New Leadership

Winter 2014

Board Members, Officers, Circles

Four new members have been elected to three-year terms with the Women’s Fund of Omaha’s Board of Directors. They are:

• Renaisa Anthony, deputy director of the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, University of Nebraska Medical Center
• Andrea Gansen, assistant vice president-labor relations, Union Pacific Railroad
• Melanie Morrissey Clark, president, Clark Creative Group
• Jo Ann Quinif, director of marketing and client services, Weitz Investment Management

Additionally, Debbie Fraser, Methodist Health System, is the legacy liaison to the board. Circles liaisons to the board are Danielle Crough, SilverStone Group, and Julie Luzarraga, Omaha Integrative Care.

Officers for 2014-2015 are:

• President – Cheri Duryea, president, Duryea Strategic Marketing
• Vice President – Renee Black, principal and senior event planner, planitomaha
• Treasurer – Patty Keairnes, director of finance, Mutual of Omaha
• Secretary – Lorraine Chang, consultant

“As I look forward to 2014, I am grateful to all those who have supported the Women’s Fund mission to identify issues, fund solutions, and lead effective change for women and girls in our community,” says Cheri Duryea, board president. “This year we will continue to focus our efforts on domestic violence, economic self-sufficiency and leadership, while also researching new issues facing younger generations.”

Women’s Fund Circles Adds New Members for 2014

Twenty new members have been selected for the 2014 class of Women’s Fund Circles. They join 42 current members, bringing the total membership to 62. Members serve three-year terms.

Launched in 2011, Circles provides young women with opportunities to network, learn about philanthropy and issues affecting women and girls in Omaha, and connect with female leaders throughout our community.

“The third year of Circles will be a developmental milestone for the group of dynamic women leaders in our community,” says Julie Luzarraga, co-chair. “We are looking forward to supporting and mentoring, while promoting the mission of the Women’s Fund of Omaha through our model of learn, grow and lead. We expect great things to come from this.”

Congratulations to the new 2014 members:

• Samantha Antes, Bed Bath & Beyond
• Hillary Bobys, Omaha Zoo Foundation
• Ravan Charles, Red Basket
• Jessica Charlsen, Ervin & Smith
• Audrey Dobbe , AOI Corporations
• Meghan Herek, Omaha Integrative Care
• Lauren Huber, Clark Creative Group
• Sheena Kennedy, Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska
• Diane Kortus, ConAgra Foods
• Tracy McTavish Mlady, Metropolitan Community College
• Jessica Moore, Union Pacific Railroad
• Beth Morrissette, Mental Health & Substance Abuse Network
• Jennifer Patten Benson, TeamMates Mentoring Program
• Ferial Pearson, University of Nebraska at Omaha
• Emily Poeschl, University of Nebraska at Omaha
• Becky Scherbring, Nebraska State Education Association
• Elizabeth Simon, Catholic Charities
• Ashlie Spivey, College Possible
• Julie Strzyz, Envision Success
• Wendy Townley, The Steier Group

Members of the 2014 Steering Committee are:

• Co-chair – Danielle Crough, SilverStone Group
• Co-chair – Julie Luzarraga, Omaha Integrative Care
• Moniki Cannon – Gunn & Cannon Empowerment Group
• Adrienne Fay – Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts
• Wendy Hamilton – Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska
• Sarah Kaczmarek – Celebrity Staff
• Anne Meysenburg – Live Well Omaha

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