Jenn Gjerde Named Executive Director of Visit Nebraska

PRESS RELEASE

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Jenn Gjerde at 402-525-4455, or [email protected]
Ben Jones at 402-326-9941, or [email protected]

LINCOLN, Neb. - (February 13, 2026) - The Nebraska Tourism Commission (Visit Nebraska) has appointed Jenn Gjerde as Executive Director following a unanimous 9–0 vote at its Feb. 12, 2026 Commission meeting. Her appointment is effective immediately.

Gjerde was selected after a national search that drew nearly 50 applicants and included screening stages and committee interviews, with one finalist presented to the Commission.

An Omaha native and lifelong Nebraskan, Gjerde brings more than a decade of Nebraska-focused communications and tourism marketing experience, grounded in professional storytelling and statewide engagement. She began her career as a television news reporter at KLKN in Lincoln and KNOP in North Platte, telling the stories of Nebraska communities, businesses and people. That background in journalism continues to shape her approach to destination marketing today.

Gjerde joined the Nebraska Tourism Commission in 2015 as a Public Information Officer and was later promoted to Marketing Manager. During her tenure, she has helped expand Visit Nebraska’s marketing reach, led major statewide campaigns, supported the continued growth of the Nebraska Passport program, and most recently directed the launch of the state’s new tourism brand platform, Nebraska. All Heart. Jenn will now lead the agency of 10 passionate staff and 2 dedicated interns.

She serves as Secretary of the Midwest Travel Journalists Association Board, is a past Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Board member, and is currently pursuing her Certified Destination Management Executive credential through Destinations International. Upon completion, she will be the only CDME in Nebraska.

“Jenn is a Nebraskan first and foremost. Plus she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position with over a decade in the agency,” said Commission Board Chairman David Fudge. “We are excited for Jenn and we are excited to work with her to move the agency and the tourism industry forward.”

“I’m honored by the Commission’s trust and excited to step into this role,” said Gjerde. “I’ve always believed great tourism starts with great storytelling. I began my career in Nebraska newsrooms and even my very first job at Runza taught me what it means to represent something local with pride. My focus is making sure we tell Nebraska’s story in a way that connects with people and inspires them to visit.”

For more information about travel, events and unique destinations in Nebraska, order your free travel guide today at VisitNebraska.com. Then stay connected with Nebraska Tourism on our Visit Nebraska Facebook page, on X, on Pinterest, on Instagram and on YouTube.

The mission of the Nebraska Tourism Commission is to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to VisitNebraska.com.