Get to know your Greater Omaha Young Professionals Board of Directors
Katie Underwood, Chair. email: kunderwood@oaconsulting.com
Kristine Hull, Vice Chair. email: khull@omahaperformingarts.com
Mike Battershell, Public Policy Chair. email: mike@bergmanincentives.com
Ryan Wade, Engagement Chair. email: ryan.wade@ubt.com
Robert Wiebusch, Advocacy Chair. email: rwiebusch@npdodge.com
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Mike Battershell, Public Policy Chair
mike@bergmanincentives.com
Hometown Helena, Montana
Why Omaha ? I went to Creighton for a semester in college as a Junior transfer. I really enjoyed all that Omaha offered and it's physical location in the country. From that, I have enjoyed watching Omaha become the vibrant place that I am happy to call my home. The ways that Omaha has developed over the past decade are nothing short of amazing.
Profession Since moving here (the second time) in 2001, I have worked for Bergman Incentives. At Bergman Incentives we help companies with the branding of their image on promotional items. I focus on corporate accounts that are looking to manage their brand across multiple locations working to maintain their standards.
Favorite spots in Omaha Johnny's Cafe (24 & L), Louie M's (19th & Vinton), Blue Sushi (Old Market), Henry Doorly Zoo, Hanscom Park, Field Club
What is your vision for Omaha? Omaha has spent much of the past decade expanding and growing. Now it is time to reinvest in the core of the city and ensure that our city is sound financially and provides the opportunities to its citizens that are important as we mature into a true metropolitan community. The vision includes thorough public transportation, smart land use, & smaller nodes of commercial space to build stronger neighborhoods within our larger community. I truly believe Omaha will continue to become the place young professionals want to live, work & play and I am working to make that happen.
tracybritt@gmail.com
Hometown Manhattan, Kansas
Why Omaha? I lived in Boston for seven years before moving to Omaha in December 2009 to join Berkshire Hathaway. I came for work, but I really enjoy the city and am glad I'm back in the Midwest. I like that you get enough of the larger city benefits, but still have a smaller, Midwestern feel.
Profession: Investments at Berkshire Hathaway
What is your vision for Omaha? I hope that Omaha continues to develop into a city that isn't just a great place to raise a family, but also maintains a welcoming and diverse community and environment for young professionals. The city has a great deal to offer so I would like to see it really cultivate opportunities and interests for this set of the population. It would be great to see more of young professionals here decide to stay, while also attracting talented and interesting individuals from elsewhere.
You know you are in Omaha when...people smile and are genuinely nice to you. Oh and when you can order a t-bone, biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, pot roast, etc. at virtually every restaurant.
Favorite spots in Omaha? Old Market, Durham Museum, Joslyn Castle, Mother India, Farmers' Market in the Old Market, Kiewit Plaza, and Chipotle on 72nd.
Drew Davies
drew@oxidedesign.com
Hometown Omaha
Why Omaha ? Omaha has a unique and grounded sense of community. People come here, they put down roots, they grow families and friendships, and they choose to stay. Omaha is a city where the citizens care, and they are willing to take action. And perhaps most importantly, Omaha is a place large and cosmopolitan enough to be fun and vibrant, but small and intimate enough to feel like you're always among friends.
Profession Owner and Design Director of Oxide Design Co., an internationally-acclaimed communications and information design firm, working to put Omaha on the map as a city widely recognized for brilliant graphic design.
Favorite spots in Omaha Dundee, The Taj, Film Streams, Memorial Park, Bemis, Roja, Elmwood Park.
What is your vision for Omaha? To be honest, I think Omaha is on the fast track to my vision of an ideal community for young professionals to live and work. I see progress being made every day to activate and attract the creative class that will make this town prosper into the future. Omaha's always had the qualities that make it a great place to live and raise a family: good values, low cost of living, friendly neighbors. More recently, great strides have been made towards making this my ideal community: a broad range of cultural attractions and activities, a diversity of people, an adventurous creative spirit, and real financial incentive for young professionals to come and stay. As a final wish, I dream of Omaha becoming a city with a vital public transportation system.
Patrick Falke
patrickfalke@gmail.com
Hometown: Omaha
Why Omaha? I was born and raised in this beautiful city, and I love the balance of big city entertainment and small town values you get from living here. Through my experiences traveling and doing business in other cities, it became easy to see how special Omaha is.
Profession: Office and Finance Manager, Project Harmony
What is your favorite thing about Omaha? Omaha is one of the Midwest's best kept secrets. Many people who come here for business or pleasure are impressed with Omaha and what it has to offer. Personally, my favorite thing about Omaha is the array of activities and events that we have successfully lured to the area. It always gives me something to look forward to outside of my profession.
Favorite spots in Omaha? I enjoy watching the UNO Mavericks at the Qwest Center. Every home game is a great atmosphere and UNO's new Athletic Director Trev Alberts is making some great changes to improve the program.
BJ Hansen
bhansen@mccarthycapital.com
Hometown - Audubon, IA
Why Omaha? - Omaha is a progressive city with strong values, a sense of community, a high quality of life, and a low cost of living. It is a fantastic place to work, live, and raise a family.
Profession - Since moving to Omaha in 2008, I have been an Analyst at McCarthy Capital. McCarthy Capital is a private equity firm managing approximately $500 million in assets and 20 portfolio companies. We focus on creating partnerships with management teams of middle market companies through growth capital investments or recapitalizations.
Favorite spots in Omaha? - Elmwood Park, Old Market, Dundee
You know you are in Omaha when... it's 65 and sunny one day and 10 and snowing the next.
Daniel Holke
daniel.holke@mutualofomaha.com
Board Term: 2010 - 2012
Summit Chair: 2010
Hometown: Ellsworth, KS
Why Omaha? After transferring from a college in Chicago to Creighton, I knew I was home. Finishing college in Omaha helped me grow as a person and enabled me to become involved in several activities without sacrificing quality of life. I met my wife here, landed my first job after college here, and knew that we would start our family here. The Omaha area provides such diverse opportunities to experience everything but the ocean waves!
Profession: Business Intelligence Manager
Favorite spots in Omaha? Midtown Crossing, Henry Doorly Zoo, Holland Performing Arts Center What is your favorite thing about Omaha? Omaha feels like a small town with how easy it is to see people you know when you are out and about, yet it has so many events and activities that it can feel like a big city. Cultural opportunities abound here (my favorite is the Omaha Symphony!) as well as top amateur sporting events like the College World Series and the Olympic Swim Trials.
You know you are in Omaha when... the parting of the Red Sea means people are driving to Husker football games.
Kristine Hull,
khull@omahaperformingarts.org
Hometown Omaha
Why Omaha? Omaha has offered me the best of both worlds. While there are a multitude of cultural events and institutions, such as Filmstreams and the Holland Performing Arts Center, there is also a strong base of Midwestern values. It offers all the amenities of a big city with less traffic, friendlier citizens, and a lower cost of living.
Profession Director of Finance, Omaha Performing Arts
Favorite spots in Omaha Dundee, Benson, Elmwood Park, Slowdown, Filmstreams, La Buvette, Blue Line, M's Pub
What is your vision for Omaha? I envision a city that engages its citizens in an inclusive manner and motivates them to develop and promote community. My hope is that Omaha remains a city that proactively evolves and adapts to retain and attract young professionals. To me, the ideal community for young professionals has a dynamic Downtown and Midtown area and corporate citizens interested in continuing the development. It is a city focused on environmental sustainability and is a city friendly to bicycle riding, walking, and public transportation. It is well-known nationally for cultivating art and culture. Its citizens have pride in their community and have continued the city's tradition of philanthropy and professional success.
Abby Johnson
ajohnson@standrewsomaha.net
Hesse McGraw
hesse@bemiscenter.org
Profession: Curator, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
Lonnie Michael Jr.
lonnie.michaeljr@infogroup.com
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Why Omaha? Born and raised here, but the quality of life is why I've stayed.
Profession: Production Quality Manager at Infogroup.
You know you are in Omaha when... Drivers use the passing lane on the Interstate as another lane and never pass anyone. That seems to happen daily on my commute from NW Omaha to Papillion for work everyday.
What is your favorite thing about Omaha? When I was younger, Omaha was commonly referred to as the 15 minute commute city. Today depending on what side of town you're traveling to, that's not always a resolute statement. Omaha's boundaries have expanded and it's offerings inside the city core have increased over the years. It's okay for me to now spend 20 minutes getting across town. What's available for me today as a young professional in Omaha is worth my extra drive time. I enjoy driving 20 minutes in town for the same offerings 3-6 hours away in a different city.
Jay Palu
jaypalu@hotmail.com
Hometown Loup City
Why Omaha Mary and I were looking for an opportunity to move closer to our families still living in central NE. Although we loved California, once we looked into the quality of the old Omaha neighborhoods, the lower cost of living and the employment opportunities, we choose to give Omaha a chance.
Profession Architect at DLR Group, currently practicing in sports and entertainment venues. Our national sports practice has allowed me work with great clients ranging from the New York Yankees to the Texas Longhorns.
What community issues are you most interested in? Improving the built environment, supporting smart urban growth through infill midtown and downtown development, sustainable living and green building initiatives, public policy that embraces social justice.
Favorite spots in Omaha Farmer's Market Saturdays in the Old Market, our Country Club Neighborhood.
What is your vision for Omaha? Emerging as a funky soon to be progressive Midwestern town.
How would you describe Omaha? Re-inventing itself again.
Ben Rouch
benjamin.rouch@tdameritrade.com
Hometown Omaha, Nebraska
Why Omaha? My wife and I were both born and raised here and our friends and families are here now. After being away, we've come to realize that Omaha is a very special place. Big enough to offer anything you want but small enough that you can still make meaningful connections. Its a community that cares about one another, too.
Profession Senior Manager, Investor Services at TD Ameritrade.
Favorite spots in Omaha? Dundee-Memorial Park, Creighton University, Old Market, Joslyn Art Museum, Slowdown, Film Streams, Dundee Dell, Blue Line Coffee, Pitch, Indian Oven, Holland Center, Lauritzen Gardens, the Zoo and many more.
What is your vision for Omaha? To be the focal point of the new renaissance
What community issues are you most interested in? Engagement, Education, Arts & Culture
How would you describe Omaha? A Secret Garden
Mark Spotanski
mspotanski@fnni.com
Hometown Originally from Grand Island, but now consider Omaha my home!
Why Omaha? I moved to Omaha for a career following college and have stayed because I truly love the city. The progressive nature of Omaha and incredible opportunities to help make an impact are what keep me here.
Profession Manager of Marketing and Client Relations for First National Bank
What community issues are you most interested in? Promoting economic development and the young professionals' movement, while keeping an eye on the projects that will help move Omaha into being a future destination and home to others.
What is your vision for Omaha? My vision for Omaha is to see a vibrant community where we continue to push our boundaries through economic development, inclusive networking, and continued advancement for young professionals. With these three items in place, I see Omaha as a place to visit and stay, a place that attracts and retains citizens, and a place where the sum of its incredibly generous community can overcome all obstacles and become a thriving metropolitan area. Omaha has transformed itself while maintaining its sense of community over the past 10 years, the next ten to fifteen years will define Omaha and it truly is the place where everyone should want to be!
How would you describe Omaha? Omaha is a city on the verge of being a metropolitan area with Midwestern values. It is pushing its boundaries to enhance the way of life with amenities that rival the best in the U.S. Most importantly, Omaha is a place where giving back to the community is a way of life - not a one-time donation.
What does Omaha offer young professionals? Omaha offers young professionals the chance to speak up and be heard, incredible communities within the city to start or raise a family, and an abundance of options to meet people and feel a part of the city.
You know you are in Omaha when...You know you are in Omaha when you are asked what high school are you from versus where are you from! Not being a native to Omaha this might take you by surprise, the longer you are here the more you realize why this question is asked - Omaha is a true jewel in the Midwest where people don't leave - it's that great!!
Jara Sturdivant-Wilson
jara.sturdivant@gmail.com
Hometown: Grew up in Franklin, Tennessee, south of Nashville.
Why Omaha? After graduating from graduate school, I moved to Omaha to work for a non-profit.
Profession: I'm a crew member at Trader Joe's and a freelance marketing consultant.
Favorite spots in Omaha? I love Dundee and downtown Omaha. I enjoyed Midtown Crossing during Jazz on the Green. I enjoy Elmwood and Memorial Park during the Spring. The pond near ConAgra is really fun to walk around. I love the energy of both North and South Omaha. From Big Mama's Kitchen to El Dorado I could eat my way through Omaha!
You know you are in Omaha when... You are landing at the Eppley Airport and see St. Cecilia's and the greenlight grid of Dodge and Cuming.
Katie Underwood, Chair
kunderwood@oaconsulting.com
Hometown Lincoln
Why Omaha? It's great for the young professional! It's got a lot of things to offer and seems to be improving every year I've been here. There is a lot of energy and excitement in all areas of the community.
Profession Civil Engineer, Olsson Associates
What community issues are you most interested in? Smart land use practices. Not only does it help reduce urban sprawl (which creates a very inefficient and expensive use of infrastructure and services), it also promotes walking, biking, diverse housing choices and overall community pride and engagement. I am also alarmed by the very small number of women in leadership positions here in Omaha. There are major strides that need to be made in the diversity arena in general.
Favorite spots in Omaha Anything midtown. I frequent the Dundee area, Midtown Crossing and live right next to Aksarben Village. I never have to go far for any basic services. Pitch, Wholner's, Jimi D's and eCreamery are a few of my favorites. And there are new restaurants and bars cropping up all the time, which is fantastic!
Ryan Wade, Engagement Chair
ryan.wade@ubt.com
Hometown Omaha, Nebraska
Why Omaha? My friends and family are here is the easy answer, but really it is because I can't leave. Omaha is a community in which building a network and making a difference in the community is not only welcomed it is expected. By becoming involved with the GOYP I was able to learn how the city operates, to get involved with several organizations, and to put my passion to work. I can't leave because I am invested in this community and moving it forward.
Profession Assistant Vice President of Business Banking, Union Bank & Trust Company.
Favorite spots in Omaha Hiro out West and Dario's in Dundee for restaurants, but with a young daughter I may need to change that to Burgers in Paradise soon. Overall my wife and I love the new mixed use developments, Riverfront, Midtown Crossing, and Aksarben.
What is your vision for Omaha? That we build a city that is engaged, diverse, and prosperous. To achieve this our generation needs to step up. We need to develop as leaders and to learn when to challenge and know when to partner to get things done.
Robert Wiebusch, Advocacy Chair
rwiebusch@npdodge.com
Hometown Norfolk, Nebraska
Why Omaha? The people are what make Omaha a great place to live. I was brought to Omaha by my wife over 8 years ago and have fallen in love with what this city has to offer.
Profession Vice President of Operations, NP Dodge Real Estate
Favorite spots in Omaha The Henry Doorly Zoo, Lo Sole Mio, the Qwest Center and the pond down the street from home.
What is your vision for Omaha? A city that sets the standard for smart, dynamic use of land through residential, commercial and public development. Omaha is packed full of people who have the drive to continue to re-invent this already thriving city and I am pleased to be a part of it. We can continue to be the luckiest city in the nation through our collective hard work!
To serve on the Young Professionals Council, candidates must be 40 and under and currently employed by a Greater Omaha Chamber member company.
Nominations for new board members are accepted each fall.
For further information, contact Sarah Johnson at (402) 978-7945.