Nebraska Children and Families Foundation Welcomes New Board Members

LINCOLN, NE – January 13, 2026 – Nebraska Children and Families Foundation—the state’s largest nonprofit dedicated to prevention—has added seven new members to its Board of Directors, each for a three-year term. Led by Board Chair Dr. Lawrence Chatters, the board guides the organization’s strategic direction, governance, and financial stewardship.

New board members include:

• Mary Balluff, Consultant and former Chief of Community Health and Nutrition Services at the Douglas County Health Department (Omaha)
• Dr. Leah Barrett, President of Northeast Community College (Norfolk)
• Krishna Clay, Senior Change Management Specialist at the Omaha Public Power District (Omaha)
• Aimee Gibson, Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with BraveJoy Leadership (Lincoln)
• Liz Lange, Fundraising Consultant (Lincoln)
• Rebecca Pearson, co-owner of BDP Communications (Lincoln)
• Katie Zulkoski, Attorney and Co-Founder of Zulkoski Weber (Lincoln)

“We’re excited to bring a highly talented and motivated group of leaders to the board," says Mary Jo Pankoke, President & CEO. "Their knowledge, skills, and passion will help create thriving communities all across Nebraska.”

For over 27 years, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation has partnered with communities, public agencies, private funders, and other organizations to create a well-being system that strengthens families, supports unconnected young people, creates learning opportunities for Nebraska’s future workforce, and empowers parents to raise healthy children.

Nebraska Children currently works with 20 Community Collaboratives, covering the majority of counties in the state. These groups bring schools, churches, healthcare providers, law enforcement, businesses, families, and young adults together to help people in their own area because when families get help early, good things happen:

• Kids are healthy and safe
• Families stay together
• Taxpayers save money on expensive government systems like child welfare
• Communities become stronger

To learn more about our work, visit www.NebraskaChildren.org.

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