Meet Our Staff

Sandra joined the Aksarben Foundation as President in 2017. Working directly with the Board of Governors and Councillors, Sandra oversees and implements the strategic direction of the Aksarben Foundation and the Aksarben network - including the Nebraska Tech Collaborative, Northeast Nebraska Growing Together, and other Aksarben Workforce Initiatives. With over twenty years in not-for-profit leadership, relationship cultivation and 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. Sandra is a graduate of Leadership Nebraska - Class XI.

Julie joined the Aksarben Foundation in 2017 as the Director of Marketing and Communication. In 2020, she was promoted to Vice President. With over 17 years 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. Julie is a participant of Leadership Nebraska - Class XIII.

As CFO of Aksarben, Jack brings tactical focus and detailed attention to support both the operational and programmatic elements of the Foundation. Jack oversees finances of the Aksarben Foundation and Aksarben network - including Nebraska Tech Collaborative and Growing Together, Aksarben Workforce Initiatives, as they relate to budget management and cost benefit analysis. Jack brings over twenty-five years of financial and accounting experience and has lent his expertise to various not-for-profit endeavors throughout Nebraska prior to joining the Aksarben Foundation in 2017.

Sara joined the Aksarben Foundation team part-time in 2020 as an Administrative Assistant and was quickly promoted to Communications Coordinator full-time in 2021. Sara maintains the overall health of Aksarben's CRM, handles gifts, direct mailings, and emails from the Foundation. She also assists the Nebraska Tech Collaborative and Northeast Growing Together, Aksarben Workforce Initiatives with communication materials. Additionally, Sara manages the annual Aksarben Farm Family Awards program.

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.