Preparing Nebraska Leaders to Serve
A Partnership with Northeast Community College, 6 Regions One Nebraska – Northeast Region and Nebraska Extension
An interactive leadership academy that empowers elected officials, and emerging candidates, to better serve their communities by providing education, practical tools, and shared learning experiences.
Essentials Day
April 28, 8:15 am - 4:00 pm
A daylong event including sessions on leadership, strengths, ethics, community building strategies, communication, and crisis communication for elected leaders.
Northeast Community College
Maclay Building, Room 1133
801 E. Benjamin Ave.
Norfolk, NE
Additional Sessions
June 23, 1 - 4:00 pm
(After-hours networking event at Divots Brewery)
September 22, 1 - 4:00 pm
December 1, 1 - 4:00 pm
(After-hours networking event at Black Cow Fat Pig Pub and Steak)
Registration
- Complete application process - click on the link to apply and submit application, due April 6 (apply early, space is limited)
- Applicants will be notified by April 8
Apply for this leadership academy
Due April 6
Class is limited – applications accepted until academy is full
Cost: $195
Questions
Contact Denise Wilkinson
402-851-1815
dwilkinson@nechamber.com
Session Descriptions
8:15 AM - 4:00 PM (Lunch provided)
8:15 AM: Registration and continental breakfast
8:30 AM: Welcome to Northeast Elected Leaders Academy
Dr Barrett – Northeast Community College President
9:00 AM: Leadership and Public Service
Governor Jim Pillen
Governor Pillen will provide practical, real-world insights into effective public service. Learn how to build trust, innovate, and instill a culture of efficiency in your organization. Discuss the privilege and challenge of public leadership with the Governor during Q&A.
10:00 AM: CliftonStrengths™
Jordan Rasmussen & Amy Topp – Nebraska Extension
CliftonStrengths™ is a proven strengths-based assessment tool, to help leaders discover their own unique talents, and maximize their strengths.
11:15 AM: Practical Ethics in Public Service
Moderated by Jessica Dvorak, EJD, HR Director – City of Norfolk, NE
A panel of local leaders sharing practical lessons and best practices in public service, offering a hands-on look at real-world ethics that strengthen leadership and communities.
12:15 PM: Lunch Provided
12:45 PM: Networking Mini Session
1:00 PM: Community Building Strategies
KC Belitz former director of Nebraska Dept. Economic Development and Josh Moenning former mayor of Norfolk
In today’s community economic development landscape, housing, childcare, and quality of life drive talent attraction and retention. During this discussion, participants will learn tools and strategies that inform their role as community development leaders.
2:00 PM: Applied Leadership
Zane Francescato, Seward City Council
During times of crisis, effective leadership depends on clear communication and coordination. This interactive experience uses a real-life scenario to build practical
communication skills, strengthen teamwork, map community systems, and support effective response.
3:15 PM: Lean Into Your Strengths
Identify, understand, and embrace how to apply your greatest talents and strengths.
3:45 PM: Closing and What’s Next
Denise Wilkinson Six Regions One Nebraska-Northeast Region
Communication and Technology
- Community, Media Relations, and Social Media
- AI – Artificial Intelligence for Elected Leaders
- Public Speaking – Communicate with Confidence
- After-hours networking event at Divots Brewery
People and Processes
- Effective Citizen Engagement – Listen, Learn, Lead
- Government Processes – Roberts Rules, Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act
- Leading Through Conflict: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Confidence
- General Finance – Bonds, Budgets, and Balance Sheets
- Topics: TBD based on participant needs and feedback
- Community and Economic tools: A panel of local leaders
- Graduation
- After hours networking event at Black Cow Fat Pig Pub and Steak
