NASB Staff
Leadership - Innovation - Vision - Engagement
#liveNASB - #weLIVEhere
DID YOU KNOW: We Live Here!
79% of Nebraska's 1,700 locally elected School Board Members serve at or within 100 miles of where they graduated ... with 51% serving AT the district they graduated from. Like
our members we serve, the NASB staff lives here (Nebraska) as well.
With an average tenure of just under 12 years, the NASB staff has attended or had children attend or teach in 31 Nebraska public school districts including Auburn, Beatrice, Centennial, Clarkson, Cozad, Crete, David City, Dorchester, Fremont, Kearney, Kenesaw, Lexington, Lincoln, McCool-Junction, Millard, Mullen, Nebraska City, Norris, North Bend Central, O'Neill, Ord, Rock County, Scribner-Snyder, Seward, Southern, Sterling, Tri County, Wauneta Palisade, Waverly, Wilber-Clatonia & York
As a school board member, you are of great value. To your students. To your peers. To your board. To your community. To us at NASB. If you have any questions you may contact us any time via email, or by calling 402-423-4951.
John Spatz - Executive Director
Graduate
of Ord Public Schools
jspatz@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Ideation - Includer - Developer - Analytical - Responsibility
John Spatz was named Executive Director of NASB in January 2012, taking over for the retiring John Bonaiuto. In 2003, John joined NASB as legal counsel. His work centered on providing legal information to the many members of
the association. Since his employment with NASB he has established the Negotiation Information and Technology Network (NITN) to assist school boards in their negotiations process; he has written a book entitled "Guide Book
to Nebraska's Public Meetings Laws;" he has expanded the number of legal workshops available to members; and developed a number of publications intended to assist board members fulfill their roles. John was born in Schuyler,
and lived the first six years of his life in Clarkson. His family moved to Ord in 1980 where his dad took the job as principal at Ord High School and his mother began teaching at Burwell High School. John's mother, Laura,
is a speech and drama teacher and desperately tried to get her stubborn son to participate in speech and/or drama but her attempts were in vain as never took the opportunity to join either speech or drama. John graduated
from Ord High School in 1992 and began his college career at Dana College in Blair. After two years at Dana, John transferred to UNL where he received his bachelor's degree in accounting. Throughout his years before NASB
John had the opportunity to participate in a number of jobs in a variety of places, including farms, warehouses, offices and cities. John continued his education, and graduated from the University of Nebraska's College
of Law in 2000. After law school he worked for Senator Jim Jensen in the Nebraska Unicameral. During his employment with the legislature John participated in a variety of committees including: Nebraska Board of Engineers
and Architects Rule Making Committee; Juvenile Diversion, Detention & Probation Task Force; Every Child Wanted, Nurtured and Supported Initiative; Nebraska Cancer Control Grant Committee; Infant Mortality Blue Ribbon
Panel; Women's Health Advisory Council; United Way Public Policy Committee; Newborn Screening and Genetics Advisory Committee; Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Project Advisory Committee; Family First Marriage Matters Panel;
Nebraska Bio-Terrorism Advisory Committee; Nebraska Partners in Prevention for Addictions; Nebraska Mental Health Housing Coalition; NEBHANDS - Nebraskans Expanding Behavioral Health Access through Networking; and many
others. John is married to Julianne Spatz, who is a lawyer at the firm Kinsey Rowe Becker & Kistler, LLP, located in downtown Lincoln. John and Julianne have three children, Evan, Colton, and Roslyn.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? "I grew up in an education family and working with the association fits my personality and passion."
- Favorite Teacher? Mark King
- School Mascot? Chanticleer – maybe the only school in the nation with that one
- Favorite School Lunch? Bunzas
- Dinner with someone famous, who would it be, and what would you serve? Abe Lincoln – Ribeyes
- Favorite Movie? Little Giants
Nate Alspaugh - IT Specialist
Graduate of Lincoln Public Schools
nalspaugh@NASBonline.org
Nate grew up in Lincoln and serves as NASB’s formal IT Specialist. He currently attends classes at Southeast Community College studying computer information technology and has worked as a data/IT specialist in the workforce for five years. In his free time, he enjoys working on various multimedia and AV projects, computer language programming to automate work for hobbies, and playing competitive fighting videogames.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? At an early age, I loved exploring and understanding the technicalities of computers beginning with Windows 95 and my family’s old camcorder-type cameras. My whole life, I have moved this interest between dozens of hobbies, eras of modern technology, and work!
- Favorite Teacher? My high school writing and history teachers, and married couple Pete and Cyndy Maddux. They’re funny and wise far beyond the description of their jobs and taught me many principle ideas I still grow from today.
- School Mascot? Navi-gators
- Favorite School Lunch? Steak and mashed potatoes
- Favorite thing to eat in Nebraska, and name someone famous sitting at your table? Qdoba with Joseph ‘Mang0’ Marquez would be insane”
- Favorite Movie? American Psycho
Ben Anderjaska - Board Leadership Engagement Specialist
Graduate
of Wauneta-Palisade Public Schools
banderjaska@NASBonline.org
Ben grew up in Palisade on a small family farm and is the youngest of four siblings. He is a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, where he is studied Agricultural Leadership with a minor in Business. In
his free time, he enjoys cheering on the Cornhuskers and spending time with friends and family.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? I have a deep appreciation for education and a passion for the future of it. I’ve gained this appreciation because of family members and friends who are teachers, school counselors, and board members.
- Favorite Teacher? My Freshman Geography teacher (who is also my sister)
- School Mascot? Broncos
- Favorite School Lunch? Pizza Fridays!
- Favorite thing to eat in Nebraska, and name someone famous sitting at your table? Really anything that comes off my brother-in-law’s Traeger and sitting down with Peyton Manning.
- Favorite Movie? 12 Strong
Makenzie Barry - ALICAP Data & Financial Specialist
Graduate of Lincoln Public Schools
mbarry@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup Clifton Strengths: Analytical - Individualization - Futuristic - Learner - Consistency
Makenzie serves as the ALICAP Data & Financial
Specialist. Makenzie earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. She majored in Accounting with a minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Makenzie and her husband,
Austin, have a son, Bridger, and 2 dogs. She enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? I enjoy meeting new people and learning about them. I have previous association work experience and I find that I love working in a setting where I get to serve the members.
- Favorite Teacher? Señora Hemmett
- School Mascot? Silver Hawks
- Favorite School Lunch? Mucho Nacho (who doesn’t love nachos for lunch?)
- Favorite place to eat in Nebraska, and name someone famous sitting at your table? Toast (Lincoln), with the cast of The Office
- Dirty Dancing, for sure!
Shari Becker - Director of Education Leadership Search Service
Graduate
of Scribner-Snyder Community Schools
sbecker@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Achiever
- Responsibility - Input - Belief - Consistency
Shari started with the Association Search Service in 2007 serving in the role of Consultant. She was promoted to the Director of the Education Leadership Search Service in April of 2013. Shari is responsible for working with boards and stakeholders to identify the needs of the district and the attributes a successful superintendent candidate will possess. She also recruits and advertises for quality educators for vacancies. In addition to her primary role with the Search Service, Shari became a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach in 2018 and assists board members and administration in identifying their Strengths and assessing how to bring out the best in leadership teams. In 2021, Shari became an ODR Certified Mediator. Shari also oversees the Board Member Awards of Achievement Program at NASB. Prior to joining the Search Service, Shari was employed as Chief Operating Officer in charge of staff, at a financial company. She has degrees in Administrative Resource Management and 7-12 Business Education. Her previous work experience and educational background provide valuable experience in her role as Director. Shari lives outside of Waverly with her husband Lynn. They have two boys Nathan and Toby. The Becker family enjoys spending time at the lake during the warm months and wishing it was warmer the rest of the months.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? I enjoy assisting educators and those who support public education. This position is a good blend of many interests of mine.
- Favorite Teacher? Mrs. Ellermeier – business teacher
- School Mascot? Trojans
- Favorite School Lunch? Sloppy Joe with a tator triangle
- Favorite place to eat in Nebraska, and name someone famous sitting at your table? DeNo’s in Snyder, NE with Blake Shelton – seems like his kind of place
- Favorite Movie? Ferris Beuller’s Day Off
Matt Belka - Director of Marketing, Communications & Advocacy
Graduate
of Lincoln Public Schools
mbelka@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Relator
- Maximizer - Responsibility - Adaptability - Individualization
Matt brings knowledge, creativity, and experience to the role of Director of Marketing, Communications & Advocacy for NASB. Responsible for marketing the various programs and services to promote the defined mission of NASB, Matt serves as the liaison to foster effective communications promoting these programs and services to our members. From creative to branding, editorial to design, strategy to analytics, and then managing the distribution, he makes sure all members are up to speed on all the Association is and does. Matt received his bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Marketing from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, after growing up first in Denver, Colorado, then moving to Lincoln where he attended Jr. and Sr. High. Matt enjoys the outdoors, as well as spending time relaxing with family and friends. He and his wife Nichol live in Lincoln, and have a daughter, Sophie, and a son, Chase.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? Education and educators have been a huge part of my life. My wife was a special education teacher for 6 years, and has since done in-home daycare and preschool for teachers kids. Many of my closest friends are public school teachers or administrators throughout the state.
- Favorite Teacher? Craig Jones, 3rd & 4th Grade
- School Mascot? Spartan
- Favorite School Lunch? Thanksgiving Dinner
- Favorite places to eat in Nebraska, and someone famous sitting at your table? Jimi D's (Omaha), & Windy Gap (Paxton), with Randy Savage.
- Favorite Movies? Top Guns, Roadhouse
Megan Boldt - Associate Executive Director, Director of ALICAP
Graduate
of Sterling Public Schools
mboldt@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Discipline
- Communication - Empathy - Individualization - Relator
Megan has been with NASB since January of 2005. When first hired to assist with the ALICAP insurance program, Megan’s duties included monthly
mailings to member districts, seasonal insurance projects such a Renewal and quarterly claim reports, maintenance of the ALICAP website, and distribution of all ALICAP safety materials and documents. In February of
2009, Megan attained the role of ALICAP Administrator, which was a position that included management of the ALICAP loss control program, serving as the ALICAP board of trustees’ secretary, and acting as the primary
contact and manager for all of ALICAP’s membership. Then, in April of 2013, Megan’s position grew even more. Megan’s current role is two-part, Director of ALICAP and Director of Insurance Programs.
Megan not only oversees and manages the ALICAP insurance program, but Megan also oversees the NASB Unemployment Insurance Program, along with maintaining all of the NASB’s insurance policies. Megan received her
bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Bellevue University in June of 2003, and is a 1999 high school graduate of Sterling High School, in Sterling, Nebraska. In Megan’s free time she enjoys running,
playing volleyball, and spending time with her family and friends. Megan and her husband Brandon reside in Lincoln, and have three daughters.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? I believe in public schools ... and helping them in any way we can feels good!
- Favorite Teacher? Mr. Weddle, my accounting and business teacher at Sterling Public Schools (now Principal at West Point Public Schools)
- School Mascot? J-E-T-S ... JETS, JETS, JETS!
- Favorite School Lunch? All of Sterling's lunches ROCKED!!! I really didn't have any meals there I didn't like. We were lucky kids! However, I would get extra pumped for Runza's.
- Favorite place to eat in Nebraska, and name someone famous sitting at your table? Lead Belly's (Lincoln), with Oprah.
- Favorite Movie? A League of Their Own
Craig Caples - Director of Technology
Graduate
of Auburn Public Schools
ccaples@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Achiever
- Analytical - Relator - Strategic - Competition
Craig started full-time with NASB in September of 2005. His duties include developing and maintaining NASB's websites and applications; managing the servers
and network; managing the IT staff, and providing technical support to staff and members. Since starting at the Association, Craig has developed several custom applications to automate many of the day-to-day functions
along with developing applications that benefit our members. Craig manages the server network which includes several servers, firewalls, routers, and switches using technologies such as Hyper-V, Dynamics CRM, Exchange,
SharePoint, Backup Exec, SQL Server, and various custom built applications. Craig graduated from Auburn High School in 1999. During his junior year in high school he joined the United States Army Reserves as an Automated
Logistical Specialist. He attended military school at Fort Lee, VA and graduated as the Honor Graduate for his class. Craig then attended Peru State College until moving to Lincoln in 2001. He graduated from Southeast
Community College in December of 2005 with a degree in Microcomputer Technology. Craig then earned his second degree, Bachelors of Science, from the University of Bellevue in 2008. Craig continued his education and
ended up completing his Masters in Management of Information Systems in 2010.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? Second semester of my junior year in high school I took my first programming class and immediately realized that is what I wanted to do for a career. I ended up joining the computer programming team that year and winning some awards. After working in the IT field, I can’t imagine ever doing anything else. I really enjoy programming and working with other technologies
- Favorite Teacher? My high school wrestling coach and history teacher, Mr. Oliver.
- School Mascot? Bulldogs
- Favorite School Lunch? Pizza
- Dinner with anyone, who would it be, and what would you serve? My grandparents. I'd serve up some ribs, brisket, pulled pork, bbq beans, garlic mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and some cornbread
- Favorite Movie? The Rocky movies (I like them all)
Colby Coash - Associate Executive Director and Director of Government Relations
Graduate
of Rock County Public Schools
ccoash@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Individualization
- Achiever - Maximizer - Harmony - Relator
Colby joined NASB as the Associate Executive Director and Director of Government Relations in June of 2018. Colby will work to assure NASB has a strong voice of advocacy for public schools within the halls of the Capitol. This position allows him to connect elected officials together for the benefit of Nebraska’s children. Colby spent eight years in the Nebraska Unicameral serving southwest Lincoln, where he became known as a Senator who brought people together. His emphasis in his legislative service was in supporting Nebraska’s most vulnerable populations. Colby was born and raised in Bassett, Nebraska where he learned the value of hard work. Colby has made Lincoln his home since attending undergraduate and graduate school at UNL. Colby has worked in the field of leadership development and is an adjunct professor. Colby enjoys working on his old cars and can be found acting in regional movies. He and his wife Rhonda live in Lincoln with their son Cole.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? I have a strong voice for advocacy and working with other elected officials is a great way to use that voice
- Favorite Teacher? My first one. Mrs. Stec, my kindergarten teacher
- School Mascot? Rock County Tigers (now the North Central Knights)
- Favorite School Lunch? Taco Day!
- Favorite place to eat in Nebraska, and name someone famous sitting at your table? Range Café (Bassett - my hometown) with John Wayne whose likeness is all over the place.
- Favorite Movies? I watch Indiana Jones movies whenever they are on
Katie Corfield - Board Leadership Online Survey Specialist
Graduate of Mullen Public Schools
kcorfield@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Harmony - Empathy - Consistency - Adaptability
- Includer
Katie provides support to board members primarily through Superintendent Evaluation and Leadership Encompass 360. She also provides support to the members of the Nebraska Administrative Education Professionals group. Katie grew up on her family ranch in the Sandhills and attended school in Mullen. She moved to Lincoln after graduating from Doane University where she studied Psychology and Sociology. In her spare time, Katie enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, spending time outdoors, and finding new restaurants to try with her husband, Justin.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? Being from rural Nebraska, I have always had an appreciation for public education. Working for the Association allows me to combine that appreciation with my love of helping others.
- Favorite teacher? Too many favorites to pick from… Mrs. Hardin (science), Mrs. Brost (FCS), Mrs. Marks (2nd grade), the list goes on!
- School Mascot? Broncos
- Favorite school lunch? Last day of school when they would grill hamburgers!
- Favorite place to eat in NE, and name someone famous sitting at your table? Red's Cafe (in Mullen) with Dolly Parton
- Favorite movies? It's a toss-up between Dirty Dancing and 8 Seconds!
McKenna DeRiese - Board Leadership Administrative Assistant
Graduate of Lincoln Public Schools
mderiese@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Belief - Connectedness - Adaptability - Positivity - Achiever
Kenna works as an Administrative Assistant to the Board Leadership Team. She grew up in Lincoln and attended Lincoln Public Schools for K-12. She graduated from UNL in 2024 with a degree in Advertising, Public Relations and Journalism with a minor in Education Studies. Kenna has had the privilege of working on the marketing team for various organizations such as the Down Syndrome Association of Nebraska and won the 2020 MLK Contributor Award for her work with Lincoln’s MLK Youth Rally and March. She’s a lover of dogs, drawing, and disposable cameras. When she’s not working or writing, Kenna loves to read any book she can get her hands on, go on walks with her husband, Jack, and play with her daughter, Daphne.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? I love being a support to anyone and everyone! I’m thankful to be able to use my skills in advertising, communication and design to create helpful materials.
- Favorite Teacher? Ms. Benson, my high school newspaper advisor. She helped me realize the power of good education!
- School Mascot? Silverhawk!
- Favorite School Lunch? I never ate the lunch my school provided, but I packed a PB&J and Diet Coke every day of high school!
- Favorite places to eat in Nebraska, and someone famous sitting at your table? I’d enjoy a lovely brunch at Toast with Jane Austen!
- Favorite Movies? Clueless
Sharon Endorf - Director of Member Engagement
Graduate of Wilber-Clatonia Public Schools
sendorf@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Achiever
- Positivity - Maximizer - Strategic - Woo
Sharon has been with NASB since 2012. In her role as Director of Member Engagement she is responsible for the planning and implementation for all Association events, including the State Education Conference; annual Membership Drive; and sharing information about NASB with each member district/ESU. Sharon is a native of Clatonia, Nebraska graduating from Wilber-Clatonia in 1992. She received her bachelor’s degree from Ray College of Design, Chicago in 1995. Sharon and her husband Dan reside in Cozad. Their daughter Ella is in Law School at the University of Virginia, son Austin is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University and works in Omaha, and son Asher is a freshman at University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Sharon enjoys traveling, entertaining, spending time at the lake, concerts, and keeping up with the kids.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? I get a great sense of enjoyment and fulfillment from planning events for our members that support what they do for Nebraska schools.
- Favorite Teacher? Mrs. Leifeld, High School music teacher
- School Mascot? Wolverines
- Favorite School Lunch? Pizza
- Dinner with anyone, who would it be, and what would you serve? My Dad, Roast Beef
- Favorite Movie? Major League
Caden Frank - Board
Leadership Community Engagement Specialist
Graduate of Millard Public Schools
cfrank@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Ideation - Woo - Strategic - Command - Futuristic
Caden is primarily responsible for the administering of surveys and the Community Engagement Services offered by the Board Leadership team. Caden is a graduate of Millard West, who then went on to Fort Hays State University where he graduated with his B.S. in Organizational Leadership and is currently obtaining his M.S.E in Higher Education and Student Affairs. In his free time, Caden loves to spend time outside and play soccer.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? I have a strong desire to connect people together and education and community engagement help me to do that in a positive way.
- Favorite Teacher? Dr. Seth Kastle, College
- School Mascot? Wildcats
- Favorite School Lunch? Ham and Cheese Panini
- Dinner with someone famous? Who would it be and what would be served? Shaquille O’Neal and we're eating my mom’s fried chicken, dad’s mashed potatoes, corn, and blueberry muffins.
- Favorite Movie? Pride and Prejudice
Marcia Herring - Director of Board Leadership
Graduate
of O'Neill Public Schools
mherring@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Achiever
- Input - Strategic - Responsibility - Connectedness
Marcia began her service to public education as a school board member at District 145, Waverly, serving three terms. During her tenure as a local board member, she was elected by her peers to serve on the NASB Board of Directors — also completing three terms as Director. Through her service to the Association, Marcia began her work as a superintendent search consultant in 1997. She was appointed as Director of Superintendent Search Services for the Association in 2004, which expanded her role and opportunities to work with board members and superintendents. Her experience equipped her well to provide training and support to school boards and enabled her the opportunity to assume the Director of Board Leadership position in April 2013. Marcia is honored to be a member of the NASB staff, providing services to our members in their governance role of increasing student achievement. Marcia and her husband Mike have two grown children Marcus and Meredith. She enjoys cooking, reading, gardening with her husband, and spending time with her favorite son and favorite daughter!
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? I genuinely enjoy my supportive role and the opportunity to help others be successful
- Favorite Teacher? Mrs. Naylor, 4th Grade
- School Mascot? Eagles
- Favorite School Lunch? Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
- Dinner with anyone, who would it be, and what would you serve? My Grandmother Mary and I would serve her Filet au Poivre, chive/garlic mashed potatoes, an amazing romaine salad, dinner rolls made by her recipe, and attempt to replica her cherry pie for dessert!
- Favorite Movie? Simon Birch
Stacie Higgins - Board Leadership Specialist
Graduate of Tri County Public Schools
shiggins@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Input - Belief - Context - Intellection - Ideation
Stacie grew up in a “school board family” and is a third-generation school board member. Stacie is currently serving her fourth term on the Nebraska City Public Schools BOE. In 2015, Stacie was elected to serve on the NASB Board of Directors to represent Region 1. She served as President of the Association from 2019-2021. Through her local and NASB Board experience, Stacie has had an opportunity to learn and discover firsthand the needs of local board members. At the conclusion of her NASB Officer term, Stacie welcomed the opportunity to join the Board Leadership department to work alongside board members to help them develop best practices for strong board governance. Stacie lives in Nebraska City where she also serves as founder and director of EDGE Nebraska City. Stacie, and her late husband, have two daughters Chloe and Ellie who have inherited their parents' passion for education and community service.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? Working alongside school board members provides a front row seat to the great work happening in districts and communities all across Nebraska.
- Favorite Teacher? Dave Rosenbaum, High School Government
- School Mascot? Trojans
- Favorite School Lunch? TC Squares (ham & cheese melts)
- Favorite place to eat in Nebraska, and name someone famous sitting at your table? My parents' kitchen with Ronald Reagan
- Favorite Movie? Breakfast Club
Sallie Horky - Chief Operating Officer
Graduate of Crete Public Schools
shorky@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Harmony
- Consistency - Responsibility - Discipline - Communication
Sallie Horky is the Chief Operating Officer for the Association and has been an employee with NASB since 1991. She is responsible for aligning and developing key organizational functions including external partnerships for endorsed programs, Board of Directors operations, and human resources and facilities management. She also oversees accounts receivables for the Association. Sallie is a member of the Lincoln Human Resource Management Association, Society for Human Resource Management and Nebraska Society for Association Executives. She received an Associate’s degree from Southeast Community College-Lincoln in June of 1991 and serves on the Educators Health Alliance Board of Directors, Lease Purchase Program Board of Directors, and Nebraska Public Leadership Foundation Board of Directors. Sallie was born and raised in Crete, Nebraska, graduated from Crete Public High School, and currently lives in Lincoln. She has two boys Kyle and Mason and enjoys traveling, sports, volunteering, cake decorating and the performing arts.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? I enjoy the challenge, appreciate my co-workers and fully support public education and what we do for our members and the children.
- Favorite Teacher? Mr. Bernie Ludvik
- School Mascot? Cardinals
- Favorite School Lunch? Mac and cheese
- Favorite place to eat in Nebraska, and name someone famous sitting at your table? Jams (Omaha), Samuel L. Jackson, because he makes me laugh.
- Favorite Movie? Julie and Julia
Rachel Horstman - Business Manager
Graduate
of Sterling Public Schools
rhorstman@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Harmony
- Developer - Empathy - Responsibility - Consistency
Rachel joined NASB in November 2003, as the Accounting Administrator for the organization. Since then, her role with the Association has evolved with the growth of NASB and its several adjoined companies, where she serves as the Association’s Business Manager. Her primary responsibilities include financial reporting, audit preparation, cash flows management, investments, and oversight of the financial operations of these companies. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Doane College in 2009, with focused studies in business and accounting. She and her family enjoy life in the country and look forward to the many activities they are able to share outdoors.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? I've always loved Math and being able to test your answer to a problem by plugging the answer back in. There really is no grey area, which I can completely appreciate.
- Favorite Teacher? Mr. Wusk, High School History Teacher/Girls Basketball Coach
- School Mascot? Jets!
- Favorite School Lunch? Hot Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sandwich on a homemade bum (usually served with creamed rice and cinnamon)
- Favorite place to eat in Nebraska, and name someone famous sitting at your table? TNT Smokin’ BBQ in St. Mary, NE. It’s some of the best BBQ you can get and happens to lie within just minutes of our home. Our entire family can find something they love off of the menu. I’d love to enjoy a meal and conversation with Robert Redford or Paul Newman.
- Favorite Movie? Shawshank Redemption
Jim Luebbe - Director of Policy Services
Graduate
of Centennial Public Schools
jluebbe@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Strategic
- Learner - Intellection - Input - Ideation
Jim currently serves as Director of Policy Services. He has worked as a school board policy consultant for the Association since 2000, updating and customizing the Policy Manuals for scores of districts across the entire state. He is a former member of the NASB Board of Directors, was a board member at Centennial Public Schools in Utica for 11 years and currently sits on the Board of the Centennial Schools Foundation. Jim is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and Southeast Community College at Milford, and has taken graduate coursework at UNL and the University of Iowa. He has been a member of the American Association of State Policy Services for 10 years.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? I enjoy the scope of all that is involved in school policy. School policy is related to school law the same as engineering is related to pure science. At some point it takes in nearly the entire width and depth of human activity and can’t be neatly summarized by a book of statutes.
- Favorite Teacher? My High School math teacher Larry Paxson who tied the study of math to the history of all great ideas and the inner workings of the mechanics of nature.
- School Mascot? Beaver Crossing Beavers
- Favorite School Lunch? Orange pop and an ice cream bar at Ed Noler’s Pool Hall
- Favorite place to eat in Nebraska, and name someone famous sitting at your table? Johnny's Cafe in the old Omaha stockyards. My dinner guest would be Nebraska's World Welterweight Boxing Champion Terence Crawford so we could talk about all the great boxers and boxing writers of history.
- Favorite Movie? Brazil
Avary Pansing Brooks - Event Planning and Engagement Assistant
Graduate of Lincoln Public Schools
apansingbrooks@NASBonline.org
Avary is the Event Planning and Engagement Assistant to the Director of Member Engagement. She helps organize and implement events such as the State Education Conference, Area Membership Meetings, and the annual Membership Drive. She grew up in Lincoln and attended Lincoln Public Schools for K-12. She graduated from American University in Washington, DC, with a degree in Communications, Law, Economics, and Government. Avary has a professional background in policy, development, fundraising, and nonprofits. In her spare time, she loves to paint, go to parks with her dog, and go to movies.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? I want to be of help to good people doing good things for our State!
- Favorite Teacher? Mrs. Goans from Southeast High School
- School Mascot? Knights!
- Favorite School Lunch? Salisbury Steak
- Favorite place to eat in Nebraska, and name someone sitting at your table? Vung Tau Vietnamese restaurant (Lincoln) with my grandfather
- My all-time favorite movie is Hidalgo. Tears, suspense, betrayal, love, adventure, action…all the goods!
Stephanie Summers - Board Leadership AssociateGraduate of Cozad Community Schools
ssummers@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Input - Context - Responsibility - Intellection - Learner
Stephanie has worked in the field of education for over 20 years. She started her journey teaching math in Nebraska and Colorado public schools, then at Central Community College in Columbus, NE. She is currently serving her fourth term on the David City Schools Board of Education, and has also served on the NASB Board of Directors and Legislation Committee. Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education (7-12 mathematics) from Chadron State College, her Masters for Teachers of Mathematics from UNO, and is currently a doctoral student attending Concordia University-Chicago working toward her PhD in Educational Leadership. Stephanie lives in David City where she frequently substitutes for the schools in and around her community. She and her husband, Matt, have three daughters Natalie, Madeleine, and Lyla. She enjoys reading, gardening, crocheting, Chicago Cubs baseball, and traveling with her family.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? I am passionate about public education and I believe effective school governance is essential to high achieving school districts. Working alongside school board members, providing support as they lead their school districts and communities, is both inspiring and fulfilling as an life-long educator.
- Favorite Teacher? Mr. Morrow, Algebra II and Trigonometry—I talked a lot in his class my junior year, and he didn’t hold that against me when I finally got my act together my senior year. He was the sweetest, most caring teacher, and probably the reason I became a math teacher.
- School Mascot? Haymaker
- Favorite School Lunch? Chili and cinnamon roll
- Favorite place to eat in Nebraska, and name someone famous sitting at your table? Any place I can share good food and great conversation with my family, and I would invite Neil deGrasse Tyson…I have questions.
- Favorite Movie? Field of Dreams
Lindsey Wooton - Administrative
Specialist
Graduate of Southern School District 1
lwooton@NASBonline.org
Top 5 Gallup CliftonStrengths: Restorative - Individualization - Relator - Learner - Achiever
Lindsey serves as an Administrative Specialist, providing support to the Associate Executive Directors; Director of ALICAP; Director of Marketing, Communications & Advocacy; and Director of Policy Services. Lindsey was born in southeast Iowa and moved many times, attending six different schools from K-12, finally settling in and graduating from Southern High School in Wymore. She attended Northwest Missouri State University where she received a BS in Marketing. She enjoys reading, listening to true crime podcasts, traveling, sports (Boomer Sooner), and spending time outdoors if it's warm. Lindsey lives in Lincoln with her boyfriend Darrell, dog Miley, and chinchilla Juno.
QUICK SIX:
- Why do you do what you do? My parents are educators which means I grew up with education in the forefront of my life. “Everyday is a school day,” was something I heard frequently, and it stuck. This position gives me the opportunity to help schools get the most out of their membership whether it’s through ALICAP or understanding how legislative bills affect them.
- Favorite Teacher? Mr. Jensen – Algebra (which is not my favorite subject)
- School Mascot? Raiders
- Favorite School Lunch? Homemade Runza
- Favorite place to eat in Nebraska, and name someone famous sitting at your table? Playa Azul (Beatrice) with Baker Mayfield
- Favorite Movies? Remember the Titans, Across the Universe, The 10 Things I Hate About You