50 Over 50 Nebraska 2025 Honorees: Business Leaders & Innovators (Part 2)

Nebraska is home to visionary leaders who have built thriving businesses, motivated teams, and strengthened communities through years of dedication and hard work. The 2025 50 Over 50 Nebraska Awards, presented and powered by The Bloc, celebrates these exceptional achievements. 

Last week, we shared Part 1 of this year’s Business Category honorees. Today, we introduce the next group—leaders whose innovation, influence, and commitment continue to shape Nebraska for the better. Join us in recognizing their accomplishments, hearing their inspiring stories, and honoring the seasoned professionals who make our state a brighter, stronger place.

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 Spotlights

Each 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.

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

Robin Larsen - President and CEO, Cobalt Credit Union

Robin Larsen is President and CEO of Cobalt Credit Union, serving more than 120,000 members across Iowa and Nebraska with a member-first philosophy rooted in service over profit. Under her leadership, Cobalt has earned a reputation for strong financial health, deep community engagement, and a commitment to people helping people.

A Leadership Omaha graduate with a master’s degree from Bellevue University, Robin also serves nationally on the boards of the Defense Credit Union Council and Armed Forces Financial Network, and locally as Vice Chair of the Nebraska Credit Union League. Beyond her

career, she is active in civic service, volunteering nearly 400 hours in 2023 to causes including Wings Over the Heartland and the Offutt Advisory Council.

Kevin Thompson - Senior Vice President, First National Bank of Omaha

Kevin Thompson is Senior Vice President at First National Bank of Omaha, where he leads the Corporate and Specialty Banking Teams. Over his 31-year career at FNBO, Kevin has built a reputation for exceptional leadership, deep industry expertise, and unwavering dedication to clients.

Beyond banking, Kevin is a passionate community leader. He founded Free Bikes 4 Kidz Omaha, giving thousands of children the joy of bike ownership, and serves on committees for Project Harmony and Sacred Heart Church. His decades of service also include board roles with the Omaha Public Library, The Heart Ministry Center, and the Nebraska Alliance of Child Advocacy Centers—reflecting his belief in community investment as a lasting legacy.

Vern Kathol - Director of Information Technology, North End Teleservices LLC

Vern Kathol is a seasoned technology executive with over 40 years of experience in the information technology industry, including more than 30 years in leadership roles. His career spans technical support, logistics, IT governance, product management, and strategic operations, with key contributions to mergers and acquisitions. Vern helped pioneer Managed IT and Managed Print service offerings, forged high-impact alliances with major OEMs, and earned the prestigious Pillar of Excellence Award for Innovation.

Today, Vern serves as IT leader at North End Teleservices, where he drives technological advancement, operational efficiency, and growth. Known for his ability to blend strategy with execution, he continues to shape the region’s technology landscape with vision, innovation, and leadership.

Mark Mathia - Leadership Coach & Consultant, Mathia Coaching & Consulting

Independent Coach, Trainer & Speaker, John Maxwell Team

Mark Mathia is a visionary executive coach, keynote speaker, and consultant with over 30 years of C-suite leadership experience. He helps leaders and teams unlock untapped potential through strengths-based Positive Psychology coaching—driving clarity, confidence, retention, and measurable performance growth. In partnership with Brain Health Nebraska, Mark also delivers the nation’s only brain-based executive coaching using safe prTMS technology to enhance cognition, energy, and resilience.

Beyond his professional work, Mark serves as a Trustee for the Business Ethics Alliance and advocates for mental health literacy. He holds an MBA from Bellevue University and a BA from Dana College. Mark and his wife, Shanna, enjoy family adventures, Disney trips, and cheering for the Denver Broncos.

Silva Raker - Principal Consultant, Open Range

Silva Raker is a visionary leader and changemaker whose career spans science, education, business, and community impact. Beginning as a field biologist, she developed a systems-thinking approach that has fueled decades of purpose-driven innovation. At San Francisco’s Exploratorium, she launched an international consultancy expanding STEAM education worldwide.

As founding CEO of the Kiewit Luminarium, Silva led the creation of Omaha’s groundbreaking science center, blending hands-on learning with community engagement, equity, and workforce development. The Luminarium quickly became a national model for inclusive, experiential education.

Now a principal consultant with Open Range, Silva helps mission-driven organizations unlock bold ideas through strategy and human-centered design—building not just programs, but movements for a more inspired and equitable future.

Carolyn Rooker - Business Development Manager, Cordia

Carolyn Rooker, Business Development Manager at Cordia, blends a lifelong passion for public service with corporate leadership in sustainable energy. Raised in a small Texas town as the daughter of a public works director, she grew up immersed in construction and infrastructure. After earning her degrees in Nebraska and working in the nonprofit sector advocating for children and families, Carolyn transitioned to the energy industry in 2015.

Carolyn is known for her strategic vision and ability to build partnerships. At Cordia, Carolyn is passionate about working within communities and with stakeholders to bring forward creative energy solutions—leveraging her talent for problem-solving and her commitment to strengthening communities.

Monica Sempek - Owner & Event Photographer, Monica Sempek Photography, LLC

Monica Sempek is a professional event photographer in Omaha, Nebraska, known for her documentary-style approach to capturing corporate, nonprofit, and community events. At age 50, she launched her photography business and quickly gained recognition for her authentic storytelling, professionalism, and creativity. Monica’s work highlights genuine moments with heart, earning her multiple honors for both artistic excellence and community impact.

Beyond the lens, she has become a trusted partner for organizations across Omaha, using photography to amplify stories that matter and strengthen community connections. Her career reflects resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to creating meaningful, visually compelling images that leave a lasting impact on both her clients and the broader community.

Helen Abdali Soosan Fagan, PhD - President & CEO, Helen Fagan & Associates

Helen Abdali Soosan Fagan, PhD is a leadership scholar, author, and consultant specializing in emotional intelligence, intercultural mindset, and inclusive leadership. An Iranian immigrant who came to the U.S. at age 15, she earned her Ph.D. in Human Sciences with a focus on leadership from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Fagan has advanced diversity, equity, and cultural competence in healthcare, business, and higher education. At Bryan Health, she led nationally recognized refugee and immigrant initiatives. She has also served as faculty at UNL and at the Qatar Institute for Intercultural Communication.

Author of Becoming Inclusive: A Worthy Pursuit in Leadership, Dr. Fagan is an internationally sought-after speaker and recipient of the Chancellor’s Fulfilling the Dream Award.

Willy Theisen - Restaurant Industry Innovator

Willy Theisen has been revolutionizing the restaurant industry for more than 50 years, building some of the region’s most recognized brands. He founded Godfather’s Pizza in 1973, which became the fastest-growing restaurant chain in the U.S. from 1977–1979. In the 1990s, his GB Foods Corporation pioneered a dual-concept strategy, and in the 2000s he expanded Famous Dave’s franchises across the Midwest. Since 2009, his Omaha-based Pitch Pizzeria has been a local success.

Known for spotting high-growth markets and scaling them with innovative strategies, Willy also inspires employees to become entrepreneurs—his proudest legacy. A three-time Hall of Fame inductee, he is honored in the Omaha Restaurant Association, Omaha Chamber Business Hall of Fame, and Nebraska Business and Commerce Hall of Fame.

Rob Trebilcock - Senior Manager of Public Affairs, Cox Communications

Rob Trebilcock, originally from Toronto, Canada, turned a football scholarship and professional draft into a career in corporate leadership after a training injury redirected his path. He is now Senior Manager of Public Affairs at Cox Communications, where he builds partnerships and aligns community initiatives with corporate values. With over 15 years of Corporate Social Responsibility experience, Rob’s work spans multiple states and countries. A career highlight includes securing a $5.51 million grant from the James M. Cox Foundation for Children’s Nebraska’s Behavioral Health and Wellness Center. Under his guidance, Cox supported more than 80 nonprofits across Nebraska and Iowa. Rob also serves on four nonprofit boards and is proudest of his two children, Payton and Tre’.

Celebrate the Impact of Nebraska’s Business Leaders

The 50 Over 50 NE Awards is proudly presented by The Bloc, Inc. As a champion for community, The Bloc is dedicated to enriching the lives of youth and seniors throughout Nebraska.

The Bloc is a Nebraska-based nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through education, mentorship, and recognition programs. Since launching in 2020, The Bloc has created impactful initiatives like the 20 Under 20 Awards and 50 Over 50 Nebraska Awards, honoring changemakers across generations.

With a mission rooted in community development, leadership, and humanitarian efforts, The Bloc empowers individuals and organizations to thrive while building a stronger, more connected Nebraska. The Bloc powers powerhouse programs that bring positive impact to the community, including the Bloc Youth Ambassador Committee and the Personal Board of Directors Program. 

More than just an awards ceremony, the 50 Over 50 NE Awards celebrates leadership, impact, and service. These remarkable honorees have not only achieved excellence in business but have also strengthened their communities and inspired those around them, leaving a lasting legacy across the state and beyond. Join us for an evening of recognition, connection, and celebration as we honor their achievements and bring together Nebraska’s most influential leaders.

Check Back Next Week - Spotlight on Honorees in the Community Category

We’re just getting started! Swing back by our blog next week to learn about the powerhouse people being honored in the Community category for the Bloc’s 2025 50 Over 50 Nebraska awards. In the meantime, don’t forget to reserve your tickets to the big night now. 

Reserve your tickets today!