promotes the public relations industry throughout the state.

 

Women’s Fund Circles

• Steering Committee Member (2016)

• Member (2014 – 2016)

The Women’s Fund Circles is a network of professional women passionate about the future and well-being of women and girls in Greater Omaha. Circles supports the vision and mission of the Women’s Fund of Omaha, which serves to identify critical issues, fund innovative solutions, and lead change for women and girls in Greater Omaha.

AWARDS

• Young Alumni Achievement Award, University of Nebraska at Omaha Alumni Association (2016)
• Rising Star Alumni Achievement Award, University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Communication (2006)

• Newcomer of the Year, Public Relations Society of America: Nebraska chapter (2005)

• First Place, Best Youth in Community Coverage, Nebraska Press Association (2004)

• First Place, Best Feature Series, Nebraska Press Association (2003)

• First Place, Best Feature Story, Nebraska Press Association (2002)