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MCL Construction

DAVID ALMANZA

David grew up in Imperial, NE and moved to Kearney to attend UNK. After receiving his degree in Construction Management he began his career with MCL Construction in Omaha. He and his wife moved back to Kearney in 2022 to begin their family. David is a project manager for MCL and works closely with owners, design teams, and subcontractors to ensure a successful project. He enjoys the complexity of managing large projects, building strong relationships, and seeing the vision of each project come to life. He also enjoys building strong relationships within the community, and spending time with friends and family.

Parker Hannifin 

DEVIN ANDERSON 

Devin  has been a resident of Kearney Nebraska since 2013. He works for Parker Hannifin Baldwin Filters as a Value Stream Team Leader (VSTL or shift supervisor) in the Distribution Center where his focus is on the accurate and timely shipment of quality product to the customer. He has been in this role for the last 3 years and has also worked in many other roles in the DC during his 12 years with the company. When he's not at work, Devin enjoys spending time with his wife Alisha, two daughters, and their dogs, as well as participating in rec league sports or watching games with friends and family.

Barney Financial Services

AMY BETTLES

Amy is a lifelong Kearney resident and a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. As a Partner and Financial Advisor at Barney Financial Services, she specializes in comprehensive financial planning. Outside of work, Amy prioritizes her family, enjoying time with her husband, John, and their three children, Addilyn and twins Colton and Macie. She also gives back to her community as the Vice Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Envoys group, an active member of First Baptist Church, and a participant in the PTO at her children’s elementary school.

Parker Hannifin

SKYLER BRUNGARDT

Skyler Brungardt has lived in Kearney, NE for 7 years working at Baldwin Filters as a product design engineer. His main focus is on new product development and cost reductions or current product offerings. He has become a leader among his colleges and looks forward to growing in his career. In his spare time, he enjoys working on old cars and driving them around town. He is also recently engaged and is getting married in October this year.

Parker Hannifin

JASON BUTTERFIELD

Jason Butterfield is a lifelong Nebraska resident and has been at Parker for the last 12 years. As an Engineering Supervisor, he leads a team that specializes in using 3D CAD to assist in the development of new products and to innovative modern filtration solutions. Outside of work, he spends his time involved in youth athletics and chauffeuring his three kids to their many activities.

Parker Hannifin

MACHELLE CATANESE

Born and raised in Nebraska, Machelle Catanese is a dedicated supply chain professional with over 12 years of experience. Currently serving as a Production Planner at Parker, she optimizes production schedules to meet customer demands. Machelle is passionate about continuous learning and professional development. Outside of her professional life, Machelle is a proud wife and mother to three remarkable daughters and two golden retrievers. She values family time and enjoys exploring the beauty of Nebraska with her loved ones.

Riddle's Jewelry

JOANN DUMMER

JoAnn relocated to Kearney in 2012 with her husband Heath and two sons, Tristen and Cyles. She is the General Manager with Riddle's Jewelry and has been doing what she loves for the past 23 years. She also loves spending time outdoors with her family.

Ashley Furniture 

MELODY GOUGH

Melody Gough is a lifelong resident of Nebraska. She graduated from UNK in 2007 with a Business Administration with an Emphasis on Management degree. She currently works as the Store Manager of Ashley Furniture of Kearney Nebraska. In her spare time, she enjoys time with family and friends and spending time outside.

Buffalo County Community Partners

WANDA FEDORCHIK

Wanda is a Program Manager at Buffalo County Community Partners. Wanda graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and has over 20 years of experience helping individuals, children, and families. Wanda believes in working together with the community to tackle social health and wellness challenges, creating opportunities for prevention strategies that help everyone in the community thrive. Outside of work, Wanda enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Nebraska Public Power District

GRANT FLAMIG

Grant works as an Account Manager for Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) where he serves as the primary point of contact and a liaison to NPPD for his customers. When he is not working, Grant enjoys coaching and attending his children's sporting events, playing basketball and pickleball, travelling, riding his motorcycles, and relaxing at the lake.

Parker Hannifin / Baldwin Filters

KIRA HANCOCK

Kira Hancock has lived in or around Kearney her entire life. She received her BA from Bellevue University. She has worked for Parker Hannifin/Baldwin Filters for almost 19 years in different capacities and currently is a Purchasing Specialist. Outside of work, she competes in some local BBQ Competitions with her family and enjoys time spent in the outdoors.

Tri-City Title

ALI HEMMANN

Ali Hemmann is originally from Omaha, but calls Kearney home for a little over eight years now. For the past seven years she's been working as a Title Examiner at Tri-City Title here in Kearney. She loves what she does because every day brings something new to learn and challenges her to grow. When not at work, you can usually find here spending time with her husband, Carson, and kids Collins and Archer, and dog, Bo.

Buffalo County District 6 County Commissioner

BILL MAENDELE

Bill serves as the Buffalo County District 6 Commissioner, first appointed in 2022 and re-elected in 2024. He has worked as a Paramedic for Good Samaritan Hospital for 23 years, responding to 911 calls across Kearney and Buffalo County.

A graduate and former Co-Chair of Leadership Kearney Class 28, Bill also served as Board President in 2021. He currently sits on the Forever Pink Foundation board and is a member of Kearney Sertoma.

Bill and his wife Jami have been married 17 years and have three daughters: Serina, Hailey, and Aniston.

Parker Hannifin

TRACY METZ

Tracy is originally from Imperial Nebraska but moved to the Pleasanton/Kearney area many years ago. A graduate of UNK with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Distribution. She has over 20 years of experience in the supply chain field and currently a Sourcing Specialist with Parker Hannifin. She specializes in negotiating contracts, analyzing and comparing suppliers pricing, and strategic business plans. Outside of work, Tracy enjoys spending time with her family, golfing, and landscaping.

Cheif Agri

NICK MINAR

Nick is a rising star and is originally from Kendallville, Indiana, graduated from the Hobart Institute of Welding Technologies. He moved to Kearney, Nebraska, 13 years ago and now serves as the Fabrication/Welding Production Supervisor at Chief Agri, overseeing the daily production of grain storage and handling equipment. Outside of work, Nick cherishes time with his wife and two daughters, enjoys playing golf, and values socializing with friends.

Bruner Frank

BERGAN SCHUMACHER

Bergan earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2011, followed by her Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2015. For the past ten years, Bergan practiced in the areas of family law and criminal defense with her firm, Bruner Frank. While she finds great fulfillment in her legal career, her greatest passion is raising her two young daughters. Outside of work, Bergan enjoys traveling with her family, golfing, and gardening.

University of Nebraska Kearney

JOSH STOIBER

Josh Stoiber serves as the Web Content Developer for the University of Nebraska at Kearney, overseeing web content and features for unk.edu. He also serves on the Board of Directors at the Kearney Community Theatre, where is has been involved, either on stage or behind the scenes, in 15 productions over the last 7 years. While not at UNK or KCT, Josh enjoys spending time with his wife, Tiffany, and their daughter, Jane.

Parker Hannifin

NICK SUTTON

Nick Sutton has lived majority of his life in Nebraska and currently is attending online course work at Indiana Wesleyan University. He works as a Production Manager for Parker Hannifin in Kearney Nebraska. Outside of work and school Nick enjoys spending time with his wife April and family. His favorite hobby is walleye fishing.

Rooted Realty

ASHLYNE SVOBODA

Ashlyne is a rising star in the real estate industry and has quickly established herself as a go-to agent for younger buyers + sellers in the Kearney Area. Ashlyne’s background in marketing and her savvy use of technology gives her an edge when it comes to promoting her clients’ properties and connecting with buyers. She is known for her tenacity, responsiveness, and ability to think outside the box to achieve her client’s goals. Outside of work, Ashlyne spends her time on the Junior Achievement Board and chasing around her two boys.

Parker Hannifin / Baldwin Filters

DUSTIN THOMPSON

Dustin moved to Kearney in 2007 from his home town of Fremont Nebraska. Currently attending SNHU pursuing a BS in Ops Management with a Logistics concentration as part of his career path within Parker Hannifin / Baldwin Filters, where he has worked in the Distribution Center for the past 16 years, currently as a Business Analyst. Outside of work he enjoys time with his family, taking their dogs to parks in town, and attending live music whenever he can.

Parker Hannifin

GAVON TREADWAY

Gavon Treadway is a lifelong resident of Nebraska with a strong background in business management. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Management and is currently pursuing an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University to enhance his leadership skills further. Gavon serves as a Value Stream Leader at Parker Hannifin, where he applies his expertise to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement. Outside of his professional role, Gavon enjoys spending quality time with his family and engaging in home improvement projects, which allows him to combine his passion for hands-on work with his family life.

CSS Farms

CAROLINA VARELA

Carolina Varela grew up in a rural agricultural community in the Texas Panhandle, where she developed a deep appreciation for farming and its impact on local communities. She earned a BBA in Marketing and a general MBA from WTAMU, combining her academic background with a passion for agriculture. For the past three years, she has been a valued member of CSS Farms, currently serving as a Sales and Supply Chain Associate. In this role, she supports core farming operations and fosters strong, solution-focused relationships with customers. Outside of work, she enjoys running long distances, hiking, and writing.

BluePrint Engines

PATRICK WALTEMATH

Patrick Waltemath has been a resident of Kearney since 1988. His current title is Team Lead for BluePrint Engines and is the President of Kearney Area Habitat for Humanity. Patrick enjoys spending his free time doing yard work and landscaping. He is also an active volunteer at his local church, reflecting his deep commitment to community service.

Parker Hannifin

JEFF WITHROW

Jeff relocated from Dallas, TX to Broken Bow, Nebraska in early 2022. He currently is a Value Stream Team Leader at Parker Hannifin in Kearney, Nebraska.  With 33 years of leadership experience, Jeff is passionate about working with people and driving continuous improvement. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Kelly, and their dogs and cats.  His hobbies include golf, attending concerts, and collecting vinyl records.

Parker Hannifin

JOSH WITTE

Josh Witte moved to Kearney in 2018 after graduating from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Since then, he has built his career as a Product Design Engineer at Baldwin Filters, where he designs innovative air filtration products for the aftermarket. Josh is also an active member of Baldwin’s Wellness Committee, advocating for team member health and community engagement. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active at the gym, riding motorcycles, and exploring the great outdoors with his wife, Bella.