Tech Nebraska today announced the formation of a distinguished advisory board composed of 22 technology leaders from the state’s most prominent companies.
Representing industries spanning infrastructure, finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and emerging technologies, the board will guide strategic initiatives and drive innovation across Nebraska’s tech ecosystem. The board includes:
- Bret Blackman, Vice President for Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at University of Nebraska System
- Chris Dill, Chief Information Officer at Kiewit
- Brody Deren, Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer at Trility
- Shannon Eggert, Senior Vice President, Business Services at Valmont
- Dan Harbeke, Regional Head, External Affairs and Public Policy at Google
- Dan Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer at Invest Nebraska
- Allie Hopkins, Global Service Operations Area Lead at Google
- Rahul Jalali, Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Union Pacific
- Daragh Mahon, Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Werner
- Jeremy Reinoehl, Chief Information Officer at Tenaska
- Stef Seger, Community Development Regional Manager at Meta
- Kent Sona, Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Nebraska Methodist Health System
- David Tomlinson, Chief Information Officer at Scoular
- Ryan Wade, Software Solutions Director at Lutz
- Erin Waggoner, Senior Manager, State Government Affairs, Verizon
- Justin Webster, Chief Technology Officer at HDR
- Steve Westerman, Vice President at Cox Business
Tech Nebraska is also pleased to welcome five new advisory board members in 2025:
- Katie Curtis, Chief Information Officer at Great Plains Communications
- Danielle Egr, Chief Technology Officer at Nelnet
- Matt Harper, Chief Information Officer & Chief Security Officer at Monolith
- Shreejit Nair, Chief Information Officer at Ameritas
- Perry Severson, Chief Operating Officer at Pinnacle Bank
In addition to the formation of the advisory board, Tech Nebraska announced that Chris Dill, Chief Information Officer at Kiewit, will continue serving as Chairperson, following his appointment in 2024.
“It’s an exciting time for Tech Nebraska as we welcome several new leaders to our 2025 advisory board,” said Laurel Oetken, Executive Director of Tech Nebraska. “We’ve been fortunate to have incredible leadership from many of our advisory board members since our organization’s formation. Each of these leaders brings a unique perspective and expertise that will help shape not only the future of our organization, but the future of technology in Nebraska.”
Tech Nebraska’s advisory board plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction and policy priorities. Meeting bimonthly with Executive Director Laurel Oetken, the board provides expert insight, identifies emerging industry trends, and strengthens connections within Nebraska’s tech community. As the driving force behind Tech Nebraska’s advocacy efforts, the advisory board helped set the policy agenda for the 2025 legislative session, ensuring the state’s technology sector continues to thrive.
Tech Nebraska was formed in partnership with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2023 with a mission to convene technology partners, foster a more diverse and inclusive technology workforce, and advocate for pro-growth, tech-focused public policies across the state.
Individuals and organizations interested in supporting Tech Nebraska’s mission are encouraged to explore membership and engagement opportunities here.
About Tech Nebraska
Tech Nebraska is Nebraska’s first technology trade association that aims to strengthen the state’s position as a leader in the future of technology and innovation and advocate for tech-forward public policies. The organization launched in partnership with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2023. Tech Nebraska’s current Executive Director is Laurel Oetken, and she is supported by an advisory board made up of several of the state’s top information and technology officers. Learn more at technologynebraska.com.
