Celebrating Nebraska’s 50 Over 50 Honorees in Nonprofit
- 50 OVER 50 NE
- Oct 23
- 8 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Celebrating Nebraska’s 50 Over 50 Honorees in Healthcare
Nebraska is home to compassionate leaders who bring people together, strengthen neighborhoods, and create lasting impact through service and connection. The 2025 50 Over 50 Nebraska Awards, presented and powered by The Bloc, celebrates these extraordinary individuals whose dedication to community has helped shape our state’s identity.
This week, we shine a spotlight on our Nonprofit Category honorees—leaders who embody service, vision, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening communities and supporting causes that make Nebraska a better place for all. Join us as we celebrate their stories, their impact, and the remarkable ways they continue to inspire change and empower others across our great state.
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
Nonprofit Category Honoree Spotlights
Each of these honorees has left an enduring mark on Nebraska’s nonprofit landscape—strengthening communities, supporting meaningful causes, and creating positive change where it’s needed most. We at The Bloc extend our heartfelt thanks to them all for their compassion, leadership, and dedication. Stay tuned as we continue highlighting the 2025 50 Over 50 Nebraska honorees, category by category.
Meet the Bloc's 2025 50 Over 50 NE Noprofit Honorees
Anne Branigan- Champion of Regional Nonprofit and Business, Strengthened Systems
In her term as Senior Vice President of Business Development and Events at the Greater Omaha Chamber, Anne Branigan played a pivotal role in strengthening the region’s business and nonprofit ecosystem. Serving on both the Inclusive Leadership and Senior Executive teams, she led initiatives that elevated member engagement, regional branding, and strategic event management—supporting more than 3,100 member organizations.
With decades of experience in nonprofit and civic leadership, Anne is known as a strategic connector—bringing people, ideas, and opportunities together to create lasting community impact. Her leadership helped advance the Chamber’s mission to make Omaha a premier place to live and work through collaboration, innovation, and regional growth.
Now retired, Anne leaves behind a legacy of connection, creativity, and purpose—one that continues to shape Omaha’s thriving business and civic landscape.
Dr. AnnMarie Marlier - Executive Director, Business Ethics Alliance
A passionate advocate for ethical leadership and community transformation, Dr. AnnMarie Marlier brings over two decades of experience across higher education, nonprofit leadership, and executive development. As Executive Director of the Business Ethics Alliance in Omaha, she leads with authenticity and purpose—championing integrity-centered leadership that inspires meaningful change.
Since joining the Alliance as Vice President of Leadership Development, AnnMarie’s ability to connect people, purpose, and values has shaped her impact as a respected leader and educator. She holds a Ph.D. in Urban Education, along with advanced degrees in adult education and communications, and has designed transformative leadership and ethics programs across industries.
A Leadership Nebraska graduate and board member of the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative, AnnMarie is deeply committed to inclusive partnerships and ethical growth. Her work continues to empower individuals and organizations to lead with courage, compassion, and conviction.
Cecil L. Hicks Jr. - Director of Talent Development and Culture, Immanuel Communities
With more than 30 years of leadership across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Cecil L. Hicks, Jr. is recognized for his unwavering commitment to inclusiveness, equity, and organizational excellence. As Director of Talent Development and Culture at Immanuel Communities, Cecil fosters a workplace grounded in dignity, safety, and wellness while leading innovative training and professional growth initiatives.
His career spans senior HR leadership roles in financial services, government, and education, where he has shaped effective strategies in diversity, employee relations, and leadership development. In addition to his professional work, Cecil serves as an adjunct instructor at the University of Nebraska–Omaha’s College of Business and contributes his expertise to numerous nonprofit boards, including the City of Omaha Library Board and Humanities Nebraska.
A proud Nebraskan, Cecil holds a B.S. from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and an Executive MBA from UNO. His deep dedication to service, education, and community empowerment continues to inspire positive change across the state.
Jo Giles - Executive Director, Women’s Fund of Omaha
A passionate advocate for equity and community well-being, Jo Giles serves as Executive Director of the Women’s Fund of Omaha, where she leads initiatives advancing gender equity, economic opportunity, and systemic change. Before joining the Women’s Fund in 2021, Jo served as Policy and Training Director for the Coalition for a Strong Nebraska and built a celebrated career as an award-winning journalist with KPTM Fox 42 News in Omaha.
Jo holds a Master’s in Journalism from the University of Missouri–Columbia, a Bachelor’s in Psychology and African American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis, and a Public Health Certificate from UNMC—a combination that reflects her deep understanding of both people and policy.
An active community leader, Jo serves on the Omaha Public Library Foundation Board and the Nebraska Journalism Trust. A Leadership Omaha alum and devoted mother, she leads with authenticity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to building a more just and equitable Nebraska.
John Jeanetta - President and CEO, Heartland Family Service
Born in Naples, Italy, and raised around the world in a military family, John Jeanetta discovered his calling in service early in life. What began as a part-time role as a geriatric assistant sparked a lifelong passion for helping others—one that has shaped a distinguished career in social impact leadership.
After earning his B.S. in Social Work, John served in the U.S. Peace Corps in a rural Belizean village, an experience that deepened his commitment to community-based care. Since 2009, he has served as President and CEO of Heartland Family Service, an impactful nonprofit that supports individuals and families through comprehensive programs spanning mental health, housing, child welfare, and more.
Holding advanced degrees in social work, gerontology, and business, John leads with empathy, strategic vision, and a belief in human potential at every age. He and his husband, Rob, enjoy life in Omaha with their four children and four grandchildren—who, as John proudly notes, are always sent home “sugared up.”
Kimberly Sherrod Barnes - Executive Director, CASA, Douglas County
A powerful advocate and visionary leader, Kimberly C. Sherrod Barnes has dedicated more than 25 years to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within child welfare systems. As Executive Director of CASA for Douglas County, she champions the rights and well-being of children and families—particularly those in Black and Brown communities—ensuring every child has a voice in the courtroom and beyond.
Nationally, Kimberly serves on the National CASA/GAL Urban Leadership Council, helping shape equitable policies and standards for urban CASA programs across the country. A graduate of the Nonprofit Executive Institute, Inclusive Communities LeadDIVERSITY, and Leadership Omaha (Class 45), she’s known for her mentorship, authenticity, and ability to inspire systemic change.
Her leadership extends across the community—as a mentor through the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands Rising Leaders Institute, a philanthropist guiding over $1 million in grants through the Omaha Community Foundation, and President of both the Native Omahans Club and the Omaha North High Foundation. Through every role, Kimberly embodies service, cultural stewardship, and a relentless commitment to empowering future generations.
Ralph Kellogg - Chief Human Resources Officer, Lutheran Family Services
As Chief Human Resources Officer at Lutheran Family Services, Ralph Kellogg brings over 20 years of expertise in human resources, leadership development, and workforce strategy. Known for his people-first approach, Ralph fosters organizational cultures where employees and communities thrive through empathy, insight, and strategic action.
A lifelong learner, Ralph holds a B.S. in Business Administration, a master’s in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution from Creighton University, and both an MBA and B.S. in HR Management from Bellevue University. He is certified as SPHR and SHRM-SCP and holds executive credentials from Cornell University.
Ralph also shares his expertise as an HR instructor at Bellevue University and mentors emerging professionals through HRAM. His thought leadership has been featured in Forbes and the SHRM Blog, and he is a sought-after speaker on mental health, well-being, and inclusive leadership.
Committed to community service, Ralph serves on several nonprofit boards, championing equity, justice, and human dignity across Nebraska.
Susan Whitfield - Director of Operations, Nonprofit Association of the Midlands
A mission-driven leader with over 40 years of nonprofit experience, Susan Whitfield currently serves as Director of Operations at the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM). She is known for her strategic vision, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to strengthening organizations that serve Nebraska and the surrounding region.
Before joining NAM in 2024, Susan spent 14 years at No More Empty Pots, where as Facilities Manager she oversaw financial planning, compliance, and cross-functional teams, helping the organization grow and thrive while ensuring mission alignment in every initiative.
A proud Nebraskan, Susan holds an MPA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a B.S. from the University of Arizona. Deeply engaged in the community, she serves on multiple boards and advocates passionately for equity, sustainability, and community empowerment, consistently turning vision into meaningful action.
Tony Aguilera - President, Barrientos Scholarship Foundation
Tony Aguilera is the President of the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation and a leading voice in Nebraska’s Latino philanthropic community. For more than 20 years, he has championed educational access for Latino youth, driven by a belief in opportunity, mentorship, and cultural pride.
Since its founding in 2005 to honor South Omaha mariachi legend Vidal Barrientos, the Foundation has awarded life-changing scholarships under Tony’s leadership. He has fostered a culture of support and collaboration, partnering with organizations such as Lozafina, UNO’s Goodrich Program, and the Latino Economic Development Council.
Tony also co-founded the Lozafina Scholarship Fund, uplifting women of color pursuing careers in media, technology, and the arts. With a background in corporate strategy and civic leadership, Tony leads with humility, heart, and purpose, shaping a more inclusive and empowered future, one scholarship and one dream at a time.
Tracy Fisher - Campaign Development Manager, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Tracy Fisher is a dedicated nonprofit leader and advocate for community engagement, bringing over 15 years of experience in development, corporate partnerships, event management, and community outreach. Her career is defined by a passion for building meaningful connections and driving lasting impact.
Currently serving as Campaign Development Manager at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Tracy raises critical funds for blood cancer research and patient support, translating her commitment to service into tangible results. She has also held key roles with the Pinnacle Bank Championship, Nebraska Children’s Home Society, and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, strengthening community ties and advancing local causes.
Known for her energy, determination, and collaborative spirit, Tracy thrives on uniting volunteers, donors, corporate partners, and colleagues around missions that matter. She leads with heart, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to community impact.
At the core of her work is a belief in the power of community to achieve extraordinary outcomes. Tracy is also a proud mother to her two greatest joys, son Aden and daughter Ava, and continues to inspire others through her leadership and dedication.
Celebrate the Impact of Nebraska’s Nonprofit Leaders
The 50 Over 50 Nebraska Awards, proudly presented by The Bloc, Inc., celebrates leaders who make a lasting impact on Nebraska communities. As a Nebraska-based nonprofit, The Bloc is dedicated to strengthening local communities through service, mentorship, and recognition programs that support youth, seniors, and families across the state. Since its founding in 2020, The Bloc has launched initiatives like the 20 Under 20 NE Awards and the 50 Over 50 NE Awards, honoring changemakers and civic leaders who inspire others and drive positive social impact.
Rooted in a mission of community development, leadership, and humanitarian service, The Bloc empowers individuals and organizations to thrive while building a stronger, more connected Nebraska. Programs such as the Personal Board of Directors Program provide practical tools, mentorship, and opportunities for community members to engage, lead, and give back—creating meaningful and measurable impact across the state.
As we wrap up this week’s Nonprofit category highlights, we celebrate the inspiring work of Nebraska’s nonprofit leaders and advocates. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to service demonstrate the power of community to transform lives. Join us in recognizing these changemakers and honoring their continued efforts to build a brighter, more compassionate Nebraska for all.
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