OMAHA, Neb. — The Aksarben Foundation proudly announces the 2026 leadership team for the Aksarben Ball, naming Paige Ritter as Chair of the Aksarben Women’s Ball Committee, Alicia Edsen as Chair of the Aksarben Ball Committee and Mike Cassling will remain as the as Chair of the Aksarben Board of Governors for 2026.
Together, the three distinguished leaders will guide one of Nebraska’s most enduring traditions, uniting communities across the Heartland to celebrate civic pride, honor generational leadership and fuel educational opportunity for the next generation.
As Chair, Ritter will lead the 18 women who organize the series of events leading up to the Ball and the main event itself. Her appointment reflects a deep commitment to preserving Aksarben’s storied history while inspiring a new era of philanthropic impact for the region’s youth and families. With her proven record of leadership and passion for community betterment, Ritter will ensure that Aksarben’s mission of strengthening the Heartland continues to shine brightly into the future.
“It is a true privilege to serve as Chair of the 2026 Aksarben Women’s Ball Committee,” said Ritter. “The Aksarben Ball represents more than an evening of celebration. It’s a living tradition of service, legacy and unity. As a past Queen in 2004 and with my parents becoming Most Honored Citizens in 2022, the Ball holds deep meaning for me and my family. I’m inspired to carry this work forward alongside an incredible team of leaders who share a passion for strengthening our communities and creating opportunities that endure for generations.”
A dedicated community leader whose service reflects a deep commitment to philanthropy, advocacy and building a stronger Omaha, Ritter currently serves on the Board of QLI, one of the nation’s premier centers for brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation, where she helps advance innovative care and patient support initiatives. A Sustainer and past member of the Junior League of Omaha, she continues to champion women’s leadership and community impact initiatives. Her passion for children and families is evident through her service on the Board of Directors and Development Committee for Project Harmony.
Ritter further extends her commitment to youth through her role on the Board of Omaha Christian High School, where she supports faith-based education and student development. She also demonstrated exceptional leadership as Co-Chair of the 2020 Wine, Women & Shoes event benefiting the Carolyn Scott Rainbow House and currently sits on their Friends Board. In addition, her roles as a past Power Luncheon Chair and member of the Habitat for Humanity Guild underscore her deep commitment to providing hope for families in need. A dedicated supporter of arts and culture, Ritter has also previously served on the Lauritzen Gardens Guild and chaired the 2018 Rockin’ Rosie event for the Rose Theater Guild.
Alicia Edsen, a dedicated community leader and member of the Aksarben Foundation Board of Governors, will serve as Chair of the 2026 Aksarben Ball Committee. Edsen is Senior Vice President at Kiewit Corporation, where she provides executive oversight of Corporate Safety, Environmental, and Human Resources functions. She also serves as Division Manager for Kiewit Building Group and is a member of the company’s Executive Management Committee. A passionate advocate for workforce well-being, Edsen serves on several national industry safety boards focused on eliminating life-changing injuries and fatalities across the construction industry. She has been a driving force behind Under the Hat™, Kiewit’s pioneering mental-health program that integrates emotional well-being into workplace safety. With a heart for service and a commitment to Nebraska’s future, Alicia looks forward to leading the Aksarben Ball Committee in advancing opportunities that strengthen the region’s workforce, education, and community prosperity.
Sandra Reding, President of the Aksarben Foundation, praised the 2026 leadership team and the impact their combined service will bring to Nebraska. “Aksarben is built on generations of community leadership, and this year’s team reflects the very best of that tradition,” said Reding. “Paige, Alicia and Mike each bring an extraordinary commitment to strengthening our state. Their leadership will not only guide an unforgettable Aksarben Ball, it will help drive opportunity, workforce growth and educational access for families across Nebraska. We are grateful for their dedication and excited for the year ahead.”
Cassling, who will Chair the Aksarben Board of Governors again in 2026, is a visionary healthcare executive. His career reflects a commitment to innovation, service and building a healthier Nebraska. Cassling leads with both entrepreneurial insight and a heart for community.
“For more than a century, Aksarben has been a powerful force for good—connecting leaders, uplifting communities and opening doors of opportunity for generations of Nebraskans,” he said. “Each year, the Aksarben Ball honors that legacy while advancing our mission to strengthen education, grow the workforce and support our state’s most promising future leaders. I look forward to the year ahead. Together with the entire committee, we will create an unforgettable celebration that reflects the pride, purpose and unity that define Aksarben.”
As Executive Chairman of CQuence Health and Chairman of Cassling, he has shaped the future of healthcare through transformative investments and partnerships focused on improving patient outcomes across the nation. He serves on the boards of the Salvation Army, CyncHealth and the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. His civic leadership includes serving as Vice Chair of Omaha Performing Arts and founding the Nebraska Tech Collaborative. Recognized as a University of Nebraska–Lincoln Alumni Achievement Award honoree and a Westside High School Hall of Fame inductee, Cassling brings decades of service and leadership to his role with the Aksarben Foundation, where his dedication to elevating Nebraska and its people remains at the heart of all he does.
Carolyn Sutton, the 2025 Aksarben Women’s Ball Committee Chair, will serve as Advisor to the Women’s Ball Committee in 2026.
The team will steward one of Nebraska’s most time-honored celebrations, continuing the Foundation’s legacy of empowering leaders and investing in the state’s future.
The 2026 Aksarben Ball will be held at the CHI Health Center Omaha on October 10, 2026, bringing together community leaders and families from across the Heartland. Proceeds from the event fund scholarships for Nebraska students pursuing post-secondary education, as well as workforce development initiatives and community grants designed to strengthen the region’s future.
