I first heard of the Center for Rural Affairs in 2003 when I was trying to start a cooperative cheesemaking endeavor and met with the lending team to inquire about different funding opportunities for my startup. For many years after that, while I served on the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society Board, the Center was a go-to for program advice and assistance with the annual conference. Becoming involved was an easy decision to make because the values of the Center and their amount of success turning ideas into practice is exciting to support.
My first service was on the Advisory Committee. I remember leaving those meetings excited about how the Center was making an impact in so many areas. I have also helped with the process of reorganizing and updating many of the Center practices to best position the organization for further growth and sustained impact in all of its focus areas.
During board meetings, I always enjoy the time we have to share and build our friendships and meet the staff. It is always impressive to hear about the projects they are stewarding and the engagement they have with the communities they serve.
Though I was educated and worked as a German teacher, I spent many years running my own business. I wore many hats: production manager, quality control officer, human resources/payroll, sales, and marketing—just like so many small business owners do. Currently, I work in the health insurance industry as a sales agent.
I have been living in the Lincoln area since 1989, and joined the Center’s Board of Directors in 2018.
