Leadership Nebraska

Leadership Nebraska Leadership Nebraska is a program designed to view the economic and political challenges that face Nebraska.

The key to Leadership Nebraska begins with the premise that all citizens across the state have a stake in our future, and that cooperative efforts will make for a successful future. The leadership program offers opportunities that impact community leaders across the state. Created by the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Leadership Nebraska program builds a sense of statewide co

mmunity by identifying and training individuals with a commitment to become personally engaged in issues, programs and activities aimed at better serving Nebraska.

08/21/2026

Not your average leadership program.

Leadership Nebraska is about access, conversations and learning directly from the people shaping our state.

Class XVIII had the opportunity to hear from Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers during our opening session in Nebraska City—and he gave us plenty to think about.

And that was only Day ONE.

Seven months. One state. Countless conversations ahead.

This is Leadership Nebraska.

What an incredible three days in Nebraska City! We kicked off Class XVIII's Leadership Nebraska journey by getting to kn...
08/21/2026

What an incredible three days in Nebraska City! We kicked off Class XVIII's Leadership Nebraska journey by getting to know one another, digging into our individual leadership styles and then taking a crash course in all things Nebraska—from education and workforce development to agriculture, history, infrastructure, healthcare and economic development.

We also had plenty of time for the good stuff—great conversations, lots of laughs, and the beginning of friendships that will make the next seven months pretty special.

A HUGE thank you to the incredible speakers who shared their time and expertise with us, our sponsors Medica Health Plans, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska and Pinnacle Bank who make these experiences possible, and Lied Lodge for being such a wonderful home for our first session.

Most of all, thank you to the 35 members of Class XVIII for jumping in with both feet. If these first three days are any indication, we are in for one heck of a year!!

Next stop…Western Nebraska!

Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII kicks off in less than an hour!Before we begin, a huge THANK YOU to Medica for serving a...
08/19/2026

Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII kicks off in less than an hour!

Before we begin, a huge THANK YOU to Medica for serving as our Presenting Sponsor for the fourth year in a row!!! Their continued support and belief in Leadership Nebraska helps make this program possible, and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership.

Thank you, Medica, for investing in Nebraska’s leaders and in the future of our state!

Class XVIII…here we go!!

⚾ Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII Rookie Card🏷️ Name: Yesenia Valenzuela🏢 Team: DLR Group⚾ Playing Position: Business De...
08/18/2026

⚾ Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII Rookie Card
🏷️ Name: Yesenia Valenzuela
🏢 Team: DLR Group
⚾ Playing Position: Business Development Leader
📍 Home Field: Omaha

🔥 Scouting Report:
Yesenia is a connector who brings people, projects, clients, and communities together. From city government to business development, she is focused on partnerships that create positive and lasting impact.

⭐ Off the Field:
Yesenia has served organizations focused on food security, youth development, economic opportunity, neighborhood strength, and community connection—basically, she is always finding ways to show up.

Yesenia is a connector, relationship builder, and community champion. Welcome to the lineup, Yesenia — Class XVIII is stronger with you on the team! ⚾

⚾ Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII Rookie Card🏷️ Name: Valerie Beel🏢 Team: Valerie Enterprises, LLC⚾ Playing Position: Ow...
08/17/2026

⚾ Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII Rookie Card
🏷️ Name: Valerie Beel
🏢 Team: Valerie Enterprises, LLC
⚾ Playing Position: Owner
📍 Home Field: Gordon

🔥 Scouting Report:
Valerie is a powerhouse for rural development, entrepreneurship, and community revitalization. From reopening a local movie theater to downtown development and small-business support, she knows how to make big things happen in small communities.

⭐ Off the Field:
Valerie spends time with her son, Calvin, dog Chili, and three cats, and enjoys gardening, reading, yoga, walking, and serving Gordon and Sheridan County in about a million ways.

Valerie is rural Nebraska energy at its finest — creative, determined, and ready to make things happen. Welcome to the roster, Valerie — this rookie season is going to be a home run! ⚾

⚾ Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII Rookie Card🏷️ Name: Travis Schwartz🏢 Team: Meridian Business⚾ Playing Position: Managi...
08/16/2026

⚾ Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII Rookie Card
🏷️ Name: Travis Schwartz
🏢 Team: Meridian Business
⚾ Playing Position: Managing Partner
📍 Home Field: Omaha

🔥 Scouting Report:
Travis helps business owners and leadership teams grow with clarity, purpose, and integrity. With roots in communities across Nebraska, he brings financial discipline, strategy, technology, and people-focused leadership to his work.

⭐ Off the Field:
Travis and his wife are raising three boys, so free time often means coaching basketball and track, traveling as a family, and staying involved through church and nonprofit leadership.

Travis brings strategy, integrity, and a coach's heart to the table. Welcome to the lineup, Travis — we are excited to see how you help Class XVIII grow as a team! ⚾

⚾ Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII Rookie Card🏷️ Name: Tim Moore🏢 Team: Medica⚾ Playing Position: Sales Relationship Mana...
08/14/2026

⚾ Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII Rookie Card
🏷️ Name: Tim Moore
🏢 Team: Medica
⚾ Playing Position: Sales Relationship Manager
📍 Home Field: Omaha

🔥 Scouting Report:
Tim brings a relationship-driven approach to health insurance sales, distribution partnerships, and client growth. His background across major health care organizations makes him a strong connector for employers and partners.

⭐ Off the Field:
Tim and his wife, Melissa, enjoy cheering on their two children in collegiate athletics at Purdue and Creighton. He also gives back through Keep Omaha Beautiful, Siena Francis House, Wreaths Across America, and Medica Salutes.

Tim knows relationships matter, whether he is working with employers, partners, or community organizations. Welcome to Class XVIII, Tim — another all-star has joined the roster! ⚾

⚾ Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII Rookie Card🏷️ Name: Sarah Sawin🏢 Team: City of Kearney⚾ Playing Position: Director of ...
08/13/2026

⚾ Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII Rookie Card
🏷️ Name: Sarah Sawin
🏢 Team: City of Kearney
⚾ Playing Position: Director of Utilities
📍 Home Field: Kearney

🔥 Scouting Report:
Sarah helps keep Kearney running by overseeing water, wastewater, sanitation, recycling, landfill operations, and utilities-related infrastructure. She brings engineering expertise and steady leadership to essential community services.

⭐ Off the Field:
Sarah loves traveling, meeting new people, experiencing new places and perspectives, and staying active in Kearney’s civic, engineering, and faith communities.

Sarah keeps essential services moving and communities running strong. Welcome to the roster, Sarah — Class XVIII just added a leader who knows how to deliver! ⚾

⚾ Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII Rookie Card🏷️ Name: Sarah Worthing🏢 Team: Great Plains Communications⚾ Playing Positio...
08/12/2026

⚾ Leadership Nebraska Class XVIII Rookie Card
🏷️ Name: Sarah Worthing
🏢 Team: Great Plains Communications
⚾ Playing Position: Senior Manager of Customer Experience
📍 Home Field: Kearney

🔥 Scouting Report:
Sarah leads customer experience operations across a multi-state service area and loves creating processes, teams, and communication systems that help organizations run better.

⭐ Off the Field:
A Nebraska native, Sarah values strong relationships, personal growth, and time with family and friends—and she is always looking for ways to keep challenging herself.

Sarah knows how to create a great experience from the inside out. Welcome to the lineup, Sarah — we are excited to see the connections you'll make this season! ⚾

Address

1128 Lincoln Mall
Lincoln, NE
68508

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

(402) 474-4422

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Leadership Nebraska posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share