PERSONNEL NEWS Nebraska Sports Council Honors Dave Mlnarik for 30 Years of Service
Rachael Sikes Announced as New Financial Advisor for Thrivent
Executive Director Dave Mlnarik was recognized for his 30 years of service with the Nebraska Sports Council (NSC). The tribute to Dave took place at the Council’s Board meeting on April 29. Board President Rob Trebilcock and long-time Board member JoAnne Owens-Nausler commented on Dave’s leadership and service with NSC, remarking on the tremendous growth he has been a part of and the countless lives he has positively impacted. “Dave Mlnarik, we honor you as the someone and we acknowledge the something as the biggest, best, and wellrun State Games in the United States. You and our amazing staff have done a tremendous job maintaining, sustaining, and ensuring the longevity of The Cornhusker State Games,” Owens-Nauslar said. Dave started with the Nebraska Sports Council in 1991 as the Cornhusker State Games torch-run coordinator. He later became promotions director in 1992, assistant director in 1998, and began his current position as executive director in 2004. The Nebraska Sports Council is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide quality competition for athletes of all ages and abilities while promoting healthy and active lifestyle choices. NSC directs the Cornhusker State Games, the WellPower Movement, the Pumpkin Run, and the Lincoln and Omaha Corporate Games. For more information, visit NebraskaSportsCouncil.com or contact Ashley Kramer at (402) 471-2544 / Ashley@nebraskasportscouncil.com.
Thrivent is pleased to announce the addition of new financial advisor, Rachael Sikes. Rachael previously served as a financial services representative for TD Ameritrade. She worked there for two years and took on roles of a broker, worked the trading desk, and handled more complex strategies with clients. Rachael is committed to helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. At Thrivent, she provides financial guidance so her clients can plan for their future with confidence and develop a strategy for protecting themselves against possible financial risks. She will office at the 11602 West Center Rd. location. “I am in this field because of my passion to help people succeed financially, emotionally, and spiritually. This is more than a J-O-B for me. It’s a calling, and I want to help people develop a healthy relationship with money,” said Rachael. Thrivent and its subsidiary and affiliate companies serve more than 2.3 million clients, offering advice, insurance, investments, banking, and generosity products and programs over the phone, online, as well as through financial professionals and independent agents nationwide. For more information, visit Thrivent.com. To contact Rachael directly, call (318) 540-2425 or email rachael.sikes@thrivent.com.
Berry Law Hires Chad Collins as New COO Berry Law recently announced the hiring of Army Veteran Chad Collins as its new Chief Operating Officer after a nationwide talent search. In filling the executive role, Mr. Collins will work closely with CEO John S. Berry, Jr. to drive operational efficiency and align firm operations to enable an aggressive growth strategy. As a former Army Major and legal operations leader, Chad has extensive experience in organizational leadership, strategy, and operations management. “The work at Berry Law is centered around an amazing mission and is often life-changing for our clients,” Collins said. “I couldn’t be more excited to join this dynamic team.” Leveraging more than a decade of experience in professional services administration—most recently as director of administration for Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman’s Austin, Houston, and Nashville offices—Collins will oversee finance, operations, and human resources functions for Berry Law. He holds an MBA from the University of San Diego and a Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Before beginning a career in professional services administration, Collins spent more than seven years as an officer with the United States Army, serving with the 101st Airborne as a platoon leader in Iraq and company commander in Afghanistan. He left active duty as a Major in 2011. Berry Law was founded in 1965 by legendary attorney John S. Berry, Sr. With more than 250 years of combined legal experience and 300 years of combined military service, the team at Berry Law is well equipped to handle the most serious legal needs. For more information, visit berrylawfirm.com or contact Emily Schweitzer at (402) 466-8444 / marketing@jsberrylaw.com. 24 Strictly Business JUNE 2021
Jessica Steele-Codr, Tremale Berger Named Top Winners of Toastmasters Speech Contest Jessica Steele-Codr of Omaha and Tremale Berger of Los Angeles, CA placed first in their respective speech categories during the District 24 Speech Contest, held over Zoom and livestreamed to YouTube for public viewers on April 17. Jessica won the Humorous speech category with “Zoom It Up a Notch,” a priceless “informative” speech filled with the best Zoom tips that an excessively upbeat social-media influencer could offer. The Humorous contest category ends at the District level. Jessica Steele-Codr Meanwhile, Tremale finished first in the International speech category, captivating the audience with his speech, “A Warm Place,” an emotional account of the struggles he faced on his journey to find love—and a reminder that love heals all. Tremale will advance to the Regional Quarterfinals for the next round, where a video recording of his presentation will be judged against other speeches from across the Midwest and central Canada. The first- and second-place winners of that Tremale Berger contest will advance to the International Speech Contest Semifinals. Other District 24 contestants in the International category featured Mitchell Nickerson of Grand Island (second), Kristin Malek of Lincoln (third), and Ash Banaszek of Omaha. Humorous category contestants also included Carol Sullivan of Norfolk (second), Debra Morton-Chale of Auburn (third), and Rebecca Fegan of Bellevue. Toastmasters International empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Toastmasters District 24 includes more than 60 clubs and 1,000 members across Nebraska and Council Bluffs, IA. Learn more at d24tm.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
