Meet Our Staff

Sandra joined the Aksarben Foundation as President in 2017 and works alongside the Aksarben Board of Directors to develop and deploy action around business-led, outcome-oriented initiatives across the state of Nebraska, both by industry and by region. Sandra oversees and implements the strategic direction of the Foundation and the entire Aksarben network – including the Nebraska Tech Collaborative and Northeast Nebraska Growing Together – Aksarben Workforce Initiatives.

With over twenty-five years in not-for-profit leadership, relationship cultivation, fundraising and vast experience in higher education and scholarship administration, Sandra brings a strong knowledge of leadership and has a proven track record of driving results, engagement, and activation. She develops and implements an annual fundraising plan at levels necessary to achieve the goals. Additionally, she ensures financial and other internal processes are documented and followed.

Sandra received her Bachelor’s from Briar Cliff University and a Master’s Degree from Iowa State. Sandra is also a graduate of Leadership Nebraska – Class XI.

Julie joined the Aksarben Foundation in 2017 as the Director of Marketing and Communications. In 2020, she was promoted to Vice President. With nearly twenty years of marketing, PR, and leadership experience, Julie oversees development and implementation of all marketing, branding and communication strategies for the Aksarben Foundation and the Aksarben network - including the Nebraska Tech Collaborative and Growing Together - Aksarben Workforce Initiatives.

In addition to overall brand and communication direction, Julie also manages the day-to-day operations of Aksarben's legacy initiatives and community involvement, such as the Aksarben Scholarship Program, the Aksarben Community Grants and Aksarben Farm Family recognition, as well as serving as the liaison between the Foundation and the Aksarben Floor Committee. Julie is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Leadership Nebraska - Class XIII.

As CFO of Aksarben, Jack brings strategic planning, tactical focus, and detailed attention to support the operational and programmatic elements of the Foundation.  Jack oversees the finances, human resources, and project management of the Aksarben Foundation and the Foundation network – including Nebraska Tech Collaborative and Growing Together, Aksarben Workforce Initiatives, as they relate to budget and project management.

Jack brings over twenty-five years of financial, accounting, and project management experience and has lent his expertise to various for-profit and not-for-profit endeavors throughout Nebraska prior to joining the Aksarben Foundation in 2017.

Michele joined the Aksarben Foundation as Office Manager in early 2022 and quickly expanded her role with additional accounting duties becoming Finance Manager in June of 2022. As Finance Manager, Michele works closely with the CFO and is responsible for managing the financial health of the organization in order to promote success and growth while maintaining financial and donor information across the entire Aksarben network of initiatives.

With an extensive background in bookkeeping and finance support, Michele has spent over twenty-five years supporting various organizations in the hospitality and real estate development industries, as well as not-for-profit organizations in arts and tourism. In addition to the management of financial data, reports, and overseeing preparation and reconciliation of financial reporting and budgeting, Michele also oversees management of the Aksarben constituent database for the organization and all initiatives. Originally from Nebraska, Michele has spent time in both Texas and Colorado before returning back to the heartland in 2021.

As Aksarben Ball Assistant, Sue provides on-going support to the Aksarben Women's Ball Committee (WBC). By assisting with research, mailings, directory and event details, Sue works as a liaison between the WBC and the Aksarben Foundation staff. Sue joined Aksarben in 2006.