Leadership and Administration
Adam Morfeld, JD
Executive Director and Founder
Adam Morfeld founded Civic Nebraska in 2008 with a group of politically diverse Nebraskans to create a more modern and robust democracy in the Cornhusker State. Since then, Civic Nebraska has grown to over 80 full- and part-time staff who build youth civic leadership skills, increase civic life in our communities, and ensure nonpartisan and modern elections.
Adam graduated from the University of Nebraska with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in economics. He graduated from U. Nebraska Law in 2012. In 2016, Adam became an alumnus of the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government Executive Education Senior Executives in State and Local Government course in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Adam was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2014 as the 46th Legislative District’s state senator. He was re-elected in 2018, and serves on the Education and Judiciary committees. He also is an adjunct faculty member at Doane University.
In his free time, Adam enjoys backcountry camping, traveling, running, working on his house near NU’s East Campus, and watching Husker football.
402.904.5191 office
adam.morfeld@civicnebraska.org
To schedule a meeting with Adam:
Julie Ward, julie.ward@civicnebraska.org
Amanda Barker
Deputy Executive Director,
Director of Civic Health Programs
- Civic Health Index, data, indicators
- Service learning
- Asset-based community development
- Community asset mapping
- Government systems literacy
- Civil discourse and media literacy
- Keeper of candy and other snacks
Julie Ward
Assistant to the
Executive Director
Jules is the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director of Civic Nebraska. You can contact her if you need to make an appointment with Adam Morfeld or need information about Civic Nebraska in general. Jules moved to Nebraska from Texas in 2009 after working for major corporations for 10 years. She then worked for the State of Nebraska for a decade, giving her an education on what it’s like to work in the private sector as well as being a public servant. She brought that dedication to Civic Nebraska in 2018, where she’s passionate about the mission and honored to help with all aspects of the organization. Jules likes to practice yoga, and she and her husband share their home with Lucy and Banjo, their terriers.
- Coordinating Executive Director’s calendar
- Civic Nebraska Board of Directors liaison
- Special projects like coordinating staff training, tracking strategic goals, creating internal newsletter content, and coordinating the Internal Leadership Academy
- Lunchtime recaps of real-crime TV documentaries
Liz Potter
Director of
Development
- Grant writing
- Individual donor relations
- Event planning
- Progress reports
- Office memes and morale
402.904.5191 office
402.430.2673 cell
Steve Smith
Director of Communications
Education: University of Nebraska, news-editorial journalism
Responsibilities:
- Media and public relations
- Storytelling
- Branding and marketing
- Media training
- Social media
- Stories about how information traveled before the Internet
402.419.4349 cell
402.904.5191 office
steve.smith@civicnebraska.org
Kelsey Liddy, MPA
Director of Finance
Kelsey plans, controls, and directs our overall financial objectives with leadership and our board. She joined Civic Nebraska in 2017 after living abroad for a few years observing other political systems and learning nonprofit finance at charity: water, a New York City-based international nonprofit. A community builder, yoga instructor, and native Nebraskan, Kelsey takes pride in investing in Nebraskans from all walks of life. She lives in Lincoln with her husband Jimmy, a native of Australia; their cat, Penny, and their dog, Piper.
Education: University of Nebraska, BA; New York University, MPA
Responsibilities:
- Financial planning
- Budgets, forecasts, financial reports
- Audit and internal control operations
- Payroll
- Human resources
- Keeping Piper the Office Dog’s schedule
402.904.5191 office
kelsey.liddy@civicnebraska.org
Christa Lemmer
Staff Accountant
Christa has a knack for numbers and organization, and enjoys using these skills to provide accounting support to Civic Nebraska. A native Nebraskan with a professional background in human services, she is driven to see improvements within her community. Christa is passionate about continuous growth and learning. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, playing cards, and cuddling her pups.
Education: Doane University, professional studies in business
Responsibilities:
- Accounts payable/receivable
- Budget management
- Personnel record organization
- Making Chipotle Mac & Cheese
402.904.5191 office
christa.lemmer@civicnebraska.org
Sarah Cohen, MA
Grants Associate
Sarah, a May 2019 University of Nebraska graduate, strengthens our fundraising efforts and expands our grants portfolio. Crafting persuasive funding requests for our program areas present an exciting writing challenge for Sarah, who studied political science and English. Before joining Civic Nebraska, Sarah spent the last two years in public relations departments and community organizing roles at various Nebraska nonprofits. She loves teaching, was an instructor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and continues to teach English coursework at Doane University. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, watching soccer, spending time with friends and family, and being outdoors.
- Grant writing and management
- Event planning support
- Fundraising support
- Researching and identifying fundraising avenues
- Laying the long-term groundwork to open a “Civic Madrid” branch office during her travels to Spain
Youth Civic Leadership
Building the next generation of Nebraska’s civic leaders.
youth@civicnebraska.org
Kent Day, MA
Director of Youth Civic
Leadership Programs
Kent is an award-winning veteran public school teacher, having taught English, Gifted and Talented, and international studies. Beyond his 34 years in Nebraska public schools, he has trained and consulted in hundreds of U.S. schools and many abroad. This passion for education is now directed toward out-of-school-time programs, where he has found an outlet for creative energy and idealism. Kent lives in the Omaha area with his wife, Sandy, with whom he raised five children, and several dogs, birds, rodents, and reptiles.
Education: Dana College; University of Nebraska at Omaha, MA, English
Responsibilities:
- Out-of-school-time program development and supervision
- Program assessment and evaluation
- Partnership development
- Community engagement
- Youth civic leadership development
- Drone pilot
402.554.3584
kent.day@civicnebraska.org
Shari Kimble
After-School
Program Manager
Shari oversees day-to-day operations at all four of Civic Nebraska’s after-school programs as well as its youth outreach programs. Shari has spent over 10 years guiding youth and adults at nonprofit organizations in the Omaha area. As a leader and trainer who is dedicated to program quality, Shari helps ensure that the youth of Civic Nebraska’s programs are best equipped to be tomorrow’s leaders. A lover of travel, Shari is always interested in trying a new food, meeting new people, and navigating new places. When Shari isn’t working or traveling, she’s spending time with her husband Charles, their son Isaac, and dog Sasha.
Responsibilities:
- After-school programs
- Program quality
- DHHS compliance
- Staff development
- Food taster / explainer / recommender
712.898.4211 cell
402.554.3584 office
shari.kimble@civicnebraska.org
Emily Koopmann
School Community Coordinator, Campbell Elementary School Community Learning Center
Emily takes her title as School Community Coordinator to heart as she connects the dots between the walls of Campbell Elementary and its Lincoln neighborhood. The Campbell Elementary Community Learning Center strives to make the school a hub for students, families, and area residents. Emily has worked in public schools for seven years — three in Chicago Public Schools and she is now in her fourth at LPS. Emily is especially fond of her toddler son Maximilian, audiobooks, Jazzercise, and ZIP codes (specifically 68504 and 60621).
Education: University of Nebraska, marketing and economics; Moody Theological Seminary, intercultural and urban studies
Responsibilities:
- Expanded learning opportunities for grades K-5
- Family and community engagement
- Hiring and volunteer placement
- Staff Jazzercise coordinator
Rebecca Nichol
Site Director, Sherman Elementary School Community Learning Center
Rebecca provides daily after-school programming for over 115 Sherman Elementary students. Students are provided a meal, homework help and engaging, high-interest learning activities. She has worked in education for over 40 years as a teacher, principal, assistant director of a National Science Foundation/OPS grant and in her current position. She is wife to Greg Caddy, mother of Salome and Joshua and grandmother to Dylan and Wyatt. Rebecca loves to travel and hike with Greg through America’s national parks.
Education: University of Iowa, education; University of Nebraska Omaha, education administration and supervision
Responsibilities:
- Recruitment and communication
- Plan program, field trips and family nights
- Staff hiring, professional development
- Data collection and reporting
- Develop community partnership
- Sherman swag ambassador
402.672.1586 cell
402.457.6711 office
becky.nichol@civicnebraska.org
Equasha Smith
Site Director, Lothrop Magnet School Community Learning Center
As the Site Director of Civic Nebraska at Lothrop Magnet in Omaha since 2017, Equasha has guided 14 trained and qualified staff and 150 students during program time to ensure all participants are safe and learning lifelong skills to become positive citizens. She has been working in after-school programming since 2004. Equasha has a passion for serving others and enjoys working for students and their families. She has a two-year-old daughter, who is her motivation to continue her education: Equasha will earn her associates degree in early childhood education, on which she has been working on since November 2016.
Responsibilities:
- Recruitment and communication
- Plan program, field trips and family nights
- Staff hiring, professional development
- Candle connoisseur
402.212.8897
equasha.smith@civicnebraska.org
Tracy White
Site Director, Lewis & Clark Middle School Community Learning Center
Making a difference in the lives of youth is Tracy’s No. 1 goal. She joined Civic Nebraska in 2017 as site director after serving five years as assistant site director at Lewis & Clark. Tracy has worked in several youth programs, including Belvedere Elementary, Hope Center for Kids and others for 15-plus years after transitioning from the business world. A native of St. Louis, Tracy loves a good strong cup of coffee to get her going. She enjoys creating digital designs and also has an Omaha baking and sweet-treats business with her daughters. She has instilled success principles in her daughters Kelli, Jessica, and Bre. Tracy also has been public relations director for the Nebraska First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ for the past 10 years. In her spare time, Tracy loves to travel — and relax.
Education: University of Nebraska, business administration-marketing/industrial engineering
Responsibilities:
- After-school Programs
- Social Emotional Learning
- Classroom management
- Youth quality work methods
- Staff sweet-treat maven
531.299.2405
tracy.white@civicnebraska.org
Civic Health Programs
Strengthening our state’s civic, social, and political fabric.
civic@civicnebraska.org
Nancy Petitto, MA
Program Manager
Collective Impact Lincoln
Nancy Petitto is the coordinator of all Collective Impact Lincoln program staff, initiatives, and workflow. Prior to joining Civic Nebraska in 2018, Nancy worked at the University of Nebraska in academic, administrative, and research departments. Since 2017, she has served on the board of directors for GIRLPowR Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering girls in Lincoln and Nicaragua through educational and leadership programs, and is currently the board president. Nancy lives in Lincoln with her husband Scott, and their dogs, Frankie and Murphy.
Education: University of Nebraska, news-editorial journalism; MA, educational administration-higher education administration
Responsibilities:
- Coordinate Collective Impact Lincoln staff
- Support resident-led neighborhood revitalization
- Build and maintain strong community partnerships
- Coordinate deep canvassing activities
- Development and implementation of Community Builder Workshops
- Gourmet coffee maker; nostalgic storyteller about Walkmans
402.904.5191 office
402.202.3807 cell
nancy.petitto@civicnebraska.org
José Lemus
Community Organizer
Collective Impact Lincoln
- Asset-based community development
- Community partnerships
- Grassroots initiatives
- Housing affordability
- Placemaking
- Volunteer leadership development
- Staff Super Smash Bros tournament coordinator
402.904.5191 office
Bridget Claborn
Civic Health
Program Manager
Bridget coordinates Civic Nebraska’s engagement programs in Lancaster County, including Capitol Experience Days and the Nebraska Civic Health Summit. She also has key responsibilities in implementing civil discourse and media literacy programs, among other civic health programs. A native of Omaha, Bridget recently returned to Nebraska after working at nonprofits in Nashville and Washington, D.C. She lives in Omaha’s Gifford Park neighborhood and is a proud graduate of Central High School. Bridget enjoys reading, knitting, antiquing, and sharing meals with family and friends. Bridget is a longtime member of the League of Women Voters Greater Omaha.
Education: Vanderbilt University, community leadership and development
Responsibilities:
- Capitol Experience Days coordination
- Nebraska Civic Health Summit organization
- Developing and evaluating civic health programs
- Research and outreach
- Showing Mrs. Maisel how to put together an outfit
402.904.5191 office
bridget.claborn@civicnebraska.org
Daniel Bennett
Rural Civic Health
Program Manager
Daniel supervises and builds civic health programs that affect Greater Nebraska, including the Civic Catalyst Communities Initiative and the Rural Civic Action Program. He also is a member of the team that updates the Nebraska Civic Health Index, hosts the Nebraska Civic Health Summit, and coordinates other special projects to help our towns and cities build civic health. A native of Omaha who spent five years in the Panhandle as a community planner for the Panhandle Area Development District, Daniel is based in Lincoln but travels regularly around the state. In his spare time, he enjoys percussion and vocal music, running, hiking, spending time with family, being involved in church, and volunteering.
Education: Iowa State University, Community and Regional Planning
Responsibilities:
- Rural Civic Action Program
- Civic Catalyst Communities Initiative
- Developing and evaluating rural civic health programs
- Research and outreach
- Challenging the executive director in number of miles hiked and run per year
Julie Smith, MS
Program Director
ONE Omaha
Julie has spent the last four years growing ONE Omaha and developing relationships with Omaha’s neighborhood leaders, public administrators, City of Omaha department directors, the mayor’s office, and nonprofit organizations. Her work has proven to bridge gaps, increase public participation, and inspire and encourage new and existing neighborhood leaders. With a master’s of science in urban studies and experience leading the Westgate Neighborhood Association, Julie utilizes her academic and working experiences to build capacity and confidence in the community members she serves.
402.547.7473 office
julie.smith@oneomaha.org
Mike McGuire
Leadership Development Coordinator
ONE Omaha
Mike oversees ONE Omaha‘s Lead programs and the Neighborhood Leadership Academy. Through the unique opportunity of learning from the experienced leaders of one of Omaha’s highest capacity neighborhood associations, he has gained real-world experience in nearly all of the focus areas of our leadership development programs. Mike has worked on neighborhood revitalization initiatives, Spanish and youth outreach initiatives, housing improvement programs, neighborhood planning, and developing nonprofit partnerships; and has instituted an array of neighborhood-based projects and programs. Mike’s continued work as president of the Deer Park Neighborhood Association; and vice-president and president of the South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance provides him with relevant knowledge and experience to bring to ONE Omaha’s programs.
John Cartier, JD
Director of Voting Rights
John is an attorney and graduate of U. Nebraska Law. Prior to coming to Civic Nebraska, John worked on several elections, including his own for Lincoln Public Schools board of education. Originally from Las Vegas, John moved to Nebraska in 2010 to attend Concordia University on a track and field scholarship and to study marketing and journalism. John has worked tirelessly to ensure that elections across the state are nonpartisan, accessible and modern. When not working, John enjoys spending time with his wife, son and cat. Occasionally, he can be found jogging along Lincoln’s beautiful MoPac Trail. Spare moments are spent chipping away at his personal goal to read a biography on every U.S. president.
Education: Concordia University, Nebraska, marketing and journalism; University of Nebraska College of Law, concentration in constitutional law
Responsibilities:
- Expanding voting rights for all Nebraskans
- Leading the state’s largest nonpartisan election protection program
- Researching and publishing reports areas related to election law and administration
- Defeating all challengers at Laser Tag
402.904.5191 office
john.cartier@civicnebraska.org
Brad Christian-Sallis
Voting Rights Field Director
Brad works daily with our volunteer Voting Rights Advocates and a range of community partners to educate and organize grassroots supporters of voting rights and related issues. He was inspired at a young age by his grandfather, a former civil rights lawyer, to become an informed and engaged citizen. Working for Civic Nebraska provides him an opportunity to combine his passion for civic engagement and the lessons he learned at Creighton Prep High School to be a man for others. Brad worked on various political campaigns in Nebraska and Iowa prior to joining Civic Nebraska.
Responsibilities:
- Advocate outreach and communication
- Election Protection Program training
- Statewide voting rights education initiatives
- Coordinating voting rights events to engage lawmakers and elected officials
- Keeping the 14th & O Jimmy Johns staff busy
402.904.5191 office
brad.christian.sallis@civicnebraska.org
elections@civicnebraska.org
Westin Miller, MA
Policy and Communications Associate
- Government relations
- Policy research
- Policy messaging
- Connecting Nebraskans with their senators
- Arbiter of pocket-square do’s and don’ts
402.904.5191 office
Mike Forsythe
Voting Rights Field Organizer
Mike is a coordinator for our policy initiatives and organizes campaigns for policy-related issues. He also is a key member of our get-out-the-vote campaigns and the Election Protection Program. Mike organizes advocates for voting rights throughout the state, with a special emphasis on the Lincoln and Omaha areas. He retired in 2018 from Omaha Box Co. after 39 years of service, 25 of them as a production supervisor and also was a 2018 candidate for the Nebraska Public Service Commission — an experience Mike says reaffirmed his faith in civic engagement, civic health, and civil discourse. Mike and his wife Margo live in Omaha and have three grown children. He enjoys spending time with family, playing golf, birdwatching, listening to music, and long walks.
Responsibilities:
- Advocate outreach and communication
- Policy initiatives and volunteer support
- Election Protection Program recruitment and training
- Statewide voting rights initiatives
- Coordinating voting rights events to engage lawmakers and elected officials
- Jamming to live music
402.904.5191 office
402.490.4831 mobile
mike.forsythe@civicnebraska.org
Margaret Marsh
Voting Rights Field Organizer
Margaret is our voting rights champion in Greater Nebraska, building policy initiatives, organizing campaigns, and building the Election Protection Program across the state. An organizer with a background in education, advocacy, and community engagement, Margaret believes that voting is essential to the civic health of a place. Margaret was an adjunct English, theater, and costuming professor at Central Community College-Hastings and Hastings College and is the creator of Shakespeare with Noodles, a youth theater group featuring props and costumes made with swimming noodles that provides free theater in local parks. Margaret is the mother of two grown daughters and the adopted mother to three cats and one three-legged dog. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and dancing.
Responsibilities:
- Advocate outreach and communication
- Policy initiatives and volunteer support
- Election Protection Program recruitment and training
- Statewide voting rights initiatives
- Coordinating voting rights events to engage lawmakers and elected officials
- Developing false confidence in her ability to fix anything by watching YouTube tutorials