NENEDD Employee Spotlight for April focuses on Grace Petersen.  Grace, Community Planning Assistant, joined the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District in November 2019. Grace is a graduate of Wayne State College, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. Prior to NENEDD, she was the City Editor at a local newspaper for 15 years. Grace’s current duties include assisting local governments in a 16-county region with surveys, community assessments and strategic planning, grant writing, administration, technical assistance, and other community and economic development activities She became a CDBG Certified Administrator in October 2021.

Tell us about your family: My husband, Matt, and I just celebrated our 18-year wedding anniversary. We have two children: Alianna, 14, and Emberle, 8.

Tell us about your pets: Have two cats, both are 3 years old. They are Hazel and Gwen.

What is your favorite movie/favorite movie line? I’m a total nerd and LOVE the Lord of the Rings series, especially the end of the Two Towers when Faramir says, “Release them.” Swoon.

What is your dream vacation? (Have you already taken it?) If I could get over my fear of flying, I’d love to visit these three places: Athens, Greece, Ireland, and England.

What is your favorite song and why? That’s a toss-up between Yesterday by the Beatles and November Rain by Guns N Roses. Just beautiful lyrics and accompaniment.

What’s one thing on your bucket list? To be able to see the ocean – listen to the waves crash and watch sunsets/sunrises.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Being able to work through complex issues successfully. That, and having grants awarded.

What is your favorite holiday/time of the year and why? Spring is my absolute favorite because everything is coming back to life, and you can hear birds singing again.

What was the best gift you’ve ever received? One year, my birthday was on Easter, so my dad gave me a special Seraphim Angel figurine so I would always remember.

What kind of car did you drive in high school? A light blue Chevrolet Omega – even had a sunroof!

What word best describes you? Some have said “feral.”

What’s your nickname, and is there a story behind it? There’s a few, but Gracie is what I get called the most.