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 a graduate of Leadership Nebraska – Class XI and a Trustee of the Business Ethics Alliance of Omaha.

As Chief of Staff, Julie provides executive-level support to the Foundation President across a broad range of initiatives and assignments including strategic advisement and project management. She oversees day-to-day operations including Aksarben's legacy initiatives, community involvement and overall brand/identity of the Foundation. Julie also serves as the liaison between the Aksarben Foundation and the Aksarben Floor Committee. A proud graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a graduate of Leadership Nebraska - Class XIII, Julie joined the Aksarben staff in 2017 as the Director of Marketing and Communications. She became Vice President in 2020 and Chief of Staff in 2023. Julie and her husband, Mark, live in Omaha.

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.

Claire joined the Aksarben staff in 2023 and oversees all events and community relations. Within this role, Claire manages all of Aksarben’s legacy initiatives, including Aksarben Farm Family Awards, Aksarben Community Grants, and Aksarben Scholarships. Claire also serves as the event manager for the Aksarben Stakeholders’ Meeting. Before joining Aksarben, Claire worked in Washington, D.C. in Congress. Claire received her business degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in May of 2017.

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 the Aksarben Foundation in 2006.