Tell us about your family: I have been married to my best friend, Greg, for almost 17 years and we are still having just as much fun as when we started. We have two amazing kids who keep life busy and full of surprises.  Our adult son, Trinn, is a self-taught musician you can spot performing everywhere – from street corners to bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and festivals all over Northeast Nebraska and Southeast South Dakota. He’s got this old-soul, storyteller vibe and mixes covers with originals, creating an eclectic sound that somehow fits perfectly everywhere he plays. Catch him on stage and you’ll understand why we love to follow him around.  Our daughter, Lennon—affectionately known as Lenny—is a freshman at Norfolk High School and an avid volleyball enthusiast. Whether she’s playing, watching, or discussing the sport, her passion is unmistakable. She has spent the past seven years competing across recreational, club, and school teams and continues to refine her skills as a libero/defensive specialist. Her dedication and love for the game make her a constant source of energy and pride in our family.
Tell us about your pets (kind/breed, names, ages): Our home is managed by a 3 ½ year old, 22-pound Corgi named Sammy who never clocks out and is only happy when we are all in the same room.
What is your dream vacation? (Have you already taken it?) My dream vacation has always been Ireland, and I got to check it off my list with Greg last year – Nine days, 12 cities, six hotels, 20+ pubs and over 800 miles on our rental car. It was everything I hoped for and ten times more magical. From cruising that emerald-green countryside with my best friend to listening to traditional Irish music in cozy pubs, it felt like we were living in a postcard. One of the highlights was visiting a castle my ancestors built in the late 15th century — a classic Irish tower house designed both as a residence and a defensive structure for the “ferocious” O’Flaherty clan, who were powerful Gaelic lords in western Ireland. It was surreal to touch history that’s part of my own family story. We hope to return within the next three years to explore even more of this incredible country!
What’s one thing on your bucket list? I don’t have one specific bucket list item – just traveling and enjoying new experiences with family and friends, making every moment count.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing the tangible impact our projects have on local communities, knowing the work we do truly moves the region forward. What makes it even more meaningful is getting to do it with an incredible team that genuinely cares about the work we do.
What is your favorite holiday/time of the year and why? Christmas all the way! Give me twinkly lights, the smell of cookies baking or fresh balsam, classic holiday tunes, and cozy winter vibes, and I’m in my happy place. I’m a sucker for nostalgia, sentimental movies, Christmas productions/concerts, drives to look at Christmas lights with hot chocolate, hearty food, Christmas candy, family time, and anything else that makes the season feel magical. Bonus points if it’s a white Christmas!
What was the best gift you’ve ever received? For my birthday last month, my sister gave me a beautifully framed collection of my grandpa’s original love letters to my grandma from his time serving in WWII. Since my grandparents have been in heaven for many years, having this intimate piece of their love story close to me felt incredibly precious and deeply touching. Growing up, I shared a very special bond with both of them, and I will treasure this gift forever.
What are you grateful for? Small moments that make everything feel lighter.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Coffee drinks are my forever choice!
What kind of car did you drive in high school? Midnight blue Chevy Citation
What word best describes you? Ambitious!
What’s a fun or interesting fact about you? Once upon a time, I wore a crown – I was the Prom Queen!!