Knowledge of numbers, a passion for teamwork, and a love of rural living make Shawn Vetick perfectly suited for her role as accounting assistant with the Center for Rural Affairs.
The Nebraska native has been crunching the numbers in the Center’s accounting department since 2010, starting as a part-time employee, and full-time since 2012.
Shawn’s role is vitally important in keeping everything running smoothly financially for the Center staff, as well as investors.
Though she has previous experience in accounting, and loves the accounting aspect of her position with the Center, Shawn says it’s working alongside her fellow Center staff members that gives her the most joy.
“Working with such a unique group of people who all bring something special to the table is part of what makes this job so wonderful,” she said. “When everyone’s knowledge, talents, and life experiences are pooled together, it manifests into a real team, all working for the same causes and toward a mission we truly believe in.”
The Center’s mission—to establish strong rural communities, social and economic justice, environmental stewardship, and genuine opportunity for all while engaging people in decisions that affect the quality of their lives and the future of their communities—is a message Shawn takes to heart.
“Through my responsibilities at the Center, I hope to grow, learn new things, and help to advance the Center’s mission,” Shawn said. “I really like what the Center does for the small guy, and all the positive energy that goes into helping people. I love being a part of that.”
Her enthusiasm for rural living began at a young age, and Shawn continues to be passionate about rural America and helping others in their pursuit of that way of life.
“I grew up south of Fremont in Inglewood, which at the time was like acreage living,” she said. “I have great memories of working several summers walking beans on my uncle’s farm between Ames and Scribner. When we weren’t working, we could roam around the farm and enjoy the beauty, peace, and quiet.”
Shawn and her husband, who owns a local construction business, have lived in Lyons for 28 years, and their son attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. When she’s not working, Shawn enjoys reading, spending time outside with the family’s rabbit and dog, and having picnics in their side yard under an oak tree.
The accounting assistant can be reached at the Center’s office in Lyons at 402.687.2100 ext. 1004 or shawnv@cfra.org.
