Meet The 2024 Judges
These community leaders embody the qualities we are honoring through the 50 OVER 50 NE Awards. In alignment with The Bloc's mission, their work positively impacts the community and the lives of the people who live in Nebraska. We are grateful for the time and dedication these distinguished leaders are investing in helping us celebrate the achievements and contributions of the 50 OVER 50 NE Awards nominees.
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Erin Albers
Vice President of Brand Strategy
Heritage Communities
As Vice President of Brand Strategy, Erin oversees the comprehensive brand strategies of Heritage Communities and their affiliates. With 20 years of experience in the home care industry, Erin brings her passion for aging adults to the table and specializes in visual identity, tone of voice, and brand personality. Erin also highlights the Heritage brand as the employer of choice for associates, ensuring they are just as valued as Heritage residents.
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Erin attended Creighton University for an undergraduate degree and received a certificate of Corporate Social Responsibility from CU Boulder. She is a member of the Leadership Omaha Class of 38 and is recognized as a 40 Under 40 professional.
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Outside of work, Erin loves traveling with her husband, Steve, and kids, Luke and Piper. She also loves walking her dogs, Bella and Hazel, around the lake.
Eric L. Ewing
Executive Director
Great Plains History Museum
Eric L. Ewing, a native of Omaha, NE, is a retired United States Navy veteran with 20 years of experience in healthcare. He holds an Associate Degree in General Studies from Vincennes University, an Undergraduate Degree in Workforce Education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and a Graduate Degree in Management from Bellevue University. Additionally, he has earned Graduate Certificates in Life Coaching from Bellevue University and in College Teaching from Capella University, where he is currently pursuing a PhD in Post-Secondary Education.
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In higher education, Eric has served as an Academic Dean, Manager of Academic Advising, and Adjunct Professor for institutions such as Bellevue University, Metropolitan Community College, and Omaha School of Massage and Healthcare of Herzing University. He currently serves as the Executive Director for the Great Plains Black History Museum and sits on various boards, including the Center for Great Plains Studies, Nebraska Museum Association, Nebraska Arts Advocacy Network, Men Against Domestic Violence, and as Co-Chair of the 100 Black Men of Omaha’s Annual African American History Challenge.
Sandy L. Spady
CEO
Power Up Coaching & Consulting
Sandy Spady embodies dynamism and influence as a public speaker dedicated to sparking positive change and individual empowerment. With an extensive background as a change maker, entrepreneur, thought leader, and visionary, Sandy masterfully connects with audiences, leaving an indelible impact. Her profound understanding of conquering fear and embracing unique talents fuels Sandy’s passion for guiding individuals toward unlocking their true potential. She provides a clear vision through her guidance, nurturing dreams and passions into reality.
Within Omaha’s vibrant business landscape, Sandy is a prominent figure, leveraging her extensive network to coach and collaborate with professionals. With over 35 years of multifaceted experience spanning sales, team building, media television, print and radio sales, PR, and nonprofit ventures, Sandy is the astute Founder and CEO of Power Up Leadership Coaching and Consulting.
Her visionary leadership has also birthed Women with Voices, a powerful networking group empowering women to share stories and triumphs. Sandy’s remarkable contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. She has been honored with prestigious awards like the 50/50 Award in 2021 and the esteemed Phenomenal Woman Inspiration Award in 2023. Her expertise and influence have been
showcased in eminent publications, including. Strictly Business Magazine, Sister Speaker Spotlight Feature, and The Daily Record, Midlands Business Journal, Authority Magazine and KETV Sunday Spotlight.
Sandy’s entrepreneurial spirit manifests in the form of the talk show Power Up KPAO. Through this platform, she brings together community leaders and inspirational individuals, amplifying their impact and fostering a culture of empowerment and change.
Susan DeCamp
Volunteer State President
AARP Nebraska
Suzan DeCamp currently serves as the Volunteer State President of AARP Nebraska. In her role serving nearly 200,000 Nebraska members age 50 and over, DeCamp chairs the state Executive Council and works with the State Director to provide vision and leadership for AARP’s work at the state and community level.
Suzan has been involved as a lead volunteer in several AARP focus areas including state and federal advocacy efforts, the west Omaha Community Action Team, and the Diversity team. In 2019 she was recognized with the AARP Nebraska Andrus Award for community Service, the association’s highest volunteer state award.
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DeCamp has served in numerous volunteer and elected leadership positions in Nebraska throughout her adult life, including the Board of Directors and President of the Nebraska Association of School Boards; President of the Nebraska Association of Community Theatre; 21 years on the St. Paul Public School Board of Education, 10 years as President; President of the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce; St. Paul Public Library Board; President of the St. Paul Area Community Theatre; trustee on several local and state foundations; and has served on local, state and national committees in the areas of education, policy, legislation and community projects.
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She is a licensed Abstracter and Title Insurance Agent, and has been the owner of St. Paul Abstract & Title since establishing the business 33 years ago in 1990.
Keith Station
Deputy Chief of Staff
Deputy Chief of Staff / City of Omaha Mayor's Office
Keith Station currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff in Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert's office. His role is to advise the Mayor on issues related to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and develop and execute a strategic plan for Diversity & Inclusion for the City of Omaha.
Prior to joining the Mayor's team, he spent 5 years as Director of Business Relations at Heartland Workforce Solutions where he helped to lead the strategic business engagement efforts for the local workforce investment board that serves Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington Counties.
Before joining HWS, he was an Executive Director within the YMCA of Greater Omaha Association. Keith holds a Master’s Degree from Indiana University and a Bachelors' in Business Administration/ Marketing from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Keith is a North Omaha native and a self-proclaimed "Girl-Dad." An avid golfer, he loves his Central Eagles, Cornhuskers, and Dallas Cowboys! Keith serves as a member of the Board of Directors at Charles Drew Health Center, Business Ethics Alliance, Omaha Community Playhouse, Front Porch Investments, Omaha Public Schools Foundation, Merrymakers Association, and Heartland Workforce Solutions.
He is the current Chair of the Heartland 2050 Regional Planning Advisory Committee.
Carolina Padilla
Executive Director
Intercultural Senior Center
Carolina Padilla is the founder and Executive Director of the Intercultural Senior Center and provides leadership for the organization’s growth, vision, and community reach. She is actively involved with all functions of the organization including fundraising, outreach, partnerships, program development, and direct services.
Carolina immigrated to the United States from Guatemala in 1992 with her husband and three children. Her educational background is in Communication Science. She worked for One World Community Health Centers for 12 years, moving through various health departments and administrative and leadership positions. Shortly after that, she was elected the Director of the Latina Resource Center, a program of Catholic Charities. Her primary responsibilities were to develop social service programs for younger adult women in need of basic skills in English as a Second Language, leading toward employment as well as services for women facing domestic violence.
The first chapter of ISC started with four seniors and Carolina as the driver, teacher, cook, exercise teacher, and the only go-to person for the group. Carolina moved her center 4 different times as the number of participants started to grow. Her audacious dream to create a permanent center consisting of adequate facilities, beautiful green lawns, and gardens has finally been realized when the center started its operations from 5545 Center Street on March 19, 2019. This home away from home for seniors is not only promoting recreation, socialization, and overall well-being for them, but it is also creating a strong sense of community and belonging regardless of language, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic background, or any other differences that create separation and isolation.
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Nancy Williams
CEO
No More Empty Pot
Nancy’s work experiences are diverse. From serving as an agronomist for local farmers and consultants in a Fortune 500 corporation to grassroots organizing and management for nonprofit community organizations, she has put her love of learning and achievement to work. Nancy served in an Information Technology leadership role for over 14 years with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands in Omaha. Most recently as Chief Information Officer, where she led award-winning programs, increased technology integration, and supported improved organizational outcomes. In 2010 Nancy co-founded then later served as a board member at No More Empty Pots, a nonprofit supporting the development of local food systems through the self-sufficiency of people and economic resilience of communities. Nancy began her role as CEO of No More Empty Pots in January 2016. Nancy serves on multiple local, state, and regional boards and advisory committees. With four adult children who are all college graduates and pursuing careers, Nancy spends a lot of time sharing her passion for good food, leadership, personal strengths, and exceptional outcomes with diverse audiences.