The Great Plains Leadership Institute at the UNMC College of Public Health has announced its Year 20 cohort, marking two decades of leadership development across the region.
Since its founding, the Great Plains Leadership Institute has built a network of more than 400 alumni working across public health, health care and community organizations throughout the Great Plains. What began as an investment in developing leaders across the region has grown into a powerful network of professionals committed to strengthening systems, advancing health and serving communities.
“As the GPLI marks its 20th year, this milestone offers a moment not only to celebrate but to reflect on the enduring need for strong leadership in public health,” said Brandon Drozd, director of the institute and workforce development and leadership program manager with the UNMC College of Public Health.
The Year 20 cohort includes:
- Aimee Uht — Siouxland District Health Department
- Allie Bodin — Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence (Missouri Public Health Institute)
- Alyssa Spartz — Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska at UNMC
- Amber Kinner-Alalakoon — Southwest Minnesota State University
- Anne Lavelle — Clay County Public Health Center
- Avery McCoy — Iowa HHS, Division of Public Health
- Bobbi Beat — Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department
- Cassandra Knutson — Iowa State University (Partnerships in Prevention Science Institute)
- Chantal Nez Dominguez — Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute
- Diana Rogel — Live On Nebraska
- Eric Maggio — City of Appleton
- Heather Bird — Lutheran Family Services
- Jennifer Morgan — Douglas County Health Department
- Joy Trail — Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department
- Katherine Michelle Walker — Carter County Health Center
- Kathi Sharp — Great Plains Tribal Health (EOC GPTEC)
- Kristen Schuling — OneWorld Community Health Centers
- Louisa Elrich — University of Nebraska Omaha
- Lisa Steinbach — Douglas County Health Department, WIC Program
- Marisa Rosen — UNMC
- Nicole Placke — Central District Health Department
- Rachel West — Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
- Rebekah Willoughby — Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
- Samantha Hawthorne — East Central District Health Department
- Shannon Muchow — South Dakota Department of Health
- Stuart Grande — University of Minnesota
- Suzanne Phinney — Four Corners Health Department
- Tamara Jesus Ramirez — Proteus Inc.
These participants will engage in a yearlong curriculum focused on leadership development, systems thinking and collaboration to address complex public health challenges.
“For the Year 20 cohort, the journey ahead is an opportunity to engage in learning, reflection and growth,” Drozd said. “As they carry forward the legacy of the Great Plains Leadership Institute, these are leaders who will go on to shape organizations, drive system-level change and strengthen the health of communities across the region.”
Applications for future Great Plains Leadership Institute cohorts are open annually. Learn more about the program.