Speakers

Mike Smith

Mike Smith is a globally recognized storyteller, an award winning entrepreneur and founder of The Bay—an award-winning Third Place that Vice Magazine called a “creative haven.” Over the years, Mike has skateboarded across Nebraska three times, produced the short film in Nebraska called Prairie Pirates (a finalist in an international film festival), and transformed Lincoln’s Railyard into an X Games–style venue. His adventures and projects embody his belief that the wildest adventures live off the beaten path. He has partnered with brands like Red Bull, Vans, Liquid Death, Toyota, and Microsoft and has been featured in Buzzfeed, Vice and, Forbes. Mike’s work blends storytelling, innovation, and design thinking, inspiring audiences to dream bigger and disrupt boldly. When he’s not speaking, Mike is with his wife and their son, chasing adventures close to home and across the globe.

Cassandra (McAuley) Gilbertson

Cassandra (McAuley) Gilbertson is Managing Director of MMGY NextFactor and lead author of the 2025 DestinationNext Futures Study. With more than 20 years in tourism strategy, she has worked with destinations across North America and around the globe, helping communities shape their future with collaboration and impact in mind. Before joining MMGY NextFactor, she spent nearly a decade with Tourism Calgary leading communications, advocacy, and the city’s Destination Strategy. Outside of work, Cassandra loves traveling with her sports-journalist husband Wes, cheering on the Calgary Flames and Kansas City Chiefs, chasing live music, reading nonstop, and exploring the outdoors with her dog, Kona.

Jenna Bartja

As Community Activation Manager for Visit Nebraska, Jenna works to establish relationships and alliances with state and local government agencies and business organizations to educate about the important role destination marketing plays in community vitality and quality of life. She is passionate about collaborating with stakeholders to pursue impactful tourism development projects, a notable one being the designation of Nebraska’s first International Dark Sky Park. She enjoys traveling and sharing immersive outdoor experiences with her husband, and her love of plants (second only to that of her two perfect dogs) is readily apparent to anyone who has ever visited her office.

Ana Bellinghausen

Ana Bellinghausen is the digital director for Hurrdat Sports in Omaha and was brought on to launch the brand in June of 2022. Hurrdat Sports has since amassed over 188k followers and subscribers, becoming the premier digital media outlet in the state. Bellinghausen recently won the 2025 Steve Pivovar Sports Media Person of the Year in Omaha. She is the first woman to be nominated for and win the award. Bellinghausen is a freelance broadcaster, most notably on CBS Sports Network as a sideline reporter for college men's and women's basketball. She has also spent time on the sidelines for Nebraska Public Media, ESPN+, FS2, BTN+, Big East Digital Network and more. Bellinghausen also spends time as a play-by-play broadcaster for Midco Sports. Bellinghausen was the president and co-founder of the University of Nebraska Omaha's Women in Media Club, GM of MavRadio.fm and was named as the top undergraduate student in UNO's Class of 2022 School of Communication.

Jamie Bright

Jamie Bright is a Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension Educator based in the Southern Panhandle. She partners with local leaders to spark community pride, attract new residents, and grow entrepreneurship across rural Nebraska. A lifelong believer in the power of small-town connections, Jamie once ran a cozy used bookstore and coffee shop inside a restored barn in Bushnell, Nebraska.

Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel

Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel sees customer service from two perspectives: as a small business owner and as an educator helping communities become a more welcoming place for visitors and newcomers. As a Nebraska Extension Rural Prosperity Specialist and professor in Agricultural Economics, she likes to share real-life Nebraska stories where service has made a difference. During the summer when she is not working for the University, you might find her on a combine harvesting wheat north of Sidney.

Veronica Casados

Veronica is a Senior Account Executive at TURNER, where she supports integrated PR campaigns for travel and tourism clients. With a background in city tourism, cultural institutions, and higher education, she’s led media strategy for Explora Science Center, the Chicago History Museum, and CU Denver. Veronica is known for her people-first storytelling approach and strong media relationships, with placements in outlets like CBS Sunday Morning, Axios, and Vogue. Based in Denver, she brings curiosity, collaboration, and creativity to every campaign.

Sausha Durkan

With 15+ years of experience in sports media, video production, audio production, photography, and social strategy, Sausha Durkan has established herself as a versatile and creative professional in the sports industry. A native of Sioux Falls, SD, Sausha joined Hurrdat Media and Hurrdat Sports after beginning her career working with 1620 the Zone, the Omaha World-Herald, and the Omaha Storm Chasers (MiLB). She earned her associate degree in sports media from Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, IA, where her passion for storytelling and sports took root. When she’s not creating content or covering sporting events, Sausha enjoys watching or playing sports and capturing too many photos of her dogs.

Kristyna Engdahl

Kristyna Engdahl is an Associate Vice President at Hurrdat, where she contributes to both the Hurrdat ONE and the Hurrdat x Lukas Partners teams. Her work focuses on strategic communication, community storytelling and helping brands connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. Through Hurrdat ONE, she supports efforts to rethink how Omaha receives local news and information, aiming to make it more accessible, engaging and community-driven. Since April, she has supported strategy that helped Hurrdat ONE grow its social audience — more than doubling followers on Instagram and TikTok in just a few months. Before joining Hurrdat, Kristyna served as Vice President of Communications for the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), where she was a spokesperson for venues including CHI Health Center, Charles Schwab Field and The RiverFront. She managed public communication for major events and redevelopment milestones like groundbreaking ceremonies and ribbon cuttings. Kristyna’s background also includes nearly a decade in broadcast journalism, with reporting and anchoring roles at KETV NewsWatch 7 in Omaha and KNOP-TV in North Platte. That experience continues to shape her approach to storytelling, media relations and connecting with the community.

Jenn Gjerde

Jenn is the Marketing Manager for Visit Nebraska with more than a decade of experience in the industry. She oversees marketing, public relations, and advertising strategies, seasonal marketing plans and creative development. Jenn is also working toward her CDME certification with Destinations International.

Outside of work, Jenn is an avid reader. In the summer, she enjoys exploring Nebraska's state parks with her family. Jenn is also a lifelong Girl Scout and previously served on the Spirit of Nebraska Council Board.

Chris Goforth

As a former radio personality, Chris is passionate about anything audio-related. After 15 years in Lincoln radio, Chris bid farewell to the industry in 2017 to become the Marketing Director at the Nebraska State Historical Society. In 2024, he launched the Nebraska History Podcast, highlighting articles from Nebraska History Magazine in audiobook format. Chris now serves as the Director of Operations for the Historical Society and continues to produce the bi-monthly podcast, which has seen over an 85% growth in subscribers in 2025. When he’s not working, Chris enjoys learning new skills and has become an avid woodworker, pizza maker, and chocolatier.

Avarie Howard

Avarie Howard was born and raised in Overland Park, Kansas. She graduated from Omaha with a degree in journalism and media communication in May 2022. While at Omaha, she was a part of the Women’s Soccer Team for all four years, was the Vice President and Co-Founder of the Women in Media Club, called games for MavRadio.fm, and also was a rink side reporter for the Omaha Hockey team. Avarie mainly covers Nebraska Football for Hurrdat Sports/Hail Varsity, as well as a variety of other sports, teams and events. Avarie is always spending her time around sports whether it be covering games, watching her favorite teams, or watching her brothers play baseball. Her love for sports was fostered through all the sports she played as a young kid. She credits her parents for fostering the passion and love she has for athletics and tradition. When Avarie isn’t covering sports she loves to visit home in Kansas City, enjoying home or traveling with her family.

Veta Jeffrey

Veta Jeffery is a seasoned economic-development strategist and the Executive Director of Operations and Projects for the North Omaha Visitors Center, where she champions the cultural, historical, and economic assets of one of Nebraska’s most storied communities. A former chamber CEO and long-time C-suite executive with more than 20 years in banking, government leadership, and community development, she has led multimillion-dollar initiatives, strengthened small-business ecosystems, and built partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, national foundations, and grassroots organizations. Her work centers on elevating underrepresented communities, expanding tourism pathways, and creating economic mobility for families and neighborhoods across the region. Known for her innovative, forward-thinking approach, Veta blends policy insight, financial expertise, and community voice to drive sustainable growth. Veta is an unapologetic economic-development junkie—nothing excites her more than cranes in the sky and dirt moving on a construction site, because to her, that means progress, opportunity, and a community on the rise. 

Sheila Jenkinson

Sheila Jenkinson is a travel influencer, public speaker, and host of the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast, producing seven episodes each month including Foundation Fridays in partnership with the Nebraska Community Foundation, Sheila’s Shoutouts highlighting small businesses and attractions, standard episodes showcasing tourism throughout the Cornhusker State, and Growing Nebraska and Beyond. 

With over 20 years of on-air radio experience, Sheila is known for her energy, insight, and deep passion for small-town life. She's collaborated with podcasters across the country and is a member of the Midwest Travel Network Speakers Bureau. Sheila was the keynote for the 2025 Nebraska Museum Association's Annual Conference, was a finalist for the 2025 Nebraska Tourism Friend of Tourism Award, and was the recipient of the 2025 Midwest Travel Network Inspiring Leader Content Creator Award.

Liz Lovejoy Brown

Liz Lovejoy Brown is a strong advocate for Indigenous communities and a proud member of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa. With almost 19 years of experience, she has worked with Native American communities in both urban areas and on reservations. Liz focuses on important issues like preventing domestic violence, supporting Indian Child Welfare, and addressing youth suicide. She actively participates in Indigenous non-profit organizations and tribal government efforts. Her skills include managing grants, negotiating contracts, and overseeing funding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). She is also certified in Tribal Accounting and Finance. Liz has a deep knowledge of tribal law and culture. She is dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth and building community identity. Her advocacy motivates others and shows how important cultural heritage is for the future. Growing up with her grandfather, mother, and father helped Liz respect traditional practices and community service. Her grandfather taught her valuable lessons, her mother worked hard to connect Native American youth with their culture, and her father's work ethic inspired her. As a mother and advocate, Liz believes that anything is possible, especially for Indigenous women in today’s world.

Kendra Mitchell

Kendra Mitchell serves as the Tourism Director for Cheyenne County, Nebraska, where she helps promote the region and strengthen the visitor experience. Professionally, she leads county-wide marketing efforts, develops events like the All is Bright Christmas Tour, and works closely with local partners to highlight the unique attractions and hospitality of Western Nebraska. A fun fact about Kendra: she loves exploring communities across Nebraska and is always on the hunt for unique local restaurants and coffee shops.

Josh Moenning

Josh Moenning is director of New Power Nebraska, a state affiliate of the American Clean Power Association, and owns and operates a small business in the fields of renewable energy development and public affairs.  He served as Mayor of the city of Norfolk, Nebraska, from 2016 to 2024 and as a Norfolk City Councilman from 2012-2016.  He also assists his family's beef business and has two children. He's worked in the Nebraska Legislature, for the U.S. House of Representatives, and as executive director of the infrastructure development group 4 Lanes 4 Nebraska. 

Kelly Nielsen

Kelly Nielsen is an inclusion advocate dedicated to improving experiences for autistic individuals and their families. She serves as the COMPASS Program Manager at Autism Action Partnership, where she provides trainings, supports community partners, and helps organizations create more accessible, sensory-inclusive environments. With experience in program development and community engagement, Kelly works across sectors - from museums to healthcare systems - to expand understanding and create meaningful, sustainable change. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys creative projects, especially baking and decorating sugar cookies.

Kathryn Nygren

Kathryn Nygren is the owner of Found + Flora floral and gift boutique in downtown Wahoo, a regular guest on Channel 10/11’s Pure Nebraska television program, and one half of the podcast produced for the Wahoo Chamber of Commerce called: Chamber Chat with Kate and Kat. She has owned her business in downtown Wahoo for over 13 years and is a serial volunteer for her community currently helping in the development of the sparkly new Wahoo Area Arts Council. 

Faith Overall

Faith Overall is the Destination Stewardship Manager at the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO). She began her career in tourism with the Leave No Trace organization, where she led destinations across the U.S. in developing responsible recreation education programs. In her current role within Destination Development at the CTO, she is responsible for inspiring Colorado tourism industry partners to develop, manage, and promote visitor experiences that strategically align with their competitive advantage and help protect the unique sense of place within their destinations. When not working Faith can be found enjoying Colorado’s amazing outdoors with her husband Zack and dogs Doug, Bernie and Riggins. 

Deborah Park

With more than 20 years of experience in public relations, Deborah’s diverse background encompasses travel/tourism, hospitality, consumer technology, and entertainment. From TURNER’s Denver office, she excels at managing teams to develop award-winning, creative strategy and media relations campaigns for destination and resort clients. Prior to joining TURNER in 2015, Deborah oversaw strategy, media relations and content in-house at VISIT DENVER; handled media and digital relations for Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk; and executed media outreach for studio film releases and red carpet events for PR agencies in Los Angeles. She has a bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and Studio Arts and a master’s degree in Marketing, and currently serves on the executive committee for PRSA Travel + Tourism. 

Will Suit

Will is very new to the tourism space. February of 2026 will mark his first year as both the Tourism Director for the City of Alliance, and the Director of the Alliance Creative District. Naturally he is currently focusing on integrating art into the DMO identities of Alliance and the the broader region. His lack of experience, and caution, has provided both ample instruction from mistakes and significant strides in re-invigorating his community. He is a father of three boys, including a set of mischievous twins, who are his biggest inspiration and distraction. 

Christa Yoakum

Christa was first appointed in 2019 to serve Commission District 2 which is largely northern and western Lancaster County. She was then elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024. The vast and diverse work of the county suits Christa’s experience and interests of improving quality of life for all neighbors. While her main concern is good stewardship of taxpayer dollars to provide infrastructure and services, in any single day commissioners may deal with varied issues such as land use, social services, concerns within the criminal justice system – adult and juvenile, economic development, approving contracts and engaging with constituents, and community partners in the nonprofit and business sectors. 

Christa claims her interest in government comes from a whole school (K-8) project on government when she was a third grader in one of the last one room school houses in Lancaster County.