We are a volunteer-powered organization which thrives on the generosity of hundreds of volunteers focused on improving the quality of life for not only survivors, but our community. Our leadership team shares their time, talents and influence selflessly which is critical to the success of the organization and the survivors we serve.
We continue to grow by the outpouring of business and organization support, a pay-it-forward spirit and the belief that supporting local survivors builds stronger families and creates a stronger community.
Board of Directors
Cynthia L. Sturgeon | 13 Year Thriver | President and Founder
Executive Consultant | B. S. Information Systems, University of Texas at Arlington, PMP Certification
Dave Sturgeon | Vice President
Retired Assistant Vice President Information Technology, BNSF Railway | University of Nebraska-Omaha
Malinda Jepsen | Secretary; Vice President Technology
Business Intelligence Specialist, Orion Advisor Services | B.A. Math, Dana College
Jack Round | Treasurer
CFO, Aksarben Foundation | Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, MBA, Creighton University
Haley Armstrong | Board of Directors
Patient & Community Engagement Liaison, Nebraska Medicine | B.J.M.C in Advertising, University of Nebraska at Lincoln | Masters in Marketing, Bellevue University | Certification in Fundraising Management, University of Nebraska-Omaha
Tiffany Floro | 6 Year Thriver | Board of Directors
Registered Nurse, Boys Town National Research Hospital | ADN, Methodist College of Nursing
Ann Friedrichsen | 5 Year Thriver | Board of Directors
Instructional Facilitator, Omaha Public Schools | BS Elementary Ed., University of Nebraska at Lincoln | Master of Arts in Leadership in Teaching & Learning, Midland University
Clay Hoberman, DO | Board of Directors
Medical Director, St. Croix Hospice. Hospice & Palliative Medicine | DO, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine | BA, Middlebury College
Scott Leak, CFP® | Board of Directors
Director-Institutional Sales, TD Ameritrade | B.A. Psychology, Creighton University
Shawn McCarville | Board of Directors
Business Development Specialist, Amplified Image Marketing | B.S. Marketing, Northwest Missouri State University
Executive Advisory Council
David Anderson, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Kathy Bressler, RN MN | 4 Year Thriver | Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, CHI Health
Bob Cronin | Executive Director, SW Engineering, NCR
Peg Johnson | 7 Year Thriver | Executive Vice President, Head of Client Experience, i2c Inc.
Brian Moen | Chief Marketing & Merchandise Officer, Oriental Trading Company
Stephanie Nichols, PHR, SHRM-CP | 3x 12 Year Survivor | Senior Strategic Account Executive, United Healthcare
Dave Proksel | Nebraska Operations Manager, Vice President & Underwriting Counsel, First American Title Insurance Company
Jaime Rorie | 4 Year Thriver | CPA Manager, Hancock & Dana PC
Ryan Swartz MBA, CFP | Managing Director, Creative Planning, Inc.
Cassandra Zywiec | Owner and Founder, Mission Maven Marketing
