50 Over 50 Nebraska 2025 Honorees: Business Leaders & Innovators (Part 1)

Nebraska is full of visionary leaders who have built thriving businesses, inspired teams, and made their communities stronger through their lifetime of effort and dedication. This year’s 50 Over 50 Nebraska Awards, powered by The Bloc, proudly recognizes the extraordinary achievements of our honorees in the category of Business. These Nebraskans whose creativity, impact, and dedication have shaped our state for the better – and continue to do so. Join us as we come together to celebrate their accomplishments, hear their stories, and honor the seasoned leaders who make Nebraska shine.

2025 50 Over 50 NE Awards Event Details: 

• Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

• Time: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

• Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown Old Market, 555 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68102

• Tickets: 

Business Category Honoree SpotlightsEach of these honorees has left an indelible mark on Nebraska’s business landscape. We at The Bloc extend a heartfelt thank you to them all for their positive impact. Stay tuned each week as we release highlights on the honorees, by category. Our Business Category yielded so many inspiring Nebraskans, that we’ve elected to break it into a two  part post. Don’t see your favorite 50 Over 50 NE Business leader? Check back next week for the final 10 honorees in the Business Category for the 2025 50 Over 50 NE awards.

Meet the Bloc's 2025 50 Over 50 NE Business Honorees

Dr. C. Shawn Bengtson – Executive VP & Chief Risk Officer, WoodmenLife

Dr. C. Shawn Bengtson, Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer at WoodmenLife, made history as the first female Chief Investment Officer at a Nebraska life insurance company. A member since 2001, she has advanced through roles from Securities Analyst to CIO and now chairs the WoodmenLife Financial Services Board while serving as Vice President of the NE/IA Jurisdiction and on the company’s National Board of Directors.

Dr. C. Shawn Bengtson holds a Ph.D. in Business from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and a Chartered Insurance Operations Professional (CIOP). She also serves on the Food Bank for the Heartland Board, reflecting her commitment to community service and leadership in Nebraska finance.

Lesley Brandt – Founder, The Move Coordinators

Lesley Brandt is a logistics-loving, people-first problem solver with more than 25 years of experience managing complex details, navigating shifting timelines, and bringing calm to life’s biggest moments. Her background in event planning honed her ability to lead with composure, communicate with purpose, and deliver with precision — no matter the challenge.

As the founder of The Move Coordinators, Lesley helps individuals and families navigate major life transitions such as downsizing, relocating, or aging in place. Her company provides a customized, all-encompassing approach that goes far beyond logistics — it’s about building trust, solving problems, and preserving what matters most: time, dignity, and peace of mind.

Beyond her business, Lesley is deeply committed to giving back. She supports local initiatives focused on homelessness, food insecurity, and education, and is passionate about mentoring young professionals and empowering women entrepreneurs and startups.

At home, Lesley finds joy and balance with her husband of 26 years, JJ Crouse, and their two college-aged sons. Their household is kept lively by Brüs and Karl, their high-energy German Shorthair Pointers who are always, somehow, on the wrong side of the door.

Bobby Brumfield - Managing Partner, Leonum Advisors

Bobby Brumfield is a veteran, security expert, and Omaha community leader with over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, corporate security, and nonprofit leadership. As Managing Partner at Leonum Advisors, he oversees national services in physical security, crisis planning, and executive protection.

A former Omaha Police Officer and FBI Safe Streets Task Force member, Bobby also served as a Law Enforcement Advisor to the U.S. Department of Defense, training international police forces with the Marine Corps. His career includes corporate security leadership and honorable service in the U.S. Marines.

Bobby co-founded MADVAC and serves on boards like the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Minority Economic Development Council, reflecting his commitment to public safety, equity, and stronger Nebraska communities.

Cristina Castro Matukewicz - Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo

Cristina Castro Matukewicz is Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo, where she leads strategic initiatives and nonprofit collaborations that strengthen historically marginalized communities and expand pathways to economic opportunity. With nearly 20 years at Wells Fargo and more than three decades of experience in community relations, philanthropy, and social impact, she has built a career aligning business priorities with meaningful community outcomes.

Cristina’s leadership extends well beyond her corporate role. She is the incoming Chair of the Board for Together Omaha and serves on the boards of Methodist Hospital, Spark CDI, and the Urban League of Nebraska, where she champions equity, inclusion, and community empowerment. Her career began in Colombia with the League Against Cancer, designing award-winning public health programs.

A connector, advocate, and trusted leader, Cristina is deeply committed to advancing dignity, opportunity, and equity for all.

Van Deeb - Inspirational Speaker, Author, and Entrepreneur

Van Deeb is an Omaha entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker who has dedicated his career to helping people succeed in business and life. With more than 30 years of experience in sales, customer service, and leadership, Van has inspired thousands through his speaking events, workshops, newsletters, and books.

After earning over 100 sales awards as a Dallas real estate agent, Van returned to Nebraska and founded Deeb Realty in Omaha in 1993. What began in his home office grew into one of the nation’s largest independent real estate firms—today known as Nebraska Realty, with 1,000+ agents statewide.

A true Nebraska business leader, Van continues to motivate professionals nationwide with his proven “people first” philosophy.

Roger Dixon - President & CEO, MECA

Roger Dixon has spent more than 25 years shaping Omaha’s skyline and economy as President and CEO of the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA). Under his leadership, Omaha saw the development of the CHI Health Center, Charles Schwab Field, and The RiverFront, projects that brought millions of visitors and billions in economic impact to the region. With nearly 50 years in the convention and entertainment industry, Roger’s vision and leadership have made Omaha a national destination for sports, culture, and business growth. We are proud to honor him as a 2025 50 Over 50 NE recipient in the category of business. 

Jeff Emanuel - President, Nemaha Sports Construction

Jeff Emanuel is President of Nemaha Sports Construction, a leading Omaha-based company specializing in sports and athletic facility construction. Since transitioning from landscape construction in 2000, Jeff has grown Nemaha into a nationally recognized firm, completing stadiums, natural and synthetic turf fields, tracks, and courts with precision and innovation.

Under his leadership, Nemaha has embraced cutting-edge GPS and Leica technology, enabling projects to meet exacting specifications while reducing costs and timelines. The company is one of just 500 nationwide certified by the American Sports Builders Association.

Jeff believes in using business as a force for good, leading Nemaha with a focus on employee-driven giving and community impact. Since 2020, the company has donated over $230,000 to more than 20 nonprofits, including People’s City Mission, Food Bank of Lincoln, and BeBrave Child Advocacy Center. Through fundraisers like the Autumn Harvest event and hands-on initiatives such as drives and volunteer efforts, Jeff fosters a company culture that values compassion, service, and meaningful community engagement.

Javier Fernandez - President & CEO, Omaha Public Power District

Javier Fernandez is President and CEO of the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) and Chair of the Omaha Branch Board of Directors. Since joining OPPD in 2021, Javier has led efforts to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to Nebraska communities, overseeing finance, resource planning, energy marketing, and technology integration.

With a strong background in economics and corporate leadership, Javier brings the voice of customers to decision-making while guiding OPPD through modernization and renewable energy initiatives. He also serves on the Federal Reserve Board as a Reserve Bank director, applying his expertise to support broader economic growth.

Javier’s leadership exemplifies innovation, community impact, and business excellence in Omaha, earning him recognition as a 2025 50 Over 50 Nebraska honoree.

Dan Gilbert - Founder and Principal, Gilbert + Chittenden

Dan Gilbert is Founder and Principal at Gilbert + Chittenden, an Omaha-based firm specializing in innovation, strategy, and creative problem-solving. With experience spanning higher education, global companies, nonprofits, and civic organizations, Dan helps leaders and teams develop strategies that translate vision into impactful outcomes.

He excels at fostering collaboration, creativity, and lifelong learning, designing programs and spaces that promote interdisciplinary work and innovative thinking. Dan’s approach bridges high-level strategic planning with on-the-ground execution, ensuring that ideas lead to meaningful results.

As a recognized Omaha business leader, Dan continues to inspire organizations to embrace innovation, creativity, and learning as tools for growth and positive community impact, earning him a 2025 50 Over 50 Nebraska honor.

Marcos A. Hernandez - Principal Owner, MaHern Consulting, LLC

Marcos A. Hernandez is a U.S. Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, and Omaha business leader with a career spanning defense intelligence, finance, and community development. He has held leadership roles as Senior Analyst, Project Lead, and Program Manager with the Defense Intelligence Agency, and led market strategies and programs as Market President for a multi-regional Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI/CDE).

Marcos also has experience in real estate, retail development, and small business lending, and previously directed foundation grant-making and CRA performance for a leading international bank. He actively serves as Chair of Heartland Family Service and on the Omaha/Council Bluffs Bridges Out of Poverty Board, advancing economic mobility, financial inclusion, and community growth across Nebraska.

Celebrate the Impact of Nebraska’s Business Leaders

The 50 Over 50 NE awards is proudly created by, and powered by, The Bloc, Inc. The Bloc IS Community - and continually works to better the lives of youth and seniors across the State of Nebraska. 

The Bloc’s 50 Over 50 Awards is more than an event—it’s a celebration of leadership, inspiration, and community. These honorees have not only excelled in business but have uplifted those around them, leaving lasting legacies in Nebraska and beyond. Don’t miss the opportunity to honor their achievements, connect with other leaders, and be part of an unforgettable evening.

Reserve your tickets today!