18 minute read
Personnel
Immanuel Welcomes Emily Tonniges to Head Community Foundation
Immanuel, the Midwest leader in retirement living and senior services, is pleased to welcome Emily Tonniges as director of the Immanuel Community Foundation. As director, Tonniges oversees funds that annually support retirement community residents, Immanuel Pathways PACE® (Program of Allinclusive Care for the Elderly) participants and employees. Foundation efforts support Immanuel capital improvements, programming, special projects and more. In her new role, Tonniges will also work closely with Immanuel’s Vision Foundation, a grant program that has provided over $11 million to community organizations. A Hastings native, Tonniges is also a graduate from Colorado College. With a diverse professional background, Tonniges has a passion for helping others. She has been heavily involved with area organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Omaha Performing Arts, Papillion La Vista Community Theatre, Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce, Sarpy CASA, Voices for Children and many others.
The Immanuel Community Foundation supports the organization’s mission of Christ-Centered Service to seniors, each other, and the community. Two of its key programs include the Resident Assistance Fund and the Helping Hands Assistance Fund, both great benefits for Immanuel residents, participants and employees. To learn more, visit immanuel.com/immanuel-foundations/community-foundations.
UNICO Group Congratulates Tom Greco on Retirement after 35 Years in Industry
UNICO Group recently congratulated Tom Greco on his retirement after he provided superior service to the insurance industry for 35 years. Tom began his career in insurance in 1985, when he joined his late father, Michael Greco, in running Greco Insurance Agency in Papillion, NE. In 2009, Greco Insurance was acquired by UNICO, establishing UNICO’s Omaha office. During Tom’s tenure in the insurance industry, he served as an insurance advisor, president of “Big i” Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska (IIAN), on the Board of Directors for the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce, and as a Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) instructor and shareholder at UNICO. Tom’s favorite part of his career was explaining to his clients the importance of having a sound insurance program before experiencing a loss to ensure that, in the event of a loss, the client’s business and family were protected. The industry will miss Tom for his involvement and leadership in the “Big i” of Nebraska, as will the many students he taught through his CISR prep classes—but you’ll still find him at the “Huskateers” tailgating spot before Husker football games! UNICO Group is a full-service insurance agency headquartered in Lincoln, with services ranging from telecommunications to workers’ comp, employee benefits, personal insurance, financial planning, and humanresource solutions. For more information about UNICO Group, call (402) 434-7200 or visit unicogroup.com.
Fernanda Nungaray Joins Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation Team
Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC) is pleased to announce that Fernanda Nungaray has been promoted to a Program Coordinator. Fernanda began as an intern at MLCDC in 2020 and graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha in December with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Family and Community. She was also a Buffet scholar while attending UNO.
During her internship, Fernanda embraced the mission of MLCDC and the opportunity to work with a low- and moderate-income population in Omaha, the majority of whom are women who want to start a business to achieve financial stability and provide for their families. She played an important role as an intern for the agency to provide the technical assistance to all participants in a timely manner. As a Program Coordinator, Fernanda will provide support to financial education, industry training, and the leadership and entrepreneurship programs in MLCDC and will maintain the client database. Fernanda is excited for this opportunity and looks forward to contributing to the growth of the Omaha community.
MLCDC is a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing bilingual technical assistance to low- and moderate-income populations to achieve financial stability through entrepreneurship. In March 2020, MLCDC launched a financial education program to support individuals affected by COVID-19. To learn more about MLCDC, visit midlandslatinocdc.org or call (402) 933-4466.
24 Strictly Business FEBRUARY 2021
First Responders Foundation Welcomes Mike Corrigan as Treasurer of the Board
The First Responders Foundation recently welcomed Mike Corrigan as the new treasurer of its Board of Directors. Mike is the VP Commercial Relationship Manager with Access Bank, where he has worked for five years with new and existing commercial businesses. The Board is pleased to have Mike’s expertise on the Board and looks forward to working with him for more than just that: Mike is uniquely qualified for this position because he is also a first responder! He is currently a part-time police officer in Yutan and is a former police sergeant with the Bellevue Police Department. “Having the opportunity to be a part of an organization where we can honor the men and women who are first responders and assist the front lines in so many different ways is exactly the team I want to be part of,” Mike said. “I know the sacrifices that are made daily, and any support or resources our team or Foundation give goes a long way.” Mike grew up in the Omaha area, attending Creighton Preparatory High School and the University of Nebraska Omaha. From there, he attended the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Academy. Mike made the switch to banking in 2015 to work with his family. In his spare time, he enjoys all things outdoors, from fishing and hunting to biking and camping.
The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all first responders, veterans, and their families, build appreciation and respect for their work, and enhance public safety. For more information, visit firstresondersfoundation.org or call (402) 218-1234.
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Metro Omaha Builders Association Announces 2021 Board Members
Metro Omaha Builders Association (MOBA) recently announced its 2021 board members and Board of Directors. Board members for 2021 include: President – Greg Frazell, G. Lee Homes; Vice President – Brett Clarke, Frontier Builders; Immediate Past President – Ryan Krejci, Ideal Design Custom Homes; Treasurer – Dan Wellendorf, Builders Supply Co.; Secretary – Deb Benak, Centris Federal Credit Union. Directors include: David Hartman, Core Bank; Matt Kronaizl, Sierra Homes; Marc Stodola, Charleston Homes; Dave Tewes, Thomas David Fine Homes; Kent Therkelsen, KRT Construction; Jason Troshynski, Grace Custom Homes; Dave Vogtman, The Home Company. Chartered in 1946, the Metro Omaha Builders Association represents the interests of local housing professionals through advocacy, education, and builder related event promotion. It is a not-for-profit organization that was established to promote and protect various aspects of the home building industry. MOBA members are builders/ developers and their trade partners who are dedicated to preserving integrity and lifestyle through high professional standards and sound business practices in the industry. MOBA is well known for producing the Street of Dreams, the Omaha Home Show, Remodel Omaha Tour, and the Parade of Homes. For more information, visit www.moba.com.
Berry Law Attorneys Hancock, Wilson Named to 2021 Lawyer’s List of Midwest Trailblazers
Berry Law attorneys Jerusha Hancock and Mike Wilson were recently named to The American Lawyer’s of 2021 inaugural list Midwest Trailblazers. They will both be featured in an April 2021 issue of the legal publication of The National Law Journal, the premiere source for timely legal news and analysis. The prestigious award recognizes professionals who have moved the needle in the legal industry—professionals who are truly Trailblazers. The 2021 Midwest Trailblazer awards shed particular light on attorneys who have pressed forward throughout the Jerusha Hancock pandemic and the renewed conversation about who we are as a country by taking extra measures to contribute to positive outcomes. Jerusha is a zealous advocate for the rights of Veterans, focusing her practice on appealing Veterans Administration (VA) rating decisions from the Lincoln office. She is the lead attorney for Berry Law’s VA practices, is a member of the National Organization of Veterans Advocates, and is a VA accredited attorney. Mike works from Berry Law’s Omaha office and has devoted his career to protecting his Mike Wilson clients, including those who have been charged with a crime and those damaged by either negligence or intentional bad acts. Of note are his results in the field of criminal appellate and post-conviction practice, where he has obtained new trials for clients convicted of serious felonies. Berry Law was founded in 1965 by legendary attorney Vietnam Veteran John Stevens Berry, Sr. With more than 250 years of combined legal experience, Berry Law is well-equipped to handle the most serious legal needs. For more information, visit berrylawfirm.com or call (402) 466-8444.
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West Gate Bank Elects Jared Hollinger to Board of Directors
West Gate Bank® is pleased to announce the addition of Jared Hollinger to its Board of Directors. Hollinger is the principal and cofounder of Eleven Talents, LLC, has more than 18 years of experience guiding real-estate investments of all types, and has successfully navigated the real-estate economy with holdings in single-family, multi-family, agricultural, commercial, retail, and tax liens. During his career, Hollinger has been involved with the purchase and disposition of more than 4,000 properties of various asset classes. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. Hollinger also coaches a variety of youth sports and is an active member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church, where he serves in parish leadership. West Gate Bank® is a family-owned community bank with locations in Lincoln and Omaha. Visit westgate.bank for more information.
CSI Hires Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Promotes Program Director from Within
Child Saving Institute (CSI) recently welcomed Alicia Theilen, the Mental Health Services team’s first psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP), and promoted Katherine Hubbard to Director of Early Childhood Education. The addition of an experienced psychiatric NP like Alicia allows CSI to expand the behavioral health offerings for children in need, and it will benefit from Katherine’s experience advocating and directing quality early childhood education. Alicia brings more than 16 years of Alicia Theilen training and clinical experience in pediatric home healthcare, neonatal intensive care, emergency medicine, post-partum, medical/ surgical, and oncology. She holds a master’s degree as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and currently is working on her postgraduate certificate in psychiatric mental healthcare. Using her passion and expertise, Alicia will listen to children and families without judgment, help them develop attainable goals, and work to decrease the stigma of mental health. Her practice is located at 4545 Dodge St., and you can schedule Katherine Hubbard appointments by calling (402) 553-6000 or emailing CSIReferrals@childsaving.org. Katherine joined CSI in the Early Childhood Education Center in 2009. With a bachelor’s degree in child, youth, and family studies from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, she quickly took on an early childhood specialist position as a lead teacher and, in 2013, was promoted to site director. Katherine assumed the Director of Childhood Education role in January and oversees the Dodge Street campus (45th and Dodge) and the Spellman Child Development Center on the College of Saint Mary campus. For 129 years, Child Saving Institute has been dedicated to the prevention, intervention, and healing of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. To inquire about enrolling your child in either CSI early childhood education locations, email earlychilded@ childsaving.org or call (402) 504-3670.
FEBRUARY 2021 Strictly Business 25
Hannah Hundley Marks Three Years with Strictly Business
This month marks Hannah Hundley's third year with Strictly Business. Hannah is the current editor for the magazine, and she oversees a variety operations such as event planning, onboarding new clients, running production meetings, and day-to-day office responsibilities. Hannah’s role has taken on many forms since she first joined the team in 2018. Coming from a background in hospitality, tourism, and community event planning, in additional to holding various marketing roles, Hannah was excited to work for a company dedicated to promoting other local businesses. "I've grown a lot personally and professionally during my time at Strictly Business," said Hannah. "I've made many connections and lifelong friends through this job. I'm proud to be a part of the magazine's rich history in the Lincoln and Omaha communities, being around almost 28 and 15 years respectively. All the people we've touched through the work we do; all the stories we've told...it's amazing.” Strictly Business is a reliable news sources and effective advertising tool, publishing original content in print, online, and on social media. To learn more, visit strictlybusinessomaha.com. To contact Hannah, call the office at (402) 466-3330 or email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com.
Lincoln Federal Savings Bank Announces Engelman Promotion, Wyatt Retirement
Lincoln Federal Savings Bank recently announced the promotion of Adam Engelman to Assistant Vice President – Loan Servicing at their corporate office in Lincoln and recognized Donna Wyatt for entering a well-deserved retirement after nine years as Senior Vice President, Deposit Banking Manager, and giving decades of service to the banking industry. Adam worked in customer service roles for nearly 20 years. In 2015, he began his banking career with Lincoln Federal Savings Adam Engelman Bank as a Customer Service Representative. With his knowledge and experience, it wasn’t long before he was promoted to Customer Service Supervisor and now to Assistant Vice President – Loan Servicing. In his new role, Adam will be working to enhance the bank’s servicing interfaces and to create efficiencies in the loan boarding process. Donna came to Lincoln Federal Savings Bank with 40 years of banking experience. In her time at the bank, she was able to contribute to the positive culture; many employees have noted her upbeat outlook, kind heart, and Donna Wyatt willingness to help anywhere she was needed. Donna was integral in developing new deposit banking products, planning annual conferences, and managing the entire deposit administration and supervisory staff, as well as completing tasks related to her duties of BSA Officer. In retirement, Donna looks forward to spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, and doing all the things she loves. Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is a depositor-owned financial institution specializing in residential home loans, construction loans, home equity loan products, commercial real estate loans and deposit services. The Corporate Office is at 8400 Maddox Drive (84th & Van Dorn) and can be reached by phone at (402) 474-1400.
26 Strictly Business FEBRUARY 2021
True North Technologies Welcomes Taylor Tunnison as New Communication Director
True North Technologies, a Lincoln-based business launched by Renee Sobotka, recently added Taylor Tunnison to their team as Communication Director. Strategic, dynamic, and determined, Taylor aims to encourage greatness in those around him. He is passionate about helping people and applying technology, and he puts that passion to good use for True North Technologies clients. He is overjoyed by the opportunity to pursue his True North alongside distinguished peers. Taylor is a 2019 graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in communication studies. He has conducted primary research on the positive impact of communication and virtual teamwork. He is a team player with extensive experience in copywriting, customer service, and digital marketing, which has taught him the value of collaboration. Difficult challenges only serve to inspire Taylor’s quick, creative, and innovative solutions. He lives in Lincoln with his family, including five siblings and four dogs, and enjoys playing hockey, debating politics, and studying philosophy. Taylor also has been known to perform with fire occasionally. True North Technologies makes technology simple with website and mobile-app development, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), branding, and social-media marketing. Learn more at go-tnt.com or call (402) 420-5101.
Seldin Company Promotes Seth Perkins to Executive VP of Property Operations
Seldin Company is pleased to announce the promotion of Seth Perkins to Executive Vice President of Property Operations. Seth has been part of the Seldin team for more than 13 years and has more than 20 years of experience in property management, including extensive knowledge in both affordable and conventional property operations. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and Management from Peru State College, previously served as Senior Vice President of Property Operations for Seldin, and holds Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS), Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP), and Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) designations.
Seth will oversee the Seldin portfolio, including about 18,000 units throughout eight states. He will be directly responsible for overseeing the startup of all new properties coming into the portfolio, as well as property marketing activities, accounting, operations, facilities management, financial analysis, and budget performance. In his new role, he will report directly to Chief Operating Officer Michele Nathaniels.
“Seth is a great fit for this role because of his excellent leadership skills and extensive knowledge of the industry,” Michele said. “He is respected by his colleagues and team members and is a remarkable employee. I am confident he will continue to be successful in this position.”
Seldin Company is a leading property management firm with deep roots throughout the Central United States. Headquartered in the heart of the Great Plains in Omaha, Seldin was founded in 1923 and engages in management and expansion of multifamily apartment communities. To learn more about the company, visit seldin.com or call (402) 333-7373.
Big Birge Celebrates 3 Work Anniversaries
Big Birge Plumbing Co. recently celebrated work anniversaries for three hardworking members of their crew, including the second anniversary for accountant John Schlumberger, third anniversary for plumber Dennis Herr, and the fourth for plumber Adrian Sanchez. John Schlumberger is not your average accountant. Of course, he’s a whiz with numbers and anything that has to do with Excel files, but he is also a highly talented master motorcycle mechanic. He is honest, loyal, and committed to doing the right thing. John brings organization and structure to the Big Birge office that they didn’t even know they needed before his arrival!
Before joining Big Birge Pluming, Dennis Herr owned his own plumbing company in South Dakota but moved back to Omaha to be nearer his children and grandchildren. At Big Birge, he is recognized for his ‘git ‘er done’ passion, his charisma, and, lovingly, for his 70’s hair style. He is Dennis Herr extremely honest and has been known to save customers lots of money by teaching them to solve issues on their own. He is one of our top-rated plumbers on the team and they feel lucky he chose to work there! Adrian Sanchez may be one of the youngest on the Big Birge crew, but he is also among the hardest-working. He has a strong work ethic and is extremely loyal. He’s been with the company since 2017 working toward his Omaha Journeyman Plumbing license and loves working as Adrian Sanchez part of a team. Adrian is a happy-golucky guy that people just can’t help but love to be around. Every member of the Big Birge Plumbing crew is highly trained, licensed, passionate, and dedicated to handling any and every plumbing need their residential and commercial customers face. For more information or to schedule a plumbing service, visit bigbirgeplumbing.com or call (402) 575-0102.
John Schlumberger
It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You!
At Strictly Business, we strive to recognize local businessmen and women for their significant awards, promotions, achievements, and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Omaha community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com, or submit your news online via www.strictly-business.com.
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Omaha Home for Boys Elects Janis Yergan to Board of Directors
Omaha Home for Boys (OHB) is honored to announce the election of Janis L. Yergan to its board of directors. Janis has several years of experience working in healthcare administration and currently is the vice president of network development at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from Benedictine College and a bachelor’s degree in industrial psychology from Cal State University. Janis brings more than 25 years of experience in managed care, physician integration, marketing, communications, integrated delivery systems, and program development to OHB. She’s no stranger to the nonprofit sector and has previously served as the board chair for the Denise Roberts Breast Cancer Foundation, as well has having served on the boards for the YMCA, American Heart Association, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City, Youth and Family Center of Los Angeles, and Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands. “I am honored to serve on the board of directors at an organization with such a rich history of helping youth in Nebraska,” Janis said. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members to help OHB grow to meet the ever-changing needs of our community.” The Omaha Home for Boys equips youth, young adults, and families with the skills needed to become self-sufficient and productive members of the community. To learn more, call (402) 467-7000 or visit ohb.org.