17 minute read
Personnel
Strictly Business Brings on Megan Stice as Social Media Guru
In an effort to stay active and engaging on social media, Strictly Business has added Megan Stice to the team. Megan will be working part time to spearhead internal social media efforts for the magazine. In this role, she will create fun content such as giveaways, team spotlights, client testimonials, event promotion/ coverage, and much more. Megan’s previous experience includes three years as a graphic designer for JEO Consulting Group, and she also owns and teaches dance at Elements Dance Concept. She obtained her degree in dance from UNL and then went on to earn her design degree from Southeast Community College. Strictly Business is thrilled to have Megan on board as she brings a lot of energy and fresh ideas to the table. She’s looking forward to helping the magazine grow their online following. Strictly Business is reliable news source and effective advertising tool in Omaha, creating and publishing captivating content in print and online. Learn more at strictlybusinessomaha.com. Strictly Business is on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Google, and Alignable.
Acclaro Valuation Advisors Brings on Wietfeld as Partner, Ravenstahl Promoted to VP
Acclaro Valuation Advisors, an Omahabased business valuation firm, is pleased to announce that Jason R. Wietfeld has become a partner of the firm and Thomas Q. Ravenstahl has been promoted to vice president of the firm. Jason rejoined Acclaro in 2019 as a director and is based out of Greater Chicago. He previously worked in Acclaro’s Omaha office before moving to Chicago and working for Houlihan Capital and Duff & Phelps. Jason regularly performs Jason Wietfeld valuations for public and privately held companies and other business interests for merger and acquisition, employee stock ownership plan, gift and estate planning, tax reporting, and fairness and solvency opinion purposes. He earned a Master of Security Analysis & Portfolio Management degree from Creighton University and a BS in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Tom joined Acclaro in 2017 as an associate and is based out of Omaha. Prior to joining Acclaro, he worked for Gleason Travis Q. Ravenstahl & Associates, British Petroleum, the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, and Vanguard. His responsibilities at Acclaro include developing financial models using generally accepted valuation methodologies, conducting industry and economic research, and writing valuation reports. Tom earned an MBA, finance degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a BS in business administration, accounting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating with distinction from both universities. Acclaro Valuation Advisors provides valuation and consulting services to lower and middle market companies. It serves clients throughout the U.S. from its headquarters in Omaha, and has branch offices in Seattle, Chicago, and Orlando. Firm clients range from small local businesses to large international companies from virtually every industry. To learn more, visit www.acclarovaluation.com or contact Director Tom McQueen at (402) 895-6222 / TomM@AcclaroValuation.com.
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True North Technologies Welcomes Alexandra Coffelt-Bush as Team’s New Project Manager
True North Technologies, a Lincoln-based business launched by Renee Sobotka, recently brought Alexandra Coffelt-Bush onto the team as Project Manager. Known around the office as “AB,” Alexandra has joined the True North team to leverage her years of customer-facing and management experience into the Project Manager role. Counting Connectedness, Strategic, and Individualization among her top Gallup strengths, AB possesses the ability to bring out the best in both people and processes with her unique perspective. She balances empathy and drive to facilitate high-quality, timely deliverable production while encouraging the True North team along the way. AB thrives in the fast-paced environment she has found at True North and enjoys the opportunity to flex her creative problem-solving skills to help clients meet their business goals. AB has lived in Nebraska since 2013 after spending her formative years moving around the country due to her father’s Air Force career. She currently resides in Bennet with her husband, Eric, and their small pack of rescue animals. Outside of project management, she enjoys cooking, kayaking, and painting. AB is eager to continue growing her knowledge of the digital marketing industry and True North’s clients’ specific needs. True North Technologies makes technology simple with website and mobile app development, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), branding, and social media marketing. Learn more at www.go-tnt. com or call (402) 420-5101.
Universal Group Welcomes Brandon Knedler as Agency’s Executive Vice President of Sales
Universal Group, LTD is excited to announce that Brandon Knedler joined their team in February as the Executive Vice President of Sales. He brings nearly 30 years of experience in the insurance industry and will be sharing his knowledge and supporting the Universal Group team’s continued growth. Brandon joined Universal with one goal in mind—to support their already stellar team of producers, while building a world-class sales team by adding new talent to help them grow into new and existing markets. “If you aren’t growing, you’re dying,” said Universal Group President Dan Headlee. “We’re excited to have Brandon join us and share his extensive knowledge to achieve our growth markers. Diversifying our portfolio, while maintaining the high standards set by the agency over the years, is the key to reaching the next level for our clients, carriers, and employees, and we’re confident that Brandon will help us accomplish that.”
By remembering their roots in Omaha—which date back to 1889— Universal Group, LTD brings the combination of tradition and highly technical insurance skills to their clients and remains dedicated to professionalism, regular client contact, and ongoing education about the many changes in the insurance field. Universal Group can protect your most precious assets, as they offer personal and business insurance, in addition to employee benefits and industry specialties including contractor, dealership, garage repair shop, manufacturing, and trucking insurance. For more information, visit uninversalinsgroup. com or call (402) 399-8721.
Associated Builders & Contractors Adds Michelle Auman, Carter Klute, Rhea Barfield
Anne M.N. Klute, president and CEO of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) in Lincoln and Omaha, has announced new additions to the staff: Michelle Auman as executive assistant and office manager, Carter Klute as director of member services, and Rhea Barfield as grant administrator and education liaison. Michelle joined the ABC team in March of 2020—and she stuck with them through the insanity of COVID-19. Although she is new to the construction and education arena, Michelle Auman she has vast experience as a manager and professional executive assistant. Michelle is now the voice of ABC when you call the State Office in Lincoln. She loves spending time with family and spoiling her nieces and nephews, playing board games, movie nights, and hanging with her dog. Carter has been with the team in this roll since October 2020. Many may recognize him as the ABC photographer, which is a role he will continue to manage. As director of member services, Carter is here to be a partner in everything ABC. Carter works out of both Carter Klute Lincoln and Omaha offices. Outside of work, Carter is an avid outdoors man, photographer, and volunteer firefighter. He has a degree in International Rescue and Relief. He enjoys travel and believes in the merit shop principles and values that ABC holds dear. Rhea comes to ABC with a background in the construction industry as well as corrections. She has been with ABC since October of 2020. Rhea works with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services assisting inmates with education supporting an opportunity for Rhea Barfield a career in the crafts upon re-entry. In addition, she also works with instructors and students at the Lincoln Training Center. When she is not working, Rhea enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, and doing anything that involves her being active and outdoors. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Cornhusker Chapter supports the commercial construction industry through apprenticeship and safety training, advocacy, and workforce development. They are located at 830 Westgate Blvd. in Lincoln and their hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday. An additional location is at 10640 Burt Cir., in Omaha and their hours are 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m.–11:30 a.m. on Friday. For more information about ABC, call the State/Lincoln location at (402) 477.4451 or the Omaha location at (402) 344-4258 or visit www.abcnebraska.org.
It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You!
At Strictly Business, we strive to recognize local professionals for their significant awards, promotions, achievements, and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Omaha community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com, or submit your news online via www.strictly-business.com.
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Beth Gonnerman Named Director of New CountryHouse Memory Care in Elkhorn
Beth Gonnerman has been named director of Agemark’s new CountryHouse memorycare residence in Elkhorn, which opened January 6 at 3720 George B Lake Parkway. Beth is a 25-year veteran of healthcare administration, previously serving as a longterm care, assisted-living, and memory-care administrator, as well as holding positions in acute care and outpatient services. Her first experience in senior living was as an activities director at a long-term care facility, which is where she developed her lifelong passion for serving seniors. A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Kearney, Beth holds a bachelor’s degree in health promotion. She later earned her master’s in management and leadership from Doane University, and she holds certifications as an Assisted Living Administrator and a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. A native of Lincoln, Beth and her husband, Kevin, have been married for 35 years and have three grown children, Ellyn, Hannah, and Sam. They are proud grandparents of two grandchildren, Finley and Daniel. CountryHouse at Elkhorn is the newest community opened by parent company Agemark Senior Living in Elkhorn. For more information or to get details about moving a loved one to this caring community, visit countryhouse.net, call (531) 999-2747, or email info@countryhouse.net.
Child Saving Institute Honors Outgoing Chair, Welcomes Incoming Chair Michael Geppert
Child Saving Institute (CSI) recently showered thanks on community volunteer Melanie Hecker for her leadership and services as 2020 chair of the Board of Directors, and they welcomed 2021 chair Michael Geppert, chief information officer of HDR, to the Board. Hecker’s two-year term as chair wrapped up at the close of 2020. Not only did she successfully lead the agency through a pandemic but she also headed up the agency’s signature event, Cabaret. While the event eventually canceled in 2020, she is returning as a co-chair for the 2021 event. Melanie Hecker Geppert continues along the path of stellar leadership and is committed to guiding the agency until the pandemic comes to a safe close. Having served on the Board of Directors for five years, Geppert was instrumental in formation of the agency’s first Technology Advisory Group. In his role as chair, Geppert will lead the Board through an adoption of the agency’s next strategic plan, partner for Cabaret’s success, and propel the agency forward with a robust technology strategy. Michael GeppertChild Saving Institute is dedicated to the prevention and healing of child abuse, neglect, and trauma. For 129 years, CSI has been “responding to the cry of a child” and meeting the changing needs of metro-area children. In 2020, they served more than 2,300 children and families. CSI is proud to welcome Geppert as chair and ever-grateful to Hecker as she continues to serve children and families through her leadership of Cabaret, which is slated for May 8, 2021. For more information about CSI programs, visit childsaving.org or follow them on Facebook (@csiomaha), Twitter (@ChildSaving), and Instagram (@childsavinginstitute).
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West Gate Bank Promotes Jeremey Shiers to President of West Gate Bank Mortgage
West Gate Bank® recently announced the promotion of Jeremey Shiers to Executive Vice President of West Gate Bank and President of the bank’s mortgage division. Shiers was also elected to the bank’s Board of Directors. He will be taking over for Mark Hansen, who is retiring after a 40-year career in the banking industry, including the last 18 years at West Gate Bank, where he served in a variety of leadership positions. Shiers joined West Gate Bank in 2016 as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the mortgage division, where he led financial management and reporting, secondary market and other strategic initiatives. In his new role, he will manage the entire mortgage division and serve on the bank’s Executive Committee. Shiers is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Kearney, where he earned his degree in business administration. He also completed the Colorado Graduate School of Banking. Shiers is working out of the West Gate Bank Center at 6003 Old Cheney Rd. and can be reached at (402) 434-4089 or jshiers@westgate.bank. West Gate Bank® is a family-owned community bank with locations in Lincoln and Omaha. As a full-service banking institution, they are large enough to serve all your personal or commercial needs, yet small enough to provide the outstanding personal service that only a community bank can deliver. They’re committed to your success and invested in your financial well-being. At West Gate Bank, their interest is you! Visit westgate.bank for more information.
Seldin Company is proud to welcome Christie Oldman as Vice President of Property Management. Christie has more than 17 years of experience in property management with a strong background as a regional manager and in training and development. She studied finance at Grand Canyon University, and is a licensed real estate broker in both New Mexico and Arizona. She has previously donated her time to the Arizona Multihousing Association. Christie holds Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP), Certified Credit Compliance Professional (CP7) and Spectrum certifications, and is a Certified Property Manager (CPM) candidate. In her role as Vice President of Property Management, Christie will oversee a portfolio of more than 50 properties across Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. She will report directly to Executive Vice President of Operations Seth Perkins. “I am very proud to have been a part of an industry that has always been capable of overcoming incredible economic challenges,” Christie said. “I’m excited to bring my expertise to Seldin and work with such a great team of people, who are the experts in their field.” Seldin Company is a leading property management firm with deep roots throughout the Central United States. Headquartered in the heart of the Great Plains in Omaha, Seldin was founded in 1923 and engages in the management and expansion of multifamily apartment communities. To learn more, visit seldin.com.
MLCDC Welcomes New Board Member Matt Lindell to Finance, Loan Committees
Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC) is proud to welcome Matt Lindell as a new member of the Board of Directors. Matt is the south Omaha branch manager for Great Western Bank, will serve on the MLCDC Finance Committee, and will lead the Loan Committee. Matt has more than 12 years of banking experience. He began his banking career as a teller and received myriad promotions by way of his dedication through the years. Throughout his banking career, Matt has demonstrated a passion for coaching and facilitating his team members, and enjoys any opportunity to lead a team to success. He also dedicates time to give back to his community by facilitating financial literacy classes at the Omaha Street School. Matt shares his banking knowledge with as many individuals as possible in the community to help them achieve financial stability. His goal is to empower others to create a better life for themselves. In his new roles as MLCDC Head of the Loan Committee, he will review and make determination for business loans. Many people know of the Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation as a place where individuals receive training to open childcares, but the mission at the heart of the organization is to provide training opportunities to low- and moderate-income individuals to achieve financial stability and economic growth through entrepreneurship. For more information about the MLCDC, contact Juan J. Montoya at (402)933-4466 / info@midlandslatinocdc.org or visit midlandslatinocdc.org.
Immanuel Welcomes Infection Control Specialist Dr. Devin Fox as Medical Director
Immanuel, the Midwest leader in retirement living and senior living solutions, is pleased to welcome Devin J. Fox, MD, MBA, FACP, as medical director. In this role, Dr. Fox oversees clinical operations and infection-control practices across all business lines, including 14 retirement and senior living communities and three Immanuel Pathways PACE® (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) centers in Iowa and Nebraska. Dr. Fox joins Immanuel after serving with CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center as vice president of medical operations and academic hospital medicine physician. He also previously served as chief medical officer at Creighton University Medical Center, supervising quality and patient safety as the hospital transitioned to a new academic medical center. A skilled physician and instructor, Dr. Fox was involved in the development of curriculum, educational tools and training programs for medical students and residents at the Creighton University School of Medicine. In the greater community, Dr. Fox serves as president on the BLUEBARN Theater board of directors; co-chair of the Acute Care Test Material Development Committee for the National Board of Medical Examiners; vice chair of the Josie Harper Hospice House board of directors; and is a board member of the Metro Omaha Medical Society Foundation. Since 1887, Immanuel has been providing Christ-Centered service to seniors, each other, and the community, as a not-for-profit arm of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). Immanuel owns and operates 14, 55+ active living, independent living, assisted living, and long-term care retirement communities on nine campuses. Learn more at Immanuel.com.
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Business Ethics Alliance Welcomes Four New Members to Governing Board
The Business Ethics Alliance is honored to have four distinguished professionals from the Omaha metro area join its Governing Board. The Governing Board manages the business and the affairs of the Business Ethics Alliance. Currently, it has 14 members and is made up of esteemed business leaders in our community. The four newest members of the Business Ethics Alliance Governing Board are Steve Koesters, treasurer; Daniel Padilla, trustee; Joel Falk, trustee; and Chad Richter, trustee. Steve Koesters Steve currently serves as the CEO of Fusion Medical Staffing. He has previously held leadership roles with a number of companies across the Midwest. Steve also has a commitment to volunteer leadership, previously serving on governing boards for two nonprofits based out of Kansas City, MO. Daniel is the executive director of Lending Link and has worked in the financial services industry for over 20 years. He has been involved with developing lending strategies for unbanked and underbanked markets for several years. Daniel is passionate about Daniel Padilla his civic involvement, and he has served on many organizational boards and task forces dedicated to improving the financial wellbeing of the Omaha community. Daniel speaks fluent Spanish and graduated with a degree in business administration from Universidad Mariano Galvez in Guatemala City. Joel is the president of UMB Bank and specializes in commercial banking and investment management. Other notable companies he has worked for include US Bank, Union Pacific Railroad, and Bank of the West. He has a deep commitment to Joel Falk volunteerism and has served on a number of nonprofit boards in Omaha, including United Way of the Midlands. Chad currently serves as the managing partner of Jackson Lewis and has extensive experience in the legal industry. He specializes in preventive counseling and training, traditional labor law, and workplace litigation. Chad is a frequent speaker to local and national organizations on a variety of employment and laborrelated topics. He serves on a number of Chad Richter nonprofit boards throughout the Omaha area. Most recently, Chad received the honor of being a Recommended Attorney by Legal 500 USA. The mission of the Business Ethics Alliance is to build leadership, strengthen organizations, and elevate Greater Omaha through positive, practical business education. The Alliance was legally established in 2008 as a standalone, not-for-profit entity. The Alliance has three founding partners: the Heider College of Business, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, and the BBB of the Midlands. Additionally, the Alliance is made up of Trustees around Omaha who act as a guild of business leaders who are ambassadors, supporters, and advisors of the Alliance’s mission. The Alliance’s brand of ethics is impartial, research-based, and respectful. To learn more, www.businessethicsalliance.org.
